Author(s)

F. Kfoury, P. Kianmehr, H. El-Hassan

Abstract

It is estimated that during the year 2013 Dubai expended nearly 450 million USD on rainwater flooding, an incident that is reported on an average of four times per year. In the year 2020, this figure is estimated to increase to nearly 750 million USD, as Dubai GDP increases. In addition to financial losses, rainwater flooding incurs life fatalities, car accidents, municipal burdens, and municipal disturbances. The inadequacy of run-off drainage systems in impermeable paved areas is the most profound reason for the occurrences of rainwater flooding in Dubai. National as well as international organizations such as ESTIDAMA and the United States Green Buildings Council (USGBC) advocate using permeable landscaping materials to decrease run-off in landscapes near buildings. While a substantial national effort has been made in this regard, very minimal action is being taken to reduce run-off from paved roadways. Paved roadways occupy the majority of impermeable areas in Dubai; hence, decreasing its associated rainwater run-off would significantly lessen the occurrences of rainwater flooding. Permeable pavements have great potential in eliminating rainwater overflow of roadways without the need of independent drainage systems. The aim of this research is to study the essential parameters that would determine the applicability of permeable pavements in Dubai.

Keywords

concrete pavement, sustainabiity, runoff, stormwater collection, sandy soil, dust