Permeable Semi Flexible Footpaths

Porous Lane Semi-Flexible Footpaths

  • Very effective for the replacement of paths damaged by tree roots

  • Highly resistant to cracking from tree root movement.

  • Significantly higher design life (25 years) than traditional materials when laid near tree roots.

  • Increases site permeability and access to deep soil.

  • Prevents ponding on the path after rain.

  • Allows infiltration of stormwater to groundwater table.

  • Treats and removes pollutants from stormwater.

  • Cooler temperature on hot days than impermeable materials.

  • A more pleasant surface to walk on than asphalt or concrete.

  • Uses three Australian waste tyres per square metre of footpath.

Highly Resistant to Cracking from Tree Roots Movement

Passive Irrigation for Nearby Trees

Prevents Water Ponding on Path

Treats and Removes Pollutants from Stormwater

Cooler than Impermeable Materials

25 Year Design Life

Case Study: Foreshore Tree Protection Zone

Client ACT Government

Location Tuggeranong Foreshore, ACT

Size 156sqm

Waste tyres recycled 468

Description Installation of a dark grey footpath near major trees. Design by Harris Hobbs Landscape and PLACE lab.

Goals Ensuring the tree lines of the foreshore continue to receive the water needed to flourish, while maintaining the resilience of the path, avoiding cracking to future tree root movement and growth.

Outcome The semi-flexible pavement provides the tree lines of the foreshore with the water the need to flourish. The flexibility and permeability make it a long-lasting asset, highly resistant to cracking from tree root movement and is more tree-friendly due to its permeability and minimal excavation requirements.

Permeable pavement installed in the Tree Protection Zone of the Lake Tuggeranong Foreshore.

Case Study: Crack-Resistant Permeable Infrastructure

Client City of Glen Eira

Location Bentleigh East, VIC

Size 160sqm

Waste tyres recycled 480

Description The installation of a light grey permeable footpath near major trees.

Goals To ensure the path is resilient to cracking due to the roots of nearby major trees, as well as greater levels of infiltration of water to encourage tree roots to grow downwards (rather than growing across to seek condensation on the underside of impermeable materials).

Outcome Two years on from the installation the path remains highly permeable and level with no sign of cracking.

Permeable footpath installation.

Two years after installation the pavement remains level despite nearby significant trees.

Typical Footpath Cross-Section*

  1. Waste tyre permeable pavement

• Made of up to 60% recycled material (approx 3 waste tyres per sqm)

• Laid on-site

2. Subgrade natural soil

• Determines the thickness of screening and exfiltration.

*indicative only. Cross-section can be adjusted depending on project goals and site conditions.

Download our Footpath Brochure

In this footpath brochure you will find more information on the benefits and more project examples.

The brochure will appear on screen after entering your details.

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.

Selected Clients & Partners