A summary of the research [pdf, 64K, 2 pp] is also available.

Abstract: This study examined the long-term effectiveness of permeable pavement as an alternative to traditional impervious asphalt pavement in a parking area. Four commercially available permeable pavement systems were evaluated after six years of daily parking usage for structural durability, ability to infiltrate precipitation, and impacts on infiltrate water quality. All four permeable pavement systems showed no major signs of wear. Virtually all rainwater infiltrated through the permeable pavements, with almost no surface runoff. The infiltrated water had significantly lower levels of copper and zinc than the direct surface runoff from the asphalt area. Motor oil was detected in 89% of samples from the asphalt runoff but not in any water sample infiltrated through the permeable pavement. Neither lead nor diesel fuel were detected in any sample. Infiltrate measured five years earlier displayed significantly higher concentrations of zinc and significantly lower concentrations of copper and lead.

This website provides a synopsis of a number of research papers and articles on interlocking concrete pavements from around the world.

This article describes the components of porous asphalt pavement, the construction process and design considerations, water quality benefits of porous paving, cost, maintenance, limitations, and existing installations.