Evaluation of the effect of the mechanical properties on the performance of interlocking concrete block pavement under the influence of petroleum products

Abstract

Recently, there has been an upsurge in the use of interlocking concrete block pavement (ICBP), though large scale and extensive use of the blocks is not commonplace. In some residential districts, the current trend which is seen as a new fad is concrete-block paving of driveways and courtyards of private homes. There is also a gradual increase in the use of concrete blocks for paving pedestrian walkways in recent constructions in the cities, and in rehabilitating old walkways in urban activity centers. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of three types of petroleum products: Fuel oil (FO), Kerosene (K) and Engine oil waste (EO), on the mechanical and physical properties of interlocking concrete block pavement (ICBP) manufactured from two Iraqi factories, where two types of (ICBP) were chosen one from each factory. 66 specimens were submerged in the petroleum products for 30, 60, and 90 days, then the compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, density and absorption values were determined and compared with non-submerged specimens. In general, the results showed that ICBP-2 has good resistance to the effect of kerosene and fuel oil.