Development of high-strength pervious concrete with an emphasis on durability properties

The problem of ground water recharge because of impervious pavement surfaces can be mitigated to some extent with the construction of pervious or porous concrete pavements. Pervious concrete pavement allows water infiltration due to its porous nature. However, the major concern with pervious concrete is their low compression strength. Many researchers have made efforts in enhancing the pervious concrete mechanical properties but very few have investigated the durability aspects of pervious concrete. In the present work, studies were conducted to develop a high-strength and durable pervious concrete. The effect of M-sand, silicafume and polypropylene fibers on porous concrete's hydrological and mechanical properties was examined. The optimum dosage of M-sand is also found out. The study revealed that the compression strength of porous concrete enhanced with an addition of 10% M-sand. The optimum dosage of silicafume and fibers are found to be 15% and 1%. The maximum compression strength achieved was 31 Mpa with a permeability of 2.38 mm/s. The experimental study also revealed that the durability of porous concrete has improved significantly with the inclusion of silicafume, M-sand and polypropylene fibers. The resistance offered by pervious concrete to abrasion and impact improved to 8% from 27% and the pervious concrete mix composed of silicafume has offered high resistance to acid attack. The addition of silicafume has decreased the percentage change in compressive strength to 22% from 46%.