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Technical Specifications: PurePave Permeable Pavement 

PurePave is an advanced permeable pavement solution designed to effectively manage stormwater while providing a durable, eco-friendly surface. Ideal for residential driveways, commercial parking lots, pedestrian pathways, and landscaping projects, PurePave combines innovative engineering with sustainable practices to meet modern infrastructure needs.

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Prior to PurePave, few viable permeable pavements could withstand winter climates. Permeable asphalt and porous concrete often failed due to freeze-thaw action, salt, and plowing. Permeable block pavers offered low permeability, infiltrating water only through spaces between bricks, resulting in early clogging and significant OpEx costs.

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Enter PurePave: a breakthrough in materials science. With funding from the National Research Council of Canada, PurePave’s engineers, designers, and contractors developed a material composite that scored perfectly in freeze-thaw resistance, maintaining 6x strength over standard asphalt after 40 freeze-thaw cycles at the University of Ottawa Civil Engineering Lab—a first in pavement engineering.

 

This innovation paved the way for PurePave Industrial Composite, an eco-friendly permeable paving system that integrates recycled materials. By using reclaimed aggregates and sustainable resins, PurePave Industrial Composite offers a high-strength, permeable solution that contributes to sustainable urban development while supporting large-scale infrastructure projects. The composite is durable, eco-conscious, and resilient to freeze-thaw cycles, making it ideal for industrial facilities, commercial parking lots, and public pathways.

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Fast forward to 2024, and PurePave is now a Low Impact Development (LID) breakthrough helping North America implement Sponge Cities, transitioning from grey to green infrastructure. The Federal government has begun procuring PurePave, municipalities are providing grants for private installations, and public infrastructure projects now specify PurePave to manage stormwater at the lot level.

 

Product Type

  • Surfacing Material: Permeable, high-strength bonded aggregate

  • Key Characteristics: Flexible, winterized, and environmentally friendly, making it an ideal solution for harsh weather conditions and extreme climates.

 

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What is it?

PurePave starts from first principles: granite aggregates, crushed to precise size specifications, processed to remove all dust and moisture, combined with a proprietary blend of resins and plant-based polyols. With zero leaching and remarkable material properties, PurePave's Earth Conscious Surfacing can:

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  • Infiltrate 38,000 liters per square meter per hour.

  • Bend and regain its shape without strength loss.

  • Resist bond strength loss from freeze-thaw cycles to ASTM standards.

  • Maintain a flexural strength 6x higher than standard asphalt after 40 freeze-thaw cycles.

  • Support vehicular traffic from propane trucks, construction equipment, and commercial snow plows.

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While “resin-bound” materials have existed in Europe for 30 years, their low psi and poor freeze-thaw resistance made them non-viable for winter climates in Canada.

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Material Properties

 

Permeable Pavers Performance

  • Longevity & Durability: PurePave's permeable pavement retains its strength after enduring over 40 freeze/thaw cycles, showcasing superior resilience.

  • Fatigue Resistance: Tested under dynamic loads, PurePave handles heavy traffic with exceptional durability.

  • Infiltration Rate: PurePave permeable pavers allow water infiltration of up to 38,000 liters per square meter per hour, ensuring superior stormwater management.

 

Chemical & UV Resistance

  • Chemical Resistance: PurePave’s permeable pavement is resistant to de-icing salts, oils, solvents, and weak acids/bases, maintaining its structural integrity.

  • UV Resistance: Built to withstand UV radiation, PurePave retains its vibrant color and performance over time.

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Maintenance and Warranty

  • Optional Sealer: PurePave offers an optional sealer that should be reapplied every 5-10 years to enhance the surface’s appearance and protect against staining.

  • Warranties:

    • 10-Year Warranty: Covers stone loss on new installations with permeable bases.

    • Lifetime Warranties: Available through certified contractors, alongside tailored maintenance packages.

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Customizability

  • Aggregate Options: Choose from various aggregate types, gradations, and colors to match your design vision and functional needs.

  • Flow Through Rate Customization: Adjust air voids and aggregate density to meet specific infiltration rate requirements for different projects.

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Application Examples

  • Residential Driveways: Enhance curb appeal and reduce flooding with PurePave's efficient stormwater management system.

  • Commercial Parking Lots: Perfect for high-traffic areas, providing long-lasting durability and water permeability.

  • Pedestrian Pathways: Slip-resistant and water-permeable, ideal for public spaces, ensuring safety and accessibility.

  • Large Infrastructure Projects: From airports to city-scale projects, PurePave’s permeable pavers are engineered for heavy traffic and extreme conditions.

 

Technical Notes

  • Aggregate Customization: Customizable aggregate options allow for specific strength and aesthetic preferences.

  • Binder Characteristics: The polyurethane-based binder enhances the pavement’s flexibility and durability.

  • Flow Rate Variability: Denser aggregate mixes result in higher strength but lower flow-through rates, making it adaptable to different project needs.

  • Temperature Resistance: PurePave’s permeable pavers are designed to handle extreme temperatures without degradation, thanks to their permeable structure and proprietary binder.

 

Maintenance Recommendations

  • Sealer Application: Reapply the optional sealer every 5-10 years to protect the surface and maintain its appearance.

 

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PurePave permeable pavers represent the cutting edge of permeable pavement technology, offering unmatched durability, water management, and environmental sustainability. With its unique design and material properties, PurePave is revolutionizing modern infrastructure while supporting sustainable urban development.

PurePave specification summary
PurePave permeable comparison chart

Are Other Permeable Options Really That Good?

With the rise of permeable paving solutions, one of the latest trends is "permeable" brick systems. However, this new trend might not be as sustainable as it seems.

The "Permeable" Brick Scam

Companies like Unilock claim their permeable pavers allow water infiltration. According to their website:

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"The joints between the bricks allow rainwater to pass through, offering permeability."

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But here's the truth: The bricks themselves aren’t permeable—it’s the small gaps between them doing all the work. And over time, these gaps clog with dirt and debris, causing the system to fail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Key Issues with "Permeable" Brick Systems:

  1. Relies on Gaps: Water only flows through the narrow joints, not the bricks.

  2. Prone to Clogging: Gaps quickly fill with dirt, stopping infiltration.

  3. Temporary Solution: Initial infiltration rates (300-1,000 inches per hour) drop drastically over time.

  4. Poor Durability: Over time, surfaces become uneven and waterlogged.

 

 

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Conclusion: Why PurePave is the Superior Solution

Unlike these brick systems, PurePave offers a fully permeable surface with a consistent infiltration rate of 38,000 liters/m²/hr. No clogging, no degradation, and a 40-year lifespan make PurePave the true permeable solution.

Typical Permeable Paving Cross Section
Infiltration rate for brick permeable pavers

***The infiltration rates Unilock claims their product provides

A visual showing that permeable brick only allows water to pass through the gaps between the bricks

PurePave logos
PurePave logo white

Earth Conscious Surfacing

Contact Us

projects@purepave.com

Head Office +1 (613) 614-1868

Muskokas and GTA + 1 (705) 220-8286

1505 Laperriere Ave, K1Z 7T1, Ottawa, ON

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