The Pittsburgh Area has been disastrously impacted by flooding, which will only get worse in the coming decades as the warmer atmosphere created by climate change will result in heavier precipitation; in fact, according to the city of Pittsburgh, the wettest storms have become 13% wetter on average. These flood risks have a significant impact on the local economy and welfare of citizens. 36% of all office, retail, and multi-unit residential properties were at risk of flooding in 2022, with estimated damages of $448 million and according to Dr. Jeremy Porter of the First Street Foundation, the majority of Pittsburgh businesses have economic risk associated with flooding caused Pittsburgh’s rivers and rain.
The effects of this increased storm water can be managed through the installation of permeable concrete. Pervious concrete is made up of little to no sand, compromising of only larger particles namely cement and coarse aggregates, allowing water to naturally filter to underground reservoirs. Permeable concrete can absorb up to 1,000 liters of water per minute per square meter, and according to studies, can reduce surface runoff by more than 50%, probably burdening the city’s stormwater runoff system less and preventing risks of flood in the area.
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