Grasscrete is an excellent alternative to plain concrete surfaces for parking lots, driveways, access roads because of its permeability due to its cellular composition and is therefore a good solution for storm water management and erosion control. Grasscrete drains at almost the same rate (about 90%) as would an ordinary lawn in the same location. The presence of concrete has little effect on the drainage; the soil and the slope are the controlling factors.
- Grasscrete will drain at upto 90% the rate of normal grassland.
- Drain water can either percolate to sub-grade or be stored in an attenuation system for re-use.
- Grasscrete can accept run-off from adjacent hard-scape.
- The combination of Grasscrete and graded sub-base helps to form a natural bio-filter to significantly remove pollutants.
The surface area of Grasscrete is usually 47% concrete and 53% hole (to be filled with Grass). Grass normally covers much of the concrete in areas not subject to regular vehicle traffic. Holes may be filled and covered with crushed stone, seashells, etc. to provide drainage in cases where grass is not desired.
Grasscrete also compliments the requirements of BASIX tool in NSW in terms of water conservation and re-utilisation of rain water, which after percolation to the sub-base of Grasscrete surface can be diverted and collected in a rain water tank. This can be used as a secondary source of water supply in households for toilets, car wash and watering of lawns. This is particularly helpful in preserving scarce water resources in NSW.
Grasscrete offers significant benefits in reducing run-off from car parks, contributing to subterranean water table recharge, reducing the rate of evaporation of ground water in hot climates and offering advantages over solid concrete surfaces for flood alleviation and land drainage channels in difficult soil conditions. It serves to reduce the incidence of clay sub-soil shrinkage and attending instability in local building foundations.
