UPDATED PERMEABLE PAVING DESIGN SOFTWARE AVAILABLE FROM THE CMA:

Updated versions of PermPave, software used for designing permeable concrete block paving (PCBP) surfaces, and LockPave, software used for designing conventional concrete block paving (CBP) surfaces, are now available from the Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA).

PermPave Version 2.1 and LockPave Version 18.1 are available on a single disc at no charge for existing users and at a nominal R500 for new users.

First launched in 2008, PermPave is a software package aimed at assisting civil engineers and landscape architects in the design of PCBP systems. LockPave was first launched in the 1990s for the design of CBP systems. Both packages were authored by Dr Brian Shackel, and in the case of PermPave, in collaboration with Professor Beecham of the University of South Australia.
 
Both systems can be used for various paving products and locations and this provides considerable design scope. PermPave is programmed with South African rainfall data and allows for the further downloading of local climate and rainfall information.

“It facilitates the selection of paving blocks best suited to a particular application. Moreover, it allows water requirements and volumes to be specified, either for storage and reuse or for replenishing underground water tables,” advises Shackel.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Dr Shackel has worked on many projects worldwide as a consultant for asphalt, block paving and rigid concrete pavements. He is a recognised authority on CBP and is the author of numerous research papers and three books on this topic. His work on CBP surfaces won him an Award for Excellence from the Concrete Institute of Australia.

Professor Beecham is currently Professor of Sustainable Water Resources Engineering in the School of Natural and Built Environments (NBE) at the University of South Australia.  He is also Head of Civil Engineering and Director of the SA Water Centre for Water Management and Reuse (CWMR).

Interested parties should contact Pam at the CMA on 011 805 6742 or on main.cma@gmail.com .

The effectiveness of a PCBP system in this example at Grand parade in Cape Town where in the contrast between the PCBP surface (foreground) and the conventionally paved surface can be clearly seen.

A close up view of a PCBP system Wits University car park.

DATE :  February, 2010
ISSUED BY :  David Beer Communication Consultants
FOR:  Concrete Manufacturers Association 
ENQUIRIES:  John Cairns (011) 805 6742
David Beer (011) 478 0239 or 082 880 6726.  Email: bigsky@ibi.co.za