This paper reports on an evaluation of the properties of a novel structure known as OASIS® which was designed at Coventry University as an enhancement of the commercially available geotextiles when incorporated in the permeable pavement system (PPS). The impact on the hydraulic behaviour of a PPS was analysed through the study of infiltration rate, throughout the PPS and time required to reach the steady-state stage behaviour of the water within the PPS, under extreme rainfall intensities of 100 mm/hr, 200 mm/hr and 400 mm/hr, corresponding to a 100-year return period rainfall over a duration of 15 min in different parts of the world. The result indicated that the novel structure provides an extra benefit when incorporated in PPSs, delaying peak flow of a rainfall event by retaining and storing great volumes of water within its structure. These additional benefits are especially important under extreme rainfall events.

The infrastructure of concrete sewage systems is affected notably by biogenic sulfuric acid attack, which causes rapid deterioration of each of its components. To provide a better understanding of this mechanism of damage, this paper reports on research carried out to study the response of the cementitious concrete matrix and the reinforcement steel under the attack of sulfuric acid. Concrete industrial pipes were cast using ordinary portland cement and pulverized fly ash, and specimens obtained from the mixes were left for several cycles in a solution of sulfuric acid at different pH. Experiments were carried out to assess the loss of weight and the electrical corrosion potential. Results showed that sulfuric acid attack can be considered a surface phenomenon, in which the acid attack destroys the cover of concrete before it reaches the reinforcement.