Flood risk: the draining floor is the solution
What contribution can we make to the discussion, as experts in the sector? Let's try to understand how a draining floor can mitigate flood damage.
The tragic ones floods who hit theEmilia Romagna and other areas of Central Italy have inflicted another painful wound on the country, shedding light on how much a correct one emergency management and the protection of the territory is essential to avoid the recurrence - or at least reduce the damage - of these misfortunes.
While on the one hand many call for courageous actions that move decisively towards ecological transition and the fight against change climatic, others instead focus the spotlight on a correct one land management, especially in regions at greater risk of landslides and hydrogeological instability, such as Emilia-Romagna. Addressing such a complex problem certainly requires interventions on multiple fronts, without limiting ourselves to simplistic solutions.
Let's leave aside for a moment what is strictly the responsibility of politics and institutions - such as the plan for adapting to climate change or securing river banks - and let's talk about the topic we know best: roads.
What happens to roads during a flood? It obviously depends on the severity of the event, the quality of the existing infrastructure and the stormwater prevention and management measures adopted. Flooding, erosion, blockages, drainage problems, potholes and cracks these are just a few examples of the damage a road can suffer during an extreme climate event.
Why has the risk of floods increased and what does climate change have to do with it?
Let's take a step back. The flooding of recent days was caused by a number of factors, including persistence, intensity and convergence of humid air masses, to which was added a storm surge and the conformation of the regional territory, with its 45% of potentially floodable areas. What is unfortunately certain is that there are extreme meteorological phenomena increasingly frequent– only in 2022 are they in Italy increased by 55%, causing 29 deaths.
One of the main effects of climate change is in fact the intensification of water cycle. As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere may hold more moisture, leading to heavier precipitation in certain regions. Furthermore, the months of prolonged droughtthey waterproof' the soil, making it more difficult for water to infiltrate the soil properly, what is commonly called 'asphalt effect'.
Climate change has affected weather patterns, leading to most frequent extreme events: torrential rains, 'tropical' storms and hurricanes, capable of generating enormous quantities of water in a short period of time.
In addition to the intensification of precipitation, global warming has also contributed to the increase in sea level: Glaciers are melting and seas are expanding due to rising temperatures. This means that coastal areas are more exposed to risk of coastal flooding and floods due to rising water levels. A recent study for example he surmised that the level of the Mediterranean Sea could rise by 60 to 100 centimeters by 2100.
Flood risk: draining floors can mitigate the effects
As already mentioned, such a complex problem requires targeted interventions on multiple fronts. Among the possible solutions that the sector can suggest, also in the private construction sector, to mitigate the effects of floods there is the draining floor.
The current drainage system of our streets and sewer system is in danger of being overwhelmed from future extreme weather events that await us. One way to avoid the overloading of the sewage system is to use porous paving capable of absorbing excess water and possibly channeling it into special underground rainwater accumulation basins.
A draining pavement, also known as paving permeable or porous, is a type of surface that allows water to flow through it. Unlike traditional waterproof floors, such as asphalt or concrete, a draining floor allows water to infiltrate the ground below rather than collecting on the surface.
The draining flooring is made using materials which allow water to pass through the voids or interstices present in the paving structure. These materials can be gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth… The choice of material depends on the specific needs of the area in which the flooring will be installed.
During rainfall, water seeps through the pavement and is temporarily stored in the porous layer underneath. From there, the water is gradually absorbed into the surrounding soil or piped into a system drainage underground.
Il flooring sector has an important role to play in reducing flood risk. The use of draining pavements can significantly contribute to mitigating the effects of intense rainfall, allowing the water outflow and reducing accumulation on the surface. We must continue to invest in research and development increasingly advanced and sustainable technologies to create effective, ecological and aesthetically pleasing draining floors.
Only through joint effort can we create a more resilient environment, capable of addressing the challenges of climate change and protecting our communities from devastating flood events.
