ASCE Builds Green Infrastructure In Headquarters Parking Lot

Civil engineers demonstrate sustainable resilient measures including rubberized asphalt in new retrofit 

The American Society of Civil Engineers Foundation unveiled a newly renovated ASCE Global Headquarters parking lot, which will serve as a green infrastructure demonstration project for the Northern Virginia region. It was renovated using low- impact development practices to reduce stormwater runoff and improve stormwater quality discharged to the watershed. Features include 6,000 sq. ft. of permeable interlocking pavers; a courtyard area with engraved pavers, and stormwater management system; a Filterra® unit and Stormcrete® precast porous concrete parking spaces and walkways.

For the parking lot, ASCE wanted a surface that was durable enough to withstand the weight of heavy vehicle traffic and would marry well with the other green infrastructure measures. The Association chose dry-process rubberized asphalt to create an aesthetically pleasing, sustainable surface.

The dry-process rubberized asphalt mix, which contained recycled rubber derived from about 622 scrap tires, helps extend pavement life, reduces vehicle noise and is lower cost than
traditional parking lot pavement over its lifespan.

“This project is an example of ASCE walking the talk on sustainable infrastructure,”  Tom Smith, ASCE Executive Director, said.

“Our parking lot was in need of significant repair and repaving, so ASCE seized the opportunity to use this project to enhance the environment by improving the quality and reducing the quantity of stormwater runoff, while at the same time providing a showcase for sustainable practices and an outdoor educational tool for members and visitors,” he said. Typical guests to ASCE headquarters include professional engineers, educators, students and policy officials.

“Thanks to the vision and efforts of staff and volunteers, this project contributes to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and enhances the aesthetic and functional appeal of our property, “  Smith said.

The project also incorporated ASCE’s own technical guidance and engineering standards during construction, including its Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement  guideline for achieving stormwater management goals while providing a structurally adequate pavement section to accommodate vehicular loading in a cost-efficient manner.

© Scrap Tire News, December 2020