Investigation of storm water management professionals' perceptions of permeable interlocking concrete pavers as a stormwater management option.

摘要

This study examined stormwater management professionals' perceptions of PICPs (Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement) as a stormwater management option to conventional curb and gutter methodology from years past.;A self-administered survey questionnaire was developed as the primary research methodology. Three hundred stormwater management professionals were randomly selected as research subjects, and qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data for the study. Specific statistical gathering methods and tests for this study included: ex post facto experimental design, grounded theory design, correlation coefficients and ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficients.;The survey found through quantitative analysis that although stormwater professionals have very little education on the topic of PICPs, they are very familiar with the benefits of this type pavement over more traditional types of surfacing. The hypothesis that stated PICPs were not well-utilized because stormwater professionals were not familiar with them was rejected and the reason for non-use appeared to be the perceived cost factor.;The survey found through qualitative analysis the following major themes: The most common jobs among survey participants were stormwater administrators, project managers, and environmental engineers. Less runoff and perviousness were the biggest incentives to using PICPs. Cost and potential maintenance were the main deterrents to using PICPs. Reduced runoff, cost, and potential maintenance were the perceived main considerations of municipal governments with regards to PICP implementation. Poor design or installation, lack of knowledge, and inadequate maintenance are the biggest nuisances in reviewing PICP projects.;Several practical recommendations were proposed in this study to overcome the barriers to using PICPs as a stormwater management tool, including more education of those involved in planning, designing, and implementing PICPs through workshops and training sessions, as well as more training for installers to provide decision makers a quality product from which to choose in the future. The most important aspect of education and training seemed to be the need to focus upon a better understanding of the actual long term costs and maintenance issues associated with PICPs.