Test Methods for Characterizing Air Void Systems in Portland Cement Pervious Concrete

Abstract

Abstract Portland cement pervious concrete is becoming a common tool for stormwater management across the United States. The air void system in pervious concrete is particularly important because of its effect on stormwater infiltration, concrete strength, and long-term durability. However, currently the concrete industry lacks standardized testing techniques for characterizing air void systems in pervious concrete. In this paper a series of air system characterization tests performed during a field placement of pervious concrete is detailed, and the test results are compared. Fresh pervious concrete samples from two delivered mixtures were evaluated using pressure, volumetric, Chace, and air void analyzer air test methods. The hardened concrete samples were tested for water-permeable void content, water permeability, air voids (using ASTM Standard C457 method), and freeze-thaw durability (using ASTM Standard C666A method). Based on the results of the study, determination of air systems for the freeze-thaw protection of pervious concrete is proposed.