Brett Landscaping block paving is put to the test

Brett Landscaping's range of permeable block paving, Omega Flow, Alpha Flow and Classico Flow, have undergone independent water infiltration tests.

The tests were specifically designed to measure the ability of paving systems to allow water to permeate into the sub-base when used as part of a permeable pavement within Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS).

The independent testing was carried out in accordance with the British Standard DD 229: 1996 method for determination of the relative hydraulic conductivity of permeable surfaces.

In the tests, a predetermined volume of water is allowed to flow in a controlled manner onto an area of paving and the rate of water permeability measured to determine a surface infiltration rate.

In the tests, Alpha Flow achieved 3,386mm per hour per m2, Omega Flow achieved 4,267mm per hour per m2, and Classico Flow achieved 7,315mm per hour per m2.

The huge amount of spare hydraulic capacity of permeable paving is highlighted when considered that the typical UK rainfall intensity is 75.6mm per hour per m2.

Speaking about the testing, Andrew Gill, specification product manager at Brett Landscaping said: "SUDS and the new regulations aimed at tackling flooding are regarded in many quarters as being confusing.

So it is important that the issue is demystified and the market is presented with facts and figures to enable people to make accurate calculations when planning their works.

The independent testing of permeable paving is therefore a key part of improving the understanding of surface water management.

While all permeable paving products on the market deliver enough capacity to deal with typical UK rainfall, the Brett products deliver extremely high levels of capacity, with Omega Flow allowing water to permeate at a rate which is nearly 57 times the typical UK rainfall".

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