Ecovegetal launches two permeable solutions for areas with heavy goods vehicle traffic

ECOVEGETAL is expanding its range of permeable flooring with two cellular slabs designed for areas subject to heavy vehicle traffic. VILLAROC 120 PL, made of pressed concrete, and ECOVEGETAL E80 PL, made of recycled polyethylene, are intended for parking lots, traffic lanes, logistics platforms, and loading or turning areas.

These solutions allow for an open surface to allow rainwater infiltration. However, their hydraulic efficiency and resistance depend on the complete system: existing soil, sub-foundation, drainage foundation, bedding layer, backfill, and quality of installation.

VILLAROC 120 PL, a concrete slab for heavy traffic

Made in France, VILLAROC 120 PL is a frost-resistant, pressed concrete cellular slab, advertised as resistant to 240 freeze-thaw cycles. It measures 33 x 33 cm with a thickness of 12 cm.

Each slab weighs 22,6 kg, giving a surface mass of approximately 203,4 kg/m². The cells represent 25% of the surface area once the slabs are laid and can accommodate a mineral filling or a substrate suitable for vegetation.

The technical data sheet classifies the solution in traffic categories T4-T5. ECOVEGETAL also indicates that the complete system underwent CERIB test no. 054139-A on February 25, 2025, with a load per wheel reaching 65 kN. This performance pertains to a structure installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and should not be attributed solely to the slab.

The documentation provided also mentions a minimum breaking load of 115 N/mm, a value of 140 N/mm presented as a flexural strength according to the PTV 121 standard, as well as a tensile strength of 6,8 MPa according to the NF EN 1339 standard. The designation and units of these characteristics must be confirmed in the test pieces before being included in a technical specification.

ECOVEGETAL E80 PL, a recycled polyethylene tile

The second solution, ECOVEGETAL E80 PL, is made of low-density polyethylene advertised as 100% recycled. It also measures 33 x 33 cm, with a thickness of 8 cm and a surface mass of approximately 18,5 kg/m².

According to ECOVEGETAL, the slab supports an axle load of 20 tonnes according to DIN 1072 when the system is correctly sized and installed. The manufacturer also states a load capacity exceeding 800 t/m² once the cells are filled and a tensile strength exceeding 5 kN per linear meter.

With a void ratio of 80%, E80 PL is designed to stabilize various surfaces:

• parking spaces for heavy goods vehicles;
• access and traffic lanes with limited speed;
• logistics and storage areas;
• loading and unloading areas;
• turning areas.

The slabs are connected by a tenon and mortise assembly comprising 36 connection points per square meter.

A preliminary study is necessary for managing stormwater.

The porous nature of the slabs allows water to pass through the surface, but does not, on its own, guarantee the infiltration of all rainfall. A geotechnical study must determine the load-bearing capacity of the subgrade and the permeability of the soil before work begins.

The sizing of the sub-foundation and drainage foundation must take into account the expected traffic, the nature of the soil, reference rainfall events, and local water management regulations. Where the soil has insufficient permeability, a temporary storage, drainage, or controlled discharge system may still be necessary.

For VILLAROC 120 PL, ECOVEGETAL specifically recommends appropriate excavation, a crushed stone sub-base, a drainage gravel foundation, and then a compacted bedding layer. The cells are filled after installation, before vibration and topping up to refusal.

The characteristics of both products are presented on the ECOVEGETAL page dedicated to permeable floors for heavy goods vehicles.