Skip to main content

PaveGro™

PaveGro is a proprietary blend of expanded shale and clay aggregates and a select soil produced by Arcosa Lightweight. It is used as a permeable pavement material for overflow turf parking and fire lanes, emergency access routes and maintenance pathways.

Why Use It?

PaveGro has a deep structural “growing profile” and it promotes healthy turfgrass over the long term. It is a natural and environmentally responsive solution that reduces both the heat island effect and stormwater runoff. Savings are achieved over other labor intensive systems that utilize shallow plastic or concrete grid structures for soil containment and root development.

Turf Selection

Turf with vigorous root and spreading characteristics increase the functionality of the PaveGro media and helps crowd out unwanted weeds. As with other systems, minor blade tissue damage can be expected from the sharp turning of wheels and/or skidding of tires. Sodding is recommended and sand-backed-sod improves the infiltration characteristics over clay-backed-sod by almost twofold.

PaveGro Testing Summary

Intermediates 5/8” x 3/16”
TEST METHODPROPERTYTESTING RESULT
ASTM D-4254
Dry Loose Density (Minimum Density)
28.6 – 47.5 lb/ft³
ASTM D-4253
Dry Compacted Density (Maximum density)
37.5 – 58.7 lb/ft³
ASTM-E2399
Maximum Media Density
45.8 – 80.01 lb/ft³
ASTM D 698
Bulk Density*
35.9 – 59.9 lb/ft³
ASTM E2396
Water Permeability
36. – 59.1 lb/ft³
ASTM-C88
Soundness of Aggregate (Magnesium Sulfate)
1.3% – 5.3% Weighted Loss
ASTM-C131
L.A. Abrasion (D Grading)
14% Loss
ASTM-C29
Void Content (Shoveling Procedure)
33% – 47%
ASTM D4972
pH of Soil (Method A, pH Meter)
9.9 – 10.2
AASHTO T291
Chloride Content
6 – 70 mg/kg
AASHTO T290
Water-Soluble Sulfate Ion Content in Soil
184 – 2220 mg/kg
ASTM C25
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) equivalence (Wt.% Dry Basis)
0.86 – 2.04
ASTM F1647
Total Organic Matter, by loss on ignition (Wt.% Dry Basis)
0.26 – 0.22
ASTM-C136
Grain Size Distribution (Sieve Analysis)
See Below
Percent Passing 3/8” sieve, 89.0% | Percent Passing ¼” sieve 8.1% | Percent Passing #18 sieve 6.0%

Edge Containment

It is important to have a solid outside edge to compact the PaveGro against and most installations are placed in a 6-8” deep excavation for this purpose. For fire lanes, concrete edging is recommended for visibility of the fire lane edge. Both installation techniques rely on edge containment for compaction and strength.

Other Components

Above the compacted subgrade lies a thin geo-grid membrane (e.g. Tensar TriAx 160 or equivalent) and in fire lane applications, a 2” layer of 1” stone is also recommended.

Analyze Site

A thorough site investigation should be performed to define underground utilities and construction staging and access. Subsurface soil characteristics should be studied and recommendations provided by a licensed engineer to modify the PaveGro profile if needed. For watersheds that drain onto a PaveGro route, diversion swales are recommended.

Gradations:

PaveGro™ comes in a variety of standard gradations including Medium, Coarse and Fine which can also be blended for custom conditions.

General Installation Guidelines

A. Subgrade Preparation

1. The subgrade shall be excavated to the depth and dimensions required.

2. A section of prepared subgrade of sufficient length shall be maintained at all times to allow time for inspection, corrections and approval. The subgrade shall be prepared as follows:

a. Remove all organic matter, debris, loose material and large rocks.

b. Dig out any soft spots and replace with suitable material.

c. Loosen hard spots and uniformly compact the subgrade. Entire subgrade shall be scarified; proof rolled, and compacted to 95% standard proctor density @ plus/minus 2% of optimum moisture.

d. The subgrade shall have a minimum 1% grade and an optimum grade of 2%. In the case of fire lanes, consult local fire marshal for preferred longitudinal and cross slopes as the subgrade and finished grade are to match.

B. Geo-Grid Placement

(If required by soil tests or fire lane use)

1. Place the Tensar Triax 160 geo-grid (or equivalent) over the prepared subgrade. The geo-grid rolls shall be overlapped by a minimum of 12” and cut as necessary to achieve the final dimensions.

C. Stone Layer Placement

(If required by soil tests or fire lane use)
1. Carefully place a two inch layer of 1” belt run limestone (or approved equivalent) over the geo-grid to a consistent and uniform depth of 2”.

D. Placement of PaveGro

1. Do not place the structural soil mix in frozen, wet or muddy conditions.

2. The PaveGro mix shall be placed over the proceeding layer and shaped to match the final grade. The mix shall be bladed and rolled to obtain a consistent 6” depth and lightly compacted with a 500# roller or similar equipment. Surface compaction and finishing shall be performed so as to produce a uniform grade to match the subgrade.

3. There shall be a uniform transition from the adjacent paved and/or turf areas onto the sodded PaveGro areas. The finish grade of PaveGro material shall allow for the thickness of the sod relative to the adjoining hard pavement surfaces.

E. Sod Placement & Establishment

1. The internal drainage of the PaveGro system functions best with a sand backed sod. If a sand backed sod is not available, a clay backed sod should be shaved to a practical minimum before delivery to the site.

2. The PaveGro section is to be thoroughly charged with water prior to the placement of sod.

3. Sod shall be laid with staggered seams. It shall be rolled and watered immediately after placement.

4. Prior to the final approval, all irregularities, depressions, soft spots, and other deficiencies found by the engineer shall be corrected without additional compensation. 5. Since the root system of the sod is an integral part of the structural soil, a period of non-use after installation is preferred for establishment of the root system. 6. A regular schedule of watering, seasonal mowing and fertilization should be maintained during the initial grow-in period until the roots are fully anchored. Demands for irrigation, fertilization and mowing can be adjusted after said time.

Recent Case Studies

PaveGro™ Provides Fire Lane Access to Luxury Apartments

The 44 South development, a four-story luxury apartment complex, required an innovative solution for its limited greenspace and need for safety lanes.

Read more

PaveGro at Dell Seton Medical Center: Integrating Emergency Access with Sustainable Design

Dell Seton Medical Center is part of the Dell Medical District, a 16.2-acre sustainable development located on the University of Texas campus.

Read more

Belmont Village Lakeway: Blending Fire Safety Lanes with Natural Beauty

Belmont Village Lakeway, located in Austin, Texas, is a premier assisted and independent living facility offering memory care services. Designed to promote both safety and tranquility, the development provides a natural and peaceful space for its residents.

Read more

Waterford Point: Preserving Green Space in a Lakeside Community

Waterford Point, located in The Colony, Texas, offers its residents luxury lakeside living with resort-style amenities.

Read more

PaveGro at Auditorium Shores: Supporting Events and Sustainability in Downtown Austin

Set against the vibrant backdrop of downtown Austin, Auditorium Shores is a popular park along Lady Bird Johnson Lake that serves as a community gathering space and event venue.

Read more

PaveGro at AT&T Stadium: Sustainable Parking Solutions for Game Day and Beyond

AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, is a state-of-the-art facility renowned for its innovative design and multifunctional use. To manage stormwater runoff effectively and enhance the game-day experience, the stadium incorporates the PaveGro system across its parking lots.

Read more