Permeability Of Concrete Research Articles

The Influence of Rice Husk Ash Incorporation on the Properties of Cement-Based Materials.

Rice husk ash is a kind of biomass material. Its main component is silicon dioxide, with a content of up to 80%. It has high pozzolanic activity and can react with hydroxide in cement. When treating rice husks, rice husk ash with high volcanic ash activity and a good microaggregate filling effect can be obtained by selecting a suitable incineration environment. These advantages make rice husk ash an ideal concrete admixture, replacing the traditional admixture such as fly ash and slag in concrete. This paper summarizes the preparation methods and physical and chemical properties of rice husk ash, as well as the physical and chemical properties of rice husk ash concrete, such as mechanical properties, temperature resistance, freezing resistance, permeability resistance and chemical erosion resistance. The results show that using 20% rice husk ash as a substitute material for cement improves the resistance strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and permeability of concrete. In short, the incorporation of rice husk ash can effectively improve the performance of cement-based materials, which will be conducive to the green development of the building material industry and the implementation of the two-carbon strategy.

Effect of lightweight aggregate pre-wetting degree on the chloride ion permeability of ultra-high performance concrete

Effect of lightweight aggregate pre-wetting degree on the chloride ion permeability of ultra-high performance concrete

Potential use of high-volume of slag in pervious concrete: technical assessment and sustainability analysis

ABSTRACT Large porosity and interconnected pore structure allow pervious concrete to find interesting applications in urban pavement. At the same time, accounting for the exorbitant greenhouse gas emissions associated with Portland cement production, the application of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in pervious concrete has received significant attention in studies. This research investigates the feasibility of developing pervious concrete by substituting a high volume of Portland cement with slag. Different mixtures were made to investigate the effects of high-volume slag content (60% and 80%), fine aggregate incorporation (10% and 15%) and combined use of SCMs (high-volume slag + silica fume) in pervious concrete. Concretes were tested for void content, compressive strength, permeability and abrasion resistance. Based on the results, although the compressive strength of pervious concrete was decreased by the inclusion of high-volume slag, it can be compensated to some extent by increasing the curing age. Furthermore, by decreasing the material cost and CO2 emissions up to 8.2% and 61.2% over plain pervious concrete, respectively, utilisation of high-volume slag can produce relatively more cost-effective and eco-friendly pervious concrete. In general, combined use of slag + silica fume or incorporation of fine aggregate at the optimum replacement ratio can be suggested to obtain higher strength and acceptable permeability in high-volume slag pervious concrete.

Alkali-Activated Permeable Concretes with Agro-Industrial Wastes for a Sustainable Built Environment.

This research presents a proposal for alkali-activated permeable concrete composites with the use of industrial by-products, including ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and waste-foundry sand, as well as agro-desecrate product, i.e., sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA). GGBS and SBA served as binders, with crushed granite as coarse aggregate and waste-foundry sand as fine aggregate. The novelty of this proposal is in examining the influence of SBA, in combination with slag, on the fresh- and hardened-state properties of the proposed permeable concretes. Experiments were conducted to optimize the SBA percentage based on hydraulic conductivity and compressive and tensile strength after 28 days of air curing. The hardened density, compaction factor (workability), and saturated water absorption were also measured for all the mixes. Furthermore, the control and optimal mixes were subjected to evaluate the microstructure analysis (EDX, XRD, and FESEM) after 28 days of air curing. The mix containing 100% GGBS and 0% SBA served as the reference, with the optimal 10% SBA mix (with 90% GGBS) used for comparative analysis to understand its effect on the properties of permeable composites. The results showed positive or acceptable mechanical performance at a mix ratio of 10% SBA to 90% GGBS as binders. This study aims to enhance the understanding of the engineering behavior of alkali-activated permeable composites, facilitating the rational design of permeable pavement systems through the effective use of agro-industrial waste products, thereby conserving ecosystems while meeting engineering requirements.

Experimental investigation of modified desulfurized gypsum-based concrete permeability performance

To comprehend the permeability behavior of modified desulfurized gypsum-based concrete under varying stress conditions, this investigation conducted permeability assessments under both confining pressure and unloading circumstances. The findings suggest that an escalation in confining pressure results in a reduction in the specimen permeability. Conversely, a decrease in confining pressure leads to a gradual increment in permeability, albeit without fully reverting to its initial state. The rise in pore water pressure diminishes the effective confining pressure experienced by the specimen, thereby enhancing the interconnectivity of the internal pore structure and facilitating an increase in permeability. As the confining pressure intensifies, the volumetric strain also increases. Conversely, a reduction in confining pressure corresponds to a decrease in volumetric strain, though it does not return to its initial level. This observation implies that solely the elastic deformation of the specimen can recover as the confining pressure decreases. The internal pore structure distribution of modified desulfurized gypsum-based concrete is predominantly characterized by micropores, with a permeability coefficient in the order of magnitude of 10–17 m2, contributing to its commendable impermeability.

Determining the Permeability Coefficient of Concrete Using New Fractal Model and Examining the Effect of Different Thermal Cycles on Concrete Permeability

Determining the Permeability Coefficient of Concrete Using New Fractal Model and Examining the Effect of Different Thermal Cycles on Concrete Permeability

Investigation of the performance and life cycle assessment of alkali-activated sintered sludge-slag-based permeable concrete

As urbanization continues to accelerate, the application of permeable concrete is becoming an increasingly prevalent practice. Nevertheless, the carbon dioxide emission issue associated with traditional permeable concrete cannot be overlooked. In this study, alkali-activated sintered sludge and slag were employed as raw materials to prepare alkali-activated sintered sludge-slag-based permeable concrete. The effects of sludge calcination temperature, sludge content, and binder-to-aggregate ratio on the compressive strength, porosity, and permeability coefficient of the permeable concrete were investigated through the implementation of one-way experiments. The formation mechanism of permeable concrete materials was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and a carbon emission assessment was performed. The findings indicated that an increase in sludge content resulted in a notable decline in the 28-day compressive strength, accompanied by a reduction in the Ca/Si ratio of the C-A-S-H hydration products, from 1.08 to 0.35. Conversely, the carbon emission assessment demonstrated that abiotic losses declined markedly with an increase in sludge content, effectively mitigating the carbon emission burden associated with construction materials.

Effects of Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio in alkali activator on the microstructure, strength and chloride ingress in fly ash and GGBS based alkali activated concrete

In this study, the impact of alkaline solutions composed of various Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio and NaOH molarity on the strength, chloride ingress and chloride binding capacity of fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) based alkali activated concrete (AAC) was investigated. The microstructural properties of alkali activated binders (AAB) composites was also studied to understand its influence on the chloride permeability of AAC. Chloride permeability of concrete was tested by using the rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT) and by immersing concrete in NaCl solution (ASTM C1556). The compressive strength, chloride ingress and chloride binding capacity of AAC was compared with Portland cement-based concrete (OPC). Results showed that higher Na2O/SiO2 ratio in alkaline solutions resulted in a weak microstructure with, low strength and high chloride ingress. Concrete activated by alkaline solutions with Na2O/SiO2 molar ratio = 1 (±3), exhibited greater compressive strength and resistance to chloride ion penetration. The increase of SiO2 concentration in alkaline solution greatly reduces the binding capacity of AAC while the bound chlorides increased with the NaOH molarity. No chemical chloride binding was observed in AAC but for OPC concrete, calcium salts formed in the microstructure after immersion in NaCl solution. Compared to OPC concrete, AAC showed superior performance in terms of strength and chloride diffusion making it a potential candidate for application in marine structures.

Impact of early-age vibration on the permeability and microstructure of mature-age concrete

Dynamic excitation in early-age significantly impacts the performances of mature concrete in underground structures, such as tunnels beneath railways supported by cast-in-place concrete. This study explores the impact of early dynamic excitation on properties of mature concrete. Vibration tests at a fundamental frequency of 114 Hz, with peak acceleration levels ranging from 0.1 g to 0.4 g, were conducted using shaking table. Specimens underwent 33 seconds of dynamic excitation every 15 minutes over the initial 48 hours, excluding a night break from 0 to 6am, totaling 114 vibration cycles. Various lab tests were employed to assess the properties and microstructure of mature concrete post-vibration, including water penetration resistance, capillary water absorption, Coulomb electric flux, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurement (NAM). The results proves that vibration causes water secretion and air bubbles discharge before the initial setting of concrete, thereby enhancing the hydration reaction. The relationship between vibration loads with varying peak accelerations and the cohesion resulting from hydration reaction influences the microstructural evolution of concrete, leading to the weakening and strengthening of permeability of mature concrete. Under the vibration spectrum and test conditions described in this paper, vibration loads with peak values less than 0.234 g decrease the total volume of large and middle pores (>20 nm) by up to 50 % and increase the total volume of small pores (<20 nm) by up to 200 %. Due to these changes in pore structure, the permeability coefficient (Sk), cumulative capillary water height (i) and Coulomb electric flux decrease by up to 47.84 %, 39.5 % and 31.6 %, respectively. However, when the amplitudes of vibration loads exceed 0.234 g, the total volume of large and medium pores (>20 nm) increases, and that of small pores (<20 nm) decreases, leading to a reduction of the impermeability of mature concrete. Additionally, the SEM analysis corroborates these microstructural variations.

Research on calibration method for flange-type apparatus to Measure Water Permeability of Concrete

Abstract The water permeability of concrete is a crucial indicator to evaluate its ability to resist the infiltration of water or other liquids under pressure, which is vital for ensuring the stability and durability of building structures. The flange-type apparatuses are commonly used for detecting concrete’s impermeability and determining its impermeability rating. This article proposes a novel calibration method specifically designed for the flange-type apparatus to measure the water permeability of concrete, according to which the standard pressure measuring device is connected to the calibrated apparatus by a connection device designed and presented in this article in order to ensure sealing performance and operational safety during the experiment. Additionally, a host computer software is presented in this article for data recording and analysis to realize real-time recording and saving of experimental data, as well as generating pressure curves. The flange-type apparatus is calibrated mainly through the measurement of two metrological parameters, which are indication error and set pressure retention error. Experimental verification has confirmed that this method can simultaneously calibrate both parameters, which can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of on-site calibration of flange-type apparatus to measure the water permeability of concrete.

Performance evaluation of pervious geopolymer concrete incorporating recycled concrete aggregate

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the physical, mechanical, permeability, and durability characteristics of pervious geopolymer concrete (PGC) made with recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), blast furnace slag (GGBS), and fly ash (FA). PGC mixes were formulated to attain two design porosities, 10 and 15%, using two binder combinations of GGBS:FA at ratios of 1:0 and 1:1. Natural coarse aggregates (NCA) were substituted with up to 100% RCA. Hardened density, porosity, compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths, permeability, and abrasion resistance were determined. Results showed that PGC mixes had superior or comparable performance to the control mix made with cement and NCA. The incorporation of RCA or FA into the PGC mix reduced the hardened density, strengths, and abrasion resistance, while increasing porosity and permeability. The combined effect of FA inclusion and higher design porosity of 15% intensified the reduction in performance. The clogging and permeability restoration potential were evaluated after a simulated 20-year exposure to clogging materials. Despite permeability losses reaching 71% due to clogging, nearly 94% of the initial permeability could be restored through pressurised water washing. Research findings highlight the ability to valorise GGBS, FA, and RCA in the production of a cement-free PGC for use in pavement applications.

Experimental study of permeable concrete with FA and GGBS as partial replacement to cement

This study aims to assess the performance of permeable concrete (PC) with partially substituting ground-granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash (FA) for cement. The XRD and SEM of cement, FA, and GGBS were performed for material characterization. The performance of PC was assessed for compressive strength (CS), split tensile strength (STS), flexural strength (FS), acid attack (sulfate resistance test), density, porosity, and permeability by the falling head method. An experimental program was carried out to evaluate the performance of concrete by substituting 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% of the mass of cement with FA and GGBS while varying the water-to-binder ratio from 0.3 to 0.45 with an increment of 0.05. The FA and GGBS were found to reduce the permeability and porosity of the concrete. The CS was optimum for FA and GGBS as cement replacement at 15 and 20%, respectively. The workability of the PC was increased as an increase in FA and GGBS content. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed among permeability coefficient, compressive strength, and porosity, as evidenced by a coefficient of determination approaching unity.

SUGAR CANE BAGASSE ASH IN CONCRETE: A REVIEW

Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), a by product of sugarcane processing, has shown great potential as a supplementary material in concrete production. A review of its application in concrete highlights its benefits, including improved mechanical properties, durability, and sustainability. SCBA contains high levels of silica, which can act as a pozzolanic material, enhancing the compressive strength and reducing the permeability of concrete. Incorporating SCBA also lowers the carbon footprint of concrete, contributing to greener construction practices by partially replacing cement. However, challenges remain, such as the variability in ash quality, proper ash treatment, and optimal blending ratios. Ongoing research focuses on refining these aspects to maximize the benefits of the SCBA in concrete, making it a promising alternative in the construction industry for sustainable development. Keyword - Sugarcane bagasse ash, Compression strength, Percentage strength, Sugarcane Workability, Slump test.

Effect of Flexural Fatigue Loading on Mechanical Properties, Permeability, and Rainstorm Resistance of Novel Pervious Concrete

Effect of Flexural Fatigue Loading on Mechanical Properties, Permeability, and Rainstorm Resistance of Novel Pervious Concrete

Effects of aggregates and fibers on the strength and permeability of concrete exposed to low vacuum environment

The performance and regulation of concrete in low vacuum environments are receiving increasing attention. This study investigates the effects of aggregates and fibers on the strength and permeability of concrete in a low vacuum environment, using varying gradients of sand ratios (37.5 %, 40 %, and 42 %) and aggregate-to-binder ratios (3.27, 3.92, and 4.14). Three types of non-metallic fibers are utilized: polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and glass fibers. Evaluations focus on concrete strength, mass loss, gas permeability, capillary water absorption, and porosity. Results indicate that higher sand and aggregate-to-binder ratios enhance both flexural and compressive strength. Fiber incorporation improves flexural and compressive toughness, with PE fibers showing the most significant toughening effect. The low vacuum environment increases the strength of the concrete but reduces its axial compression toughness ratio and increases brittleness, while fiber incorporation helps improve the compression toughness of the concrete. Higher sand and aggregate-to-binder ratios reduce mass loss and accelerate drying equilibrium, while fibers increase mass loss and prolong drying equilibrium, with PVA fibers causing greater mass loss. The pattern of concrete mass loss can be explained by the tortuosity of the moisture diffusion path. Additionally, low vacuum significantly increases the gas permeability of concrete. Enhancing the sand and aggregate-to-binder ratios reduces permeability both before and after low vacuum treatment. Although fibers increase the gas permeability, they help mitigate this increase under low vacuum condition. Capillary water absorption tests reveal that concrete under low vacuum condition has a significantly higher water absorption rate compared to air-drying condition. Increasing sand and aggregate-to-binder ratios reduces water absorption and capillary water content, whereas fibers have the opposite effect. Porosity tests show that moisture migration in a low vacuum environment is mainly related to permeable porosity, while total porosity is more closely related to compressive strength.

Influence mechanism of initial mechanical damage on concrete permeability and tunnel lining leakage

The stress state is not effectively considered in existing studies when researching the permeability evolution of concrete with initial mechanical damages, causing ambiguity in the influence mechanism of initial mechanical damage on tunnel lining leakage. This deficiency can lead to significant uncertainty in predicting the probability and evaluating the consequences of tunnel leakage diseases, further affecting the formulation of relevant prevention strategies. Therefore, mechanical damage is induced to concrete specimens by subjecting them to certain stress levels, and triaxial compression seepage tests are subsequently conducted to study the influence of initial mechanical damage on permeability evolution and macrocracks. Furthermore, the relationship between microcrack characteristics and concrete permeability is studied, ultimately revealing the influence mechanism of initial mechanical damage on tunnel lining leakage. Research results indicate that the concrete permeability decreases first, becomes stable, and then continuously increases during testing, and is positively related to changes in horizontal deformation ratio. When the damage-inducing stress reaches 80% of the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), the impact of initial mechanical damage on concrete permeability increases significantly. The increase in initial mechanical damage can lead to a significant rise in permeability, even when the crack volume is in a compacted state. Additionally, cracks on the surface of the specimen become clearly visible when the test terminates, once the damage-inducing stress reaches 85% UCS. Two factors contribute to the gradual increase in concrete permeability with the rise in initial damage-inducing stress. Firstly, microcracks inside the concrete gradually widen and propagate. Secondly, the microcracks resulting from the initial damage progressively enlarge due to water pressure during the triaxial compression seepage test. Influenced by the blockage of seepage channels, concrete permeability can occasionally decrease during testing. The accidental load induces the gradual propagation of microcracks inside the mechanically damaged concrete. Then, the rebound deformation of concrete after the removal of the accidental load causes the closed microcracks to reopen significantly, leading to an increase in permeability and subsequent tunnel lining water leakage.

The Effects of Crystalline Admixtures on Concrete Permeability and Compressive Strength: A Review

The durability and strength of concrete in construction can be significantly compromised by permeability issues, which pose considerable challenges to its long-term effectiveness and reliability. By analyzing six selected articles from the Scopus database, this study meticulously synthesizes findings on the effectiveness of CAs in improving these essential properties of concrete. The research meticulously documents and analyzes key variables such as the CA dosage, water–cement ratio, evaluation duration, and treatment conditions, providing a thorough understanding of the factors that influence the performance of CAs in concrete. The results robustly indicate that CAs significantly reduce concrete permeability, thereby enhancing its resistance to water and other detrimental substances, and simultaneously boosts the compressive strength, leading to stronger and more durable concrete structures. However, the study also reveals that the impact of CAs can vary considerably depending on the specific conditions and methodologies employed in the individual studies. This underscores the importance of standardized testing procedures to ensure consistent and comparable results across different studies. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing the use of CAs in concrete formulations, ultimately aiming to improve the durability, performance, and sustainability of concrete in construction applications.

Mechanical Properties of Permeable Concrete Reinforced with Polypropylene Fibers for Different Water–Cement Ratios

Permeable concrete is a material that allows water filtration, reduces surface runoff, and maintains the natural water cycle. Previous studies have shown that its mechanical properties, particularly its compressive and flexural tensile strengths, are generally lower than those of conventional concrete, with significant variability observed among similar tests. This study investigates the compressive strength, flexural strength, and permeability of polypropylene fiber-reinforced permeable concrete specimens at two water–cement ratios (0.30 and 0.35). The mix design was conducted using the ACI 522R-10 method. Forty-eight cylinders measuring 200 mm × 100 mm were fabricated for permeability and compression tests. Additionally, 12 beams measuring 100 mm × 100 mm × 350 mm were produced and subjected to simple flexural testing in accordance with ASTM C78 guidelines. Compressive strength versus permeability and load versus deflection graphs were plotted, and the fracture energy was calculated for various deflections. The results indicate that the addition of fibers increased permeability and tensile strength but decreased compressive strength. Furthermore, an increase in the water–cement ratio led to higher compressive and flexural tensile strengths.

Experimental Investigation on Shear Strength at the Permeable Concrete–Fine-Grained Soil Interface for Slope Stabilization Using Deep Socket Counterfort Drains

In slopes where high pore water pressure exists, deep counterfort drains (also called drainage trenches or trench drains) represent one of the most effective methods for improving stability or mitigating landslide risks. In the cases of deep or very deep slip surfaces, this method represents the only possible intervention. Trench drains can be realized by using panels or secant piles filled with coarse granular material or permeable concrete. If the trenches are adequately “socket” into the stable ground (for example sufficiently below the sliding surface of a landslide or below the critical slip surface of marginally stable slopes) and the filling material has sufficient shear strength and stiffness, like porous concrete, there is a further increase in shear strength due to the “shear keys” effect. The increase in shear strength is due both to the intrinsic resistance of the concrete on the sliding surface and the resistance at the concrete–soil interface (on the lateral surface of the trench). The latter can be very significant in relation to the thickness of the sliding mass, the “socket depth”, and the spacing between the trenches. The increase in shear strength linked to the “shear keys effect” depends on the state of the porous concrete–soil interface. For silty–clayey base soils, it is very significant and is of the same order of magnitude as the increase in shear resistance linked to the permanent reduction on the slip surface in pore water pressure (draining effect). This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the shear strength at the porous interface of concrete and fine-grained soils and demonstrates the high significance and effectiveness of the “shear keys” effect.

Influence of aggregate size on pervious concrete properties with and without construction and demolition waste

This research evaluates the impact of aggregate sizes on pervious concrete properties, comparing aggregates of 12.5 mm and 19 mm, as well as replacing natural aggregates with recycled aggregates set at 0% and 50%. Four types of pervious concrete were produced, and their properties were determined: density, porosity, permeability coefficient, compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, and abrasion resistance. The results indicate that water permeability is directly related to pore size and is influenced by aggregate size (90% of the variation in pervious concrete permeability) and, to a lesser extent, by recycled aggregate content (10% of the variation). Mixes with larger aggregates (19 mm) demonstrated higher permeability coefficients. Replacing natural aggregates with recycled aggregate did not significantly affect the mechanical properties of pervious concrete, highlighting the effectiveness of waste processing and mixing procedures, allowing for the incorporation of 50% of recycled aggregate. The concretes met the requirements of the American Concrete Institute, suggesting technically feasible conditions for sustainable practices in the construction industry.