Design of permeable pavements in Spain: current situation and future needs

Permeable pavement systems are one of the most highly regarded sustainable urban drainage techniques for sustainable stormwater management. This work aims to highlight and analyse the most relevant international and national references in permeable pavement systems design. An exhaustive review of the state of the art of the hydrological and hydraulic, environmental and structural design criteria of permeable pavements, together with operation and maintenance tasks proposed in Spanish guidance was developed. Recent innovations developed in Spain show that an improvement in design can optimise its operation functions. For example, the consideration of the management rainfall volume adapted to climate conditions of the installation site, the addition of reactive materials for pollutant control, the employment of appropriate permeable surfaces or an improved operation and maintenance process. Knowledge generated by research studies, complemented with graphic information adapted to municipal regulations, should promote the development of manuals and design guides, exclusive to permeable pavement systems, adapted to cities particularities.