The most common use of pervious concrete is for parking lots, where its ability to reduce water runoff and increase the usable development footprint provides the biggest benefit. But designers and engineers are using pervious concrete for a surprising number of other applications including:

• Low-volume pavements
• Residential roads, alleys, and driveways
• Low-water crossings
• Sidewalks and pathways
• Patios
• Tennis courts
• Swimming pool decks
• Pavement edge drains
• Foundations/floors for greenhouses, fish hatcheries, aquatic amusement centers and zoos
• Load bearing and other walls
• Sound barriers

Design Considerations
Pervious concrete is part of a stormwater management system that is designed specifically for a development site. Good design practice requires a soils survey and stormwater calculation that factors in the storage capacity and other characteristics of the soil at the site. The resulting design needs to specify the appropriate porous aggregate base to meet the requirements for proper infiltration and retention and to accommodate the freeze thaw characteristics of the local environment. Any supplementary retention and dissipation structures, like perforated pipes or retention beds will need to be addressed.

Construction Considerations
Proper placement and curing are crucial for the success of pervious concrete structures. Pervious concrete is a low slump, fast drying concrete that typically needs to be placed within 60 minutes of mixing. In addition to good concrete practice, special techniques for striking off and compacting the surface are required. Curing is essential, requiring a minimum of 7 days of tight plastic sheeting.