Evaluation of the hydraulic performance of a permeable pavement built in the city of Recife-PE (Brazil)

The increase in impervious surfaces in urban areas compromises the soil’s infiltration capacity and intensifies surface runoff, worsening environmental impacts, especially when associated with climate change. This study evaluated the implementation of a permeable pavement as a Nature-Based Solution (NbS) to promote more sustainable urban drainage. The intervention took place in the city of Recife, Brazil, in a previously impervious area where 840 m² of permeable pavement with interlocking concrete blocks was installed. The solution aimed to increase rainwater infiltration, reduce surface runoff, and mitigate local flooding. Geotechnical characterization and soil permeability tests were conducted at the site. The hydraulic performance was analyzed through monitoring of the water level inside the system, in conjunction with rainfall data collected between 2023 and 2024, as well as the determination of the permeability coefficients of the newly constructed pavement. The results indicated good infiltration capacity, with the system effectively managing rainfall volumes. Variations in the water level observed in the permeable pavement system were related to local precipitation, with no surface water accumulation recorded during the monitoring period. The NbS was able to manage several intense rainfall events, such as 122.8 mm (May 24, 2023) and 137.6 mm (June 15, 2024). The study contributes to the monitoring of NbS typologies in a tropical Brazilian city, highlighting the importance of experimental research and confirming the effectiveness of permeable pavement in the sustainable management of stormwater. This demonstrates its potential to mitigate flooding impacts in densely urbanized areas.