Asphalt alley's permeability eliminates flooding. (Engineering Notes).(Chicago uses Gravelpave 2 for flood alley)(Brief Article)

Public Works, May, 2002

In fall 2001, the Chicago Department of Environment, in cooperation with Alderman Mary Ann Smith, and the city's Department of Transportation, reconstructed an asphalt alley using a permeable system. The new alley has eliminated formerly chronic flooding without using the sewer system. Its lighter colored surface has also reduced the heat island effect.

The city used Gravelpave2, a porous gravel structure that contains the gravel while providing heavy load bearing support. A 40-in, by 40-in. section of the structure provides 144 two-in, diameter by one-in, high rings held together underneath by a geo-fabric layer. Under that is a 10-in, compacted aggregate base course consisting of two-thirds stone mixed with one-third sand.

The new alley can handle...

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