Effect of coarse aggregate characteristics on the permeability properties of pervious concrete

Abstract

This study analyses the effect of the geometric characteristics of coarse aggregate particles on the physical-mechanical properties and durability of hardened permeable concrete prepared by vibropressing compaction method. Four types of coarse aggregate were used to prepare the concrete mixture: gravel and crushed gravel stone of particle size fraction 4/16 and 8/16. The particle size and shape (rounded and rectangular) were considered. Four different concrete mix compositions were tested. The following properties of hardened permeable concrete were analysed in comparison: total porosity, water permeability, density, compressive strength, frost resistance, and abrasion resistance. The findings of this study showed that particle size and shape influence the physical-mechanical properties of permeable concrete. The total porosity and water permeability values were higher in the test specimens where crushed gravel stone of fraction 4/8 mm and 8/16 mm was used as coarse aggregate. The resistance of permeable concrete to volumetric freezing and thawing depends on the frost resistance of the coarse aggregate. It was also found that abrasion resistance of permeable concrete is affected by ravelling, i.e. disintegration of angular coarse aggregate particles from the concrete matrix.