Pervious Concrete FAQs

Created: October 24, 2007

Learn the answers to contractors' most common questions about pervious concrete.

Dr. Heather J. Brown of Middle Tennessee State University and coordinator for the Concrete Industry Management Program has completed Pervious Concrete Research Compilation: Past, Present, and Future. Funded by the RMC Research and Education Foundation, the compilation serves as an index of texts, case studies and research projects for all aspects of pervious concrete including construction techniques, durability and maintenance, hydrological and environmental design, concrete mix design, specifications, test methods, and structural design and properties. The report is available online through the Foundation's website, www.rmc-foundation.org. Other supporting reports and documents are available through the NRMCA's website www.PerviousPavement.org.

There are many resources for in-depth information on pervious concrete, but perhaps the best resource is your state or local ready mix concrete association. Contact them for more assistance on identifying existing local projects, assistance with the approval/permitting process, or to become a certified pervious concrete contractor.

Who Can Place Pervious Concrete?
With increasing interest in pervious concrete as a solution to stormwater runoff and a key strategy for meeting the LEED requirements and other low-impact development strategies, NRMCA developed a certification program for contractors qualified to place pervious concrete. The goal of the certification program is to ensure that knowledgeable contractors are selected to place the product and thereby maximizing successful installations.

The program is designed to be administered locally by local sponsoring groups in conjunction with training sessions. NRMCA grades exams and awards certificates for three levels of certification: Technician, Installer and Craftsman. Depending on the level sought, individuals must pass a written examination and performance evaluation, and have a certain level of project or work experience with pervious concrete. Over the past two years over 2,000 individuals have been certified. Details can be found at www.nrmca.org/certifications.

Philip Kresge is a senior director of national resources for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA). Phil has been with NRMCA since October 2004. As part of NRMCA's National Accounts Promotion Team, Phil's duties include promotion and development of concrete markets to National Accounts located in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. Additionally, Phil acts as NRMCA's liaison to the various state and local concrete associations in the seven-state region.