Pervious Concrete Mixes Research Articles

Strength and abrasion characteristics of pervious concrete

In this paper, the influence of the size of coarse aggregate and aggregate/cement ratio on the strength and abrasion properties of pervious concrete is reported. Pervious concrete mixes are prepared with single-sized aggregates (4.75, 10 and 12.5 mm), blends consisting of three different aggregate sizes and aggregate-to-cement ratios of 3.2, 4.5 and 5. Experimental results indicate that the strength characteristics and abrasion resistance of pervious concrete decrease with increase in the size of aggregate as well as aggregate-to-cement ratio. As voids created by higher size aggregates were filled up by lower size aggregates, mixtures with blended aggregates achieved the lowest void content. Existing equations relating splitting-tensile and flexural strengths with cube compressive strength is verified. As density increases, void content of pervious concrete mixtures decreases. A simple regression model relating abrasion resistance index, which is defined as the ratio of square root of dimensionless number of revolutions to weight loss/initial weight of specimen in Cantabro test, to cube compressive strength of concrete is proposed. The developed model had reasonable goodness of fit, which indicated high accuracy.

Best practices for pervious concrete mix design and laboratory tests

Abstract Pervious concrete may be used for stormwater management since it allows the water to pass through its interconnected macropores into stormwater systems or soils below. However, there is a need for additional standards related to pervious concrete prior to its widespread use, and there are many aspects related to mix design for desired properties, compaction methods, and test procedures that are not yet completely understood. These variables may significantly affect the functional and mechanical performance of the material. In this paper, mix designs and test specimen preparation techniques were evaluated. The IBRACON method for mixture design was used to obtain the mixture proportions and the calculated density for the desired porosity of 25%. In addition, two different types of specimens (cast or cored) and compaction methods (roller or Proctor hammer compacted) were performed. The density of each specimen was controlled to obtain the same calculated density. Several tests were conducted to compare the following variables: density, porosity, surface infiltration rate, permeability and compressive strength. Additionally, the effects of mortar capping versus neoprene-rubber caps on compressive strength measurements of pervious concrete were evaluated. The experimental results showed that cast specimens have more consistent results than cores. The design method studied with strict control of density was efficient to obtain the desired porosity mainly for cast specimens. The roller leads to a more compacted top surface resulting in a decrease in the infiltration rate and permeability of the cores. The mortar capping method is more consistent than the other.

Study of Mechanical Properties of Pervious Concrete as a Pavement Material by Partial Replacement of Ggbs in Cement with Addition of Cellulose Fibers

Among all the transportation systems roadways is most commonly used transportation system. But in present scenario roads faces a lot of problems like potholes, cracks and many other distresses. Not even these but water is also the main enemy to the pavement which causes deformations and changes the texture of subgrade soil resulting in large variation in performance.The total Impervious Surface Change (ISC) in India for the decade 2000 to 2010 is 2274.62 km2. This is one of the most considerable problems due to rapid urbanization where there is a tremendous increase in construction of black topped and different types of impervious pavements. This has an adverse effect on the environment as the storm water becomes stagnant over the surface of the pavement due to inadequate drainage conditions.The necessity for reducing stagnation and the surface runoff has given the inception of pervious pavement surface. Pervious concrete pavement is a special type of its kind with high perviousness with no or minimal fines which allow water to percolate through it and thus the water which is accumulated over the surface can be collected and used for various purposes.The present work studied the mechanical properties and also the permeability of pervious concrete of mix 3:1 aggregate cement ratio. The control mix is altered by partially replacing 30% of cement with Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag (GGBS), included Cellulose fibers of 5% of weight of the cementitious material and combination of both in one mix and compared the results obtained.The properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and permeability are assessed by performing tests. It was observed that there is an increase in Compressive Strength, Split Tensile Strength, Flexure Strength and decrease in the permeability in the altered pervious concrete mixes when compared to the Pervious concrete with no additives.

Self-Compacting Pervious Concrete Mix Design for Permeable Concrete Soakaway Rings

Abstract Permeable concrete soakaways store surface rainwater and let it seep slowly into the soil. This minimizes the risk of flooding, which is an increasingly larger problem because of climate change causing heavier and heavier rainfalls. In the present study, a self-compacting pervious concrete mix design is developed to use for permeable soakaway rings. A self-compacting mix design ensures a more uniform void distribution throughout the soakaway ring compared to the use of a conventional stiff pervious concrete mix design. The study is divided into two main parts: laboratory testing, in which the influence of the casting height on the void distribution is also considered, and full-scale casting of a 2.25-m-high pervious concrete soakaway ring. The overall conclusion is that a successful self-compacting pervious concrete mix design was developed by carefully balancing the use of a superplasticizer and stabilizer. Thereby, it was also possible to perform a successful full-scale casting.

Performance of pervious concrete containing combined recycled aggregates

This study evaluates the influence of incorporating two different types of recycled aggregates (RA) from construction and demolition waste (CDW), brick ceramic aggregate (RA1) and crushed concrete aggregate (RA2), from the city of Bogotá, on the performance of pervious concrete under compression and flexural strength. The substitution of RA in the production of pervious concrete is outlined, taking into account five substitution levels. For the pervious concrete mixes, aggregates of sizes retained in a sieve of 1/2” and 3/8” were used. The pervious concrete mixes were submitted, 28 days later, to density tests, void content, compression and flexural strength and permeability. Such pervious concrete with RA reaches compression and flexural strength of up to 5,79 MPa and 2,14 MPa, respectively, which are within the allowed range by the ACI, reaching a permeability of 24,79 mm/s, value that is superior to the common characteristics of pervious concrete

Characterization of pervious concrete with blended natural aggregate and recycled concrete aggregates

Abstract The utilization of recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) from construction and demolition wastes to produce green concrete serves as a sustainable solution with manifold environmental benefits. This study aims to widen the potential uses of RCA to fabricate pervious concrete for non-structural applications. The mechanical and surface properties, permeability, and greenhouse gases assessment of pervious concrete made with blended normal granite aggregates and RCA were investigated in this work. RCA replacement levels of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% were used. Experimental results show that the RCA mixes have lower mechanical properties. Microscopic analyses show that the lower strength of RCA mixes was attributed to the failure path of RCA specimens which occurred at the weaker adhered mortar on RCA. Despite the drop in strength, all RCA-mixes attained the minimum BS EN 1338 requirements in terms of skid and abrasion resistance. In the mix with 100% RCA, the waste content in the pervious concrete mix was 87% by weight and 73% by volume. The greenhouse gases assessment also shows that the CO2 emission of this 100% RCA mix is 24% lower than the control mix.

Evaluation of freeze-thaw durability of pervious concrete by use of operational modal analysis

It is well-known that laboratory testing of pervious concrete's freeze-thaw performance is too harsh and does not agree well with field observations. The most commonly used laboratory freeze-thaw test method for pervious concrete is similar to that used for conventional concrete even though the void structure of the two materials is completely different. In the present study, a new freeze-thaw test method for pervious concrete is suggested and tested on one baseline mix, with three different contents of entrained air. The evaluation of freeze-thaw damage on pervious concrete beams was evaluated from the decrease in mass and from operational modal analysis which provides an accurate determination of the change in natural frequencies with freeze-thaw exposure. Operational modal analysis was also used to determine the Young's modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio of the pervious concrete mix.

Experimental Study on Previous Concrete with Various Mix Ratios

The pervious concrete is designed with cementitious material content just enough to coat the coarse aggregate particles so that a configuration that allows the passage of water at a much higher rate than conventional concrete. The pervious concrete has many advantages that improves city environment, recharges the ground by rain water and could be used as pavement for light vehicles, pedestrian pathways, parking lots, also it reduces the tire pavement interaction noise etc. In this paper, structural property and permeability of pervious concrete made without and with different ratios of fine aggregate and pozzolan. 9.5 mm maximum size of crushed gravel and constant aggregate/cement ratio of 3.6 were used. Mix design void content is tested 20%. The specific gravity of fine aggregate 2.53 and the specific gravity of crushed stone 2.56. Type I Portland cement and water- reducing and retarding concrete admixture were used. Mix design is based on the no slump method from the American Concrete Institute’s Committee 211.3R-02, “Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for No Slump Concrete.” This research work was divided into third /three sections. The first section is without pozzolan and fine aggregate and second section is with two different ratios of pozzolan third section is without pozzolan and with fine aggregate. Pozzolan is used as a supplementary cementitious material to partially replace Portland cement in pervious concrete mixes up to 20% by weight. Fine aggregate partially replace as a coarse aggregate in pervious concrete mixes up to 10% by weight. M ix design void content is tested 20%. This concrete is tested for its properties, such as density, void content, compressive strength and water permeability. The most important property of pervious concrete is its water permeability.

Pervious concrete mix optimization for sustainable pavement solution

In order to fulfill requirements of sustainable road construction, new materials for pavement construction are investigated with the main goal to preserve natural resources and achieve energy savings. One of such sustainable pavement material is pervious concrete as a new solution for low volume pavements. To accommodate required strength and porosity as the measure of appropriate drainage capability, four mixtures of pervious concrete are investigated and results of laboratory tests of compressive and flexural strength and porosity are presented. For defining the optimal pervious concrete mixture in a view of aggregate and financial savings, optimization model is utilized and optimal mixtures defined according to required strength and porosity characteristics. Results of laboratory research showed that comparing single-sized aggregate pervious concrete mixtures, coarse aggregate mixture result in increased porosity but reduced strengths. The optimal share of the coarse aggregate turn to be 40.21%, the share of fine aggregate is 49.79% for achieving required compressive strength of 25 MPa, flexural strength of 4.31 MPa and porosity of 21.66%.

The study of pervious concrete mix proportion by the method of specific surface area of aggregate

The purpose of this paper is to solve the shortcoming of the mix proportion of pervious concrete. So we have done the research on the measurement of the specific surface area of aggregate, and the research on the volume change of cement after hydration, and the research on the best water-binder ratio and thickness of gelled material package. The experimental results show that the equivalent method is more accurate for measuring the specific surface area of aggregate. It can better reflect the specific surface area of aggregate. Moreover, the calculation method of the mix proportion of the cementing material can improve the utilization ratio of material and the quality of pervious concrete.

Strength and abrasion resistance of palm oil clinker pervious concrete under different curing method

This paper investigates the abrasion resistance and strength properties of pervious concrete (PC) containing palm oil clinker (POC) coarse aggregate under different curing method. Materials used include OPC Type I, 10mm nominal size POC coarse aggregate and granite. The palm oil clinker pervious concrete (POCPC) mixes were developed with a fixed water-cement ratio of 0.3 and was studied at various replacement levels of natural aggregate with POC aggregate (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% to 100%). Selected curing methods for the POCPC samples were full water curing, air curing and 3days water curing respectively. Based on results, compressive strength and abrasion resistance of the POCPC reduced, resulting from the incorporation of POC into the mix irrespective of the curing method. Given the selected curing method, POCPC cured in full water had superior performance in terms of compressive strength. However, the POCPC cured in air and 3days water curing recorded about 5% loss of its compressive strength with respect to full water curing due to uncontrolled temperature and humidity condition. Abrasion resistance of the concrete was improved when full water curing was adopted with about 5% loss due to curing method. Thus, it becomes evident that curing had marginal effect on the properties of the concrete rather it is dependent mainly on the properties of the aggregate. Furthermore, incorporating POC as an alternative concreting material can help to sustain the construction industry based on the sustainability efficiency evaluation conducted.

Optimum Mix for Pervious Geopolymer Concrete (GEOCRETE) Based on Water Permeability and Compressive Strength

The production of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) consumes considerable natural resources and energy, and it also affects the emission of a significant quantity of CO 2 in the atmosphere. This pervious geopolymer concrete study aims to explore an alternative binder without OPC. Pervious geopolymer concretes were prepared from fly ash (FA), sodium silicate (NaSiO 3 ), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, and coarse aggregate (CA). The effects of pervious geopolymer concrete parameters that affect water permeability and compressive strength are evaluated. The FA to CA ratios of 1:6, 1:7,1:8, and 1:9 by weight, CA sizes of 5–10, 10–14, and 14–20 mm, constant NaSiO 3 /NaOH ratio of 2.5, alkaline liquid to fly ash (AL/FA) ratios of 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6, and NaOH concentrations of 8, 10, and 12 M were the pervious geopolymer concrete mix proportions. The curing temperature of 80 °C for 24 h was used. The results showed that a pervious geopolymer concrete with CA of 10 mm achieved water permeability of 2.3 cm/s and compressive strength of 20 MPa with AL/FA ratio of 0.5, NaOH concentration of 10 M, and FA:CA of 1:7. GEOCRETE is indicated to have better engineering properties than does pervious concrete that is made of ordinary Portland cement.

Pervious Concrete: Mix Design, Properties and Applications

Current climatic changes are occurring due to various human and industrial activities. In particular, the effects of urbanisation and growing threat of global warming have likely caused increasing precipitation in many geographic regions. For many years, portland cement pervious concrete (PCPC) has been making an important contribution, as a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS), on improving environmental conditions. This type of porous concrete can help minimizing flooding risks, recharging ground water, reducing run off and peak flows, alleviating the precipitation load on overstressed drainage systems and improving water quality by capturing pollutants. The benefits of using PCPC in order to attenuate stormwater problems are quite essential mainly in urban areas where most surfaces typically consist of relatively impervious concrete or asphalt pavements, causing elevated levels of surface runoff. In addition, PCPC can reduce the absorption of solar radiation and urban heat storage potential which can lead to temperate urban conditions, and thus protecting the environment and health and safety of living things. However, PCPC requires regular maintenance to prevent any clogging of the pores by sediments and vegetation. This article provides an overview on pervious concrete mix design, key properties, durability and applications. Also, it touches on practical and scientific challenges of PCPC.

Discrete element modelling of the fresh state behavior of pervious concrete

The objective of this paper is to propose a novel numerical approach to evaluate the fresh state behavior of pervious concrete (PC). A new constitutive law applied to Discrete Element Method was developed for the simulation of the interaction between aggregates connected by fresh cement paste. Several innovative aspects regarding the type of contact model, the consideration of the contact bridge and the inclusion of the rheology coefficients were proposed. A calibration was performed with data from the literature. Furthermore, an extensive experimental program considering different shapes of aggregates, grading curves and aggregate-to-cement paste ratios was conducted to evaluate the fresh state behavior and validate the numerical models. The good fit obtained between numerical and experimental results confirm the model and the constitutive law reproduce the under uniaxial compaction, thus representing a step forward in the design and application of pervious concrete mixes.

Comprehensive investigation of permeability characteristics of pervious concrete: A hydrodynamic approach

Pervious concrete (PC) mixtures were designed and prepared to measure and study permeability characteristics at varying head levels using a falling head permeameter. A total of 1092 readings was used to study the permeability properties of eighteen PC mixtures whose porosity was in the range of 15–37%, and permeability in the realm of 0.076–3.5cm/s. The permeability reduced as the head of water increased, and gradually attained an asymptotic relation with the head. Cement-to-aggregate ratio had largest contribution in controlling permeability of PC mixtures. Nonlinearity in Darcy’s law was observed in respect of permeability of PC mixes, which was modelled using Izbash/power law, and was prominent for gradations consisting of larger sized aggregates due to inconsequential tortuous pore structure. Modified Kozeny-Carman equation was fitted for PC gradations to compare the results with Izbash law, which showed good agreement. This study is deemed to assist in understanding the hydrodynamics of water flow in pervious concrete, which in turn will aid in rational pervious concrete pavement system designs.

Mix design and pollution control potential of pervious concrete with non-compliant waste fly ash

Pervious concrete mix was optimized for the maximum compressive strength and the desired permeability at 7 mm/s with varying percentages of water-to-binder (W/B), fly ash-to-binder (FA/B), nano-iron oxide-to-binder (NI/B) and water reducer-to-binder (WR/B). The mass ratio of coarse aggregates in sizes of 4.75–9.5 mm to the binder was fixed at 4:1. Waste FA used in the study was not compliant with a standard specification for use as a mineral admixture in concrete. One optimum pervious concrete (Opt A) targeting high volume FA utilization had a 28-day compressive strength of 22.8 MPa and a permeability of 5.6 mm/s with a mix design at 36% W/B, 35% FA/B, 6% NI/B and 1.2% WR/B. The other (Opt B) targeting a less use of admixtures had a 28-day compressive strength and a permeability of 21.4 MPa and 7.6 mm/s, respectively, at 32% W/B, 10% FA/B, 0.5% NI/B and 0.8% WR/B. During 10 loads at a 2-h contact time each, the Opt A and Opt B achieved the average fecal coliform removals of 72.4% and 77.9% and phosphorus removals of 49.8% and 40.5%, respectively. Therefore, non-compliant waste FA could be utilized for a cleaner production of pervious concrete possessing a greater structural strength and compatible hydrological property and pollution control potential, compared to the ordinary pervious concrete.

Influence of mix parameters on pore properties and modulus of pervious concrete: an application of ultrasonic pulse velocity

The major objective of this study was to understand the influence of mix parameters on pore properties and modulus of control and silica fume (SF) modified pervious concrete mixtures with an application of ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) technique in defining the structural and hydrological properties. A total of twenty-four different pervious concrete mixtures were prepared encompassing three aggregate gradations with four aggregate sizes, and two levels each of water-to-cement (WC) and cement-to-aggregate (CA) ratios. Additionally, 5 % SF was used as partial replacement for cement to produce twelve SF modified pervious concrete mixes. It was found that permeability mainly depends on mix variables such as WC and CA ratios, and gradations since these factors control the interconnected pore structure of the pervious concrete mixes. Based on the measured mix properties, permeability predictive equation was developed, which followed Weibull distribution, and was mathematical robust with very good statistical goodness of fit measures (R adj 2 > 0.80; S e/S y = 0.432). The equation was rational indicative of the fact that porosity alone might not always be significant in defining permeability of the pervious concrete. UPV test technique employing a set of 55 kHz transducers was used to determine dynamic modulus of elasticity (E d) of all mixes, which yielded UPV in the range of 2750–3400 m/s, and E d in the range of 11–19 GPa. The findings were encouraging in that the estimated moduli using UPV were rational, which was also testimonial of the fact that this technique can be confidently used in future in the periodic evaluation of in-service pervious concrete pavements without having to retrieve field cores.

Flexural strength and fracture size effects of pervious concrete

A low strength/low unit weight and high-strength/high unit weight pervious concrete mix is studied using notched three point bend specimens to ascertain strength and fracture size effects using beam depths ranging from 100 to 200mm. The results indicate the flexural strength is size dependent and can be predicted using Bazant’s size effect law utilizing a unit weight-dependent tensile strength parameter and a characteristic crack length with reasonable accuracy: R2=0.84 and MSE=0.07MPa. The tensile strength, and initial and total fracture energy, however, were not found to be size dependent.

Polymer-modified pervious concrete for durable and sustainable transportation infrastructures

Pervious concrete is widely considered as an optimal material to manage storm waters in built environments as well as to provide several other environmental benefits. Despite the broad capabilities pervious concrete pavements have exhibited a high failure rate so far. Causes are mainly related to poor design, inadequate construction techniques including compaction, and heavy vehicular traffic. Performance of pervious concrete can be furthermore improved by modifying the cement matrix through polymer modifications, for instance. Polymers could indeed have the capability of improving mechanical performance, particularly flexural strength, without reducing drainability and void content.Four polymers have been tested in the present research and preliminary analyses on polymer-modified cement grouts and mortars were conducted during the first phase of the study; polymer-modified pervious concrete mixes were then prepared and further tested to evaluate the inclusion of polymers depending on the type and content.Results showed a delayed curing of polymer-modified mixes as well as an increased mechanical resistance and durability to raveling and freeze-thaw cycles; polyvinyl acetate polymer demonstrated to be a very good option.

Investigating the Relationship between Porosity and Permeability Coefficient for Pervious Concrete Pavement by Statistical Modelling

A study evaluating the relationship between porosity and permeability coefficient for pervious concrete (PC) is presented. In addition, the effect of mixture design parameters particularly, water-to-cement ratio (W/C) and size of aggregate on the permeability coefficient of PC was investigated. The PC mixtures were made with 4 range of W/C and 2 range size of aggregate. PC mixes were made from each aggregate and were tested. The results showed that the W/C and aggregate size are key parameters which significantly affect the characteristic performance of PC. Permeability coefficient of coarse pervious concrete (CPC) is bigger than fine pervious concrete (FPC) and the porosity of CPC are bigger than porosity of FPC. A regression model (RM) along with analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to study the significance of porosity distribution on permeability coefficient of PC. The statistical model developed in this study can facilitate prediction permeability coefficient of CPC and FPC as the sustainable pavements.