Low-Cost Techniques for Improving the Surface Durability of Pervious Concrete

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a laboratory study to improve the durability of pervious concrete by using readily available and low-cost techniques. Surface raveling of pervious concrete is a concern for long-term use, and remediation techniques have not previously been investigated. A high void-content pervious concrete was cured in worst-case hot and dry conditions to produce poor surface durability. Pervious concrete mixtures included a traditional binder and one that included a superabsorbent polymer for internal curing. Various remediation methods included overlaying with fresh pervious concrete and applying latex paint, epoxy, or a surface densifier to the pavement before abrasion testing with the ASTM C944 rotary cutter method. Results showed that the durability of the internally cured mixture was superior to that of the traditional mixture. Of the surface-applied materials, epoxy provided the best improvement in durability, followed by latex paint and the densifier. Material analysis showed that modifying a mixture to include superabsorbent polymer was the lowest-cost option. On a poorly performing pervious pavement, latex paint or a thin overlay both had low material costs. Low-cost methods are effective techniques for improving the surface durability of pervious concrete.