Remediation of urban flood-prone zones using permeable pavements and green-infrastructure: a case study with life-cycle assessment (LCA) and hydrological modeling

Project Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of integrating permeable pavements and green-infrastructure (GI) to remediate urban flood-prone zones, combining hydrological modeling with life-cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate performance, cost, and environmental implications. The research addresses intensified rainfall events and urbanization pressures by evaluating how permeable pavements, in conjunction with GI components such as bioretention cells, rain gardens, green roofs, and vegetated swales, can attenuate surface runoff, reduce peak discharge, enhance infiltrations, and mitigate urban heat island effects. A meso-scale urban catchment was selected within a high-density city to represent typical built environments with heterogeneous land use and drainage networks. The methodological framework integrates calibrated hydrological simulations (e.g., SWMM/HEC-HMS) with high-resolution rainfall inputs, land-use scenarios, and material characterizations to quantify hydrological responses including peak flow reduction, runoff volume, lag time, and groundwater recharge potential. Field data from pilot installations, remote sensing, and existing municipal records inform model parameters and validation, while climate projections are incorporated to assess resilience under future storm regimes. Permeable pavement types ( porous concrete, pervious asphalt, and interlocking pavers) are evaluated for infiltration rates, clogging behavior, maintenance requirements, durability, and lifecycle costs. GI components are analyzed for their pollutant removal efficiencies, evapotranspiration contributions, storage volumes, and synergistic effects on urban microclimates. The LCA adopts a cradle-to-grave approach, capturing raw material extraction, production, construction, operation, maintenance, and end-of-life phases for the pavement and GI systems, with impact categories including global warming potential, resource depletion, eutrophication, acidification, and human toxicity. The study further develops a decision-support framework that links hydrological benefits to economic and environmental outcomes, enabling stakeholders to optimize retrofit strategies under budgetary constraints and regulatory norms. Sensitivity analyses examine the influence of rainfall intensity distribution, soil saturation, maintenance frequency, clogging rates, and spatial configuration on system performance and life-cycle impacts. Expected findings indicate that strategically placed permeable pavements coupled with GI networks can substantially reduce flood peaks by up to a specified percentage and decrease total runoff volume, while delivering ancillary benefits such as improved water quality, reduced surface temperatures, and enhanced biodiversity. The research also highlights trade-offs between initial capital costs and long-term savings, quantifies potential co-benefits for urban resilience, and identifies design guidelines for ensuring retrofit feasibility, community acceptance, and compatibility with existing drainage infrastructure. Policy implications are discussed regarding standards for permeability, maintenance regimes, and LCA-informed decision-making to mainstream permeable and green solutions in flood-prone urban developments. The study contributes a replicable methodological template for integrating hydrological performance with environmental lifecycle assessments to inform scalable, sustainable urban flood remediation strategies.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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A practical study that looks at ways to reduce flooding in cities by using water-permeable surfaces and nature-based solutions. It also compares the environmental and economic impacts using simple calculations and models.

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The Problem It Addresses

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Many urban areas struggle with heavy rainfall causing floods, clogged drainage, and damage. Conventional pavements don’t absorb water well. This project explores cheaper, greener ways to manage rainwater and reduce flood risk while benefiting the environment.

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Assess how permeable pavements and green infrastructure can slow and store stormwater.
2. Estimate potential flood reduction and water quality improvements in a case area.
3. Compare life-cycle costs and environmental impacts with traditional pavement approaches.
4. Provide a simple decision-support framework for planners.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1) Review basic concepts of urban flooding and permeable surfaces. 2) Gather data for a chosen city area (rainfall, soil, existing drainage). 3) Create simple models to simulate runoff with and without permeable/pedestrian-friendly options. 4) Collect cost and energy use information for materials. 5) Do a basic life-cycle comparison (build–use–end of life). 6) Interpret results and prepare practical recommendations.

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Expected Outcome

Clear, user-friendly guidance showing how permeable pavements and green infrastructure can reduce floods, save on maintenance, and lower environmental impact in a typical city block.