Abstract
The paper begins by summarising the need for permeable pavements in Australia in the context of water sensitive urban design. The benefits and limitations of such pavements are then discussed. Factors influencing the design of permeable pavements are critically assessed. The systematic development and implementation of a new comprehensive design method specific to Australian conditions is then described. This method embraces all type of pavement including roads and industrial applications. Finally the paper summarises selected case histories of permeable pavements both in Australia and overseas which illustrate the scope and application of permeable pavements. (a)