Elastopave Permeable Paving

BASF: Elastopave® Permeable Paving Binder

Elastopave® is a polyurethane-based binder system that bonds crushed stone into a rock-solid, water- and air-permeable wearing surface, allowing rainwater to infiltrate directly through the pavement, recharge groundwater aquifers and eliminate the surface run-off and flooding associated with conventional sealed surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. Composed of over 45% renewable raw materials, the system creates an open-pored structure with many interconnected voids that lets water seep through in seconds while remaining highly loadable and durable under pedestrian, bicycle and light vehicle traffic.
For Nairobi and other Kenyan urban centres facing increasing pressure from impervious surface expansion, stormwater flooding and rising wastewater infrastructure costs, Elastopave offers a proven alternative that keeps the ground unsealed, reduces downstream drainage burden and contributes to urban climate resilience. The aggregate can be specified in a wide range of locally sourced crushed stone colours and grain sizes to match the design intent of any landscaping, hardscaping or public realm project.

Key Technical Information 

• Material: polyurethane binder (1K and 2K variations available,standard or UV-stable) bonding crushed stone aggregate
• Aggregate compatibility: crushed stone and gravel in grain sizes from approximately 1.5 mm to 10 mm, in multiple colours and mineral types
• Permeability: open-pored structure allows rainwater to pass through the surface layer in seconds and percolate into the subgrade
• Typical cross-section: approximately 4 cm Elastopave wearing course over 15 cm gravel base course (0–32.5 mm) over 10 cm gravel frost-resistance course (0–45 mm) – all sublayers must also be water-permeable
• Curing time: surface is loadable after approximately 24 hours
• Installation: must be carried out by trained roadbuilding or landscaping contractors; cannot be installed during rain or wet weather; installation timeframe similar to conventional cobblestone wearing courses
• Indoor use: passed all emission tests and can be used for indoor stone carpet applications
• Exterior applications: pedestrian paths, bicycle lanes, driveways, parking lots, patios, garden paths, swimming pool surrounds, public plazas, park surfaces, small streets, industrial areas, gabions and outdoor furniture
• End-of-life disposal: after curing is complete, the material is classified as non-contaminating and can be disposed of as standard household waste
• Product certification: DIN EN ISO 14040 and 14044, TÜV Rheinland

Efficiency Feature

1. Material Efficiency : Over 45% renewable raw materials. The polyurethane binder formulation incorporates a significant proportion of bio-based content, reducing dependency on fossil-derived feedstock
2. Groundwater recharge: the permeable surface allows rainwater to infiltrate directly into the soil and replenish aquifers — critical in Kenya’s water-stressed urban environments where impervious surfaces are expanding rapidly
3. Stormwater management: eliminates surface run-off associated with sealed paving, reducing flood risk, sewer overloading and downstream wastewater treatment costs
4. Ground remains unsealed: maintains natural soil aeration and moisture exchange, supporting root systems of adjacent vegetation and reducing urban heat island effect compared to asphalt or concrete
5. Low-emission material: passed all emission tests for indoor and outdoor use — no chemical contamination during or after the curing period
6. Non-hazardous end-of-life: once cured, the material is treated as regular non-contaminating waste with no special disposal requirements
7. Life Cycle Assessment certified: product environmental performance assessed to DIN EN ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, certified by TÜV Rheinland
8. Reduced infrastructure costs: by managing stormwater at source, Elastopave reduces the need for conventional drainage infrastructure (pipes, channels, retention tanks), lowering both capital and maintenance costs for developments
9. Design flexibility with local materials: the binder can be paired with locally sourced Kenyan crushed stone and gravel, reducing aggregate transport distances and enabling designs that integrate with the surrounding landscape