The Formpave ongoing program of research and development is helping to establish the next generation of permeable paving systems.
During the past 16 years Formpave have sponsored an ongoing program of research and development into permeable paving systems. The research has taken place at a number of academic and independent institutions.
Every aspect of the Formpave permeable paving system has been independently tested and verified. Pollution control properties and hydraulic and structural performance are aspects of the research that has been tested and verified. Hanson Formpave continues to research new areas within sustainability.
A research project at Edinburgh University is currently monitoring the biological quality of Aquaflow® water after storage and its ongoing safety. Areas of long term water storage are sometimes thought to be a potential breeding ground for Legionella pneumophila bacteria. Legionella pneumophila is the chief causal agent of Legionnaires disease.
In view of this, 20 separate 1 litre water samples were taken from a tanked Aquaflow system that had contained water since 2004. Analysis of the water was preformed by Severn Trent labs. The results showed out of a bacterial population of 10,000 cells per milliliter of water, no Legionella bacteria were detectable in 20 litres of Aquaflow water. This demonstrated that the Aquaflow system does not increase the risk of harboring any of this type of pathogens, even with long term storage.
Another PhD project at the University of Cantabria in Spain is currently running. It is monitoring the long term viability of Aquaflow in storing rainwater where high summer temperatures may deplete the available reserves. Output from the research program is made available via journal publications, conference presentations and promotional material.
Aquaflow and the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH)
All new homes are required to have CSH rating (since May 2008).
Aquaflow addresses the surface water run-off catergory and water quality
Site discharge must be at pre-development run-off rates up to a 100 year return period including climate change. This is if;
- Post development run-off volume is no greater than pre-development including climate change
or
An amendment to the CSH has recently intergraded the importance of water quality into the assessment process. Aquaflow meets and in may cases exceeds these standards.
Additional credits for the code
2 credits are available for using SUDS to improve water quality.
In June 2007 the Hanson EcoHouse at BRE Watford had a real CSH assessment. Aquaflow provided 4 credits for surface water drainage and flood risk. It also was given 5 credits for internal and external water usage. The assessment was conducted by Arups. The EcoHouse was the first masonry house to undergo assessment the UK. The EcoHouse received a code 4 status.