Permeable Kerb & Channel System
Porous Lane’s permeable kerb and channel system is an Australian-first innovation, utilising the same technology used in high-performance permeable pavement technology.
This system is adept at infiltrating stormwater flows and infiltrating water for passive irrigation. Studies have shown the system is capable of infiltrating 80% of stormwater volumes and providing significant stormwater treatment benefits.
The system has been utilised by councils across Australia also uniquely suitable as a cost-effective method for reinstating concrete kerbs damaged by tree roots.
high permeability means local pooling can be addressed by infiltrating pooling water directly to the nature strip without requiring a connection to the existing stormwater system.
semi-flexibility provides resilience against future damage to the kerb and channel system.
Infiltration to the nature strip encourages tree roots to grow downwards rather than seeking out condensed moisture directly under impermeable assets.
the rubber component of the system provides better dissipation of force than concrete, making this safer for vehicles in the case of an impact.
The mix requires no cement and has been tested for leachates and micro-plastics, ensuring there is no negative impact on water flowing through the system. The kerb acts as a filtration system, reducing the volume of harmful particles entering our waterways via runoff.
To download a typical profile, please go to our technical drawings page.
To learn more about this innovative technology and the benefits it can provide or to arrange a site visit, please get in touch with us at sales@porouslane.com.au.
Permeable Kerb & Channel System
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Certified Circular Economy
Highly Resistant to Cracking
25 Year Design Life
Cooler than Impermeable Materials
Suitable for Trafficable Areas
Case Study: Reinstating Concrete Kerbs Damaged By Trees
Client City of Banyule
Location Melbourne, VIC
Size 31 m
Waste Tyres Recycled: 93
Description Installation of a Porous Lane kerb & channel system to replace a number of damaged concrete kerbs.
Goals To provide a cost-effective system to prevent localised pooling due to tree roots lifting the existing kerb. To provide an asset that is resilient to future tree root movement.
Outcome Porous Lane’s permeable kerb and channel successfully prevented local pooling by infiltrating water directly through the system into the nature strip, and provides significant protection against future tree root movement due to its semi-flexible properties. The trees also benefit from the system by receiving passive irrigation from infiltrated stormwater.
The damaged kerb and channel and replacement Porous Lane system
Case Study: Infiltration and Passive Irrigation in a Clay Setting
Client City of Merri-bek
Location CB Smith Reserve, VIC
Size 22 linear metres
Waste Tyres Recycled: 66
Description The installation of the Porous Lane kerb & channel system to infiltrate water and passively irrigate the nature strip
Goals To replicate the conditions similar to an urban nature strip and test the effectiveness of the system in a reactive clay setting.
Outcome Infiltration from the water into the storage layer was highly effective. According to Dr Chris Szota’s (University of Melbourne) 2025 study, the permeable kerb and channel system infiltrated approx 80% of stormwater volumes over a six month period.
While the exfiltration of water from the storage layer into the clay was slow (typically taking 4-5 weeks), but still effective. The slower rate of infiltration to the nature strip meant the trees were supplied with a source of passive irrigation for a longer period.
The kerb & channel system installed at CB Smith Reserve.
The kerb & channel system up close
A demonstration of the kerb & channel system
Case Study: Reducing pressure on stormwater management system and irrigating the trees
Client City of Mitcham
Location Adelaide, SA
Size 35 m
Waste Tyres Recycled: 105
Description Installation of the Porous Lane kerb & channel system in front of a number of street trees .
Goals To infiltrate water for passive irrigation and reduce pressure on the local stormwater management system, as well as mitigating the need to replace the asset in future due to cracking / uplift from tree root movement.
Outcome The 35 m of installed kerb & channel, effectively reduces pressure on the stormwater management system. The flexibility and permeability minimises the risk on damage of the kerb & channel, while passively irrigating the tree behind the kerb.
The Kerb & Channel installed in front of several trees to passively irrigate them and prevent cracking.
Download our Kerb & Channel Brochure
In this Kerb & Channel brochure you will find more information on the benefits and more project examples.
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Watch Prof. Mahdi Disfani and Fiona Bowie discusses the partnership between the University of Melbourne, John Holland Group and Porous Lane that lead to the trial of the permeable kerb and channel system in 2023.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Reach out to the team at Porous Lane for a free consultation. Discover the environmental and cost-saving benefits of incorporating this research-backed product into your next project.
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