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 floods that struck Emilia Romagna and other areas of Central Italy have inflicted another painful wound on the country, shedding light on how proper emergency management and land protection are essential to prevent a recurrence—or at least reduce the damage—of these disasters.
While many are calling for bold actions that move decisively toward ecological transition and the fight against climate change , others are instead focusing on proper land management , especially in regions at greatest risk of landslides and hydrogeological instability, such as Emilia-Romagna. Addressing such a complex issue undoubtedly 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 climate change adaptation plan or the safety of river banks – and 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 existing infrastructure, and the prevention and stormwater management measures adopted. Flooding, erosion, blockages, drainage problems, potholes, and cracks are just a few examples of the damage a road can suffer during an extreme weather 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 series of factors, including the persistence, intensity, and convergence of humid air masses , combined with a storm surge and the regional terrain, with 45% of its areas potentially floodable. What is sadly certain is that extreme weather events are increasingly frequent —in Italy alone, they increased by 55% in 2022 , resulting in 29 deaths.
One of the main effects of climate change is the intensification of the water cycle . As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere can retain more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall in certain regions. Months of prolonged drought also " seale " the soil, making it more difficult for water to infiltrate properly—a phenomenon commonly referred to as the " asphalt effect ."
Climate change has affected weather patterns, leading to more frequent extreme events: torrential rains, 'tropical' storms, and hurricanes, capable of generating enormous amounts of water in a short period of time.
In addition to increased precipitation, global warming has also contributed to sea level rise : glaciers are melting, and seas are expanding due to rising temperatures. This means that coastal areas are more exposed to the risk of coastal flooding and floods due to rising water levels. A recent study, for example, predicted that the Mediterranean Sea could rise by 60 to 100 centimeters by 2100.
Flood risk: draining floors can mitigate the effects
As mentioned, such a complex problem requires targeted interventions on multiple fronts. Among the possible solutions the industry can suggest, even in private construction , to mitigate the effects of flooding is draining flooring.
Our current street drainage and sewer systems are at risk of being overwhelmed by the future extreme weather events that await us. One way to prevent sewer system overload is to use porous pavements that can absorb excess water and, if necessary, channel it into dedicated underground rainwater storage basins.
A draining pavement, also known as a permeable or porous pavement , is a type of surface that allows water to drain through it. Unlike traditional impermeable pavements, such as asphalt or concrete, a draining pavement allows water to infiltrate into the underlying soil rather than collect on the surface.
Draining pavement is constructed using materials that allow water to pass through voids or gaps in the pavement structure. These materials can include gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth , and more. The choice of material depends on the specific needs of the area where the pavement will be installed.
During precipitation, water seeps through the pavement and is temporarily stored in the porous layer underneath. From there, the water is gradually absorbed by the surrounding soil or channeled into an underground drainage system.
The pavement industry has an important role to play in reducing flood risk. The use of draining pavements can significantly help mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall by allowing water to drain away and reducing surface accumulation. We must continue to invest in research and development of increasingly advanced and sustainable technologies to create effective, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing draining pavements.
Only through a joint effort can we create a more resilient environment , capable of facing the challenges of climate change and protecting our communities from devastating flood events.
