Advantages and disadvantages in using permeable concrete as a pavement construction material

Abstract

The management of environmental sustainability is of increasing importance to the construction industry and its management. One of the issues with respect to sustainability is the impact of urbanisation, which results in the conversion of pervious spaces to areas of impervious (paved) surfaces, leading to a range of related problems. A solution is to use permeable concrete pavements, which can be an effective means of addressing a number of environmental issues and supporting sustainable development. Permeable pavements can facilitate biodegradation of oils from cars and trucks, help rainwater infiltrate into soil, decrease urban heating, replenish groundwater, allow tree roots to breathe, and reduce flash flooding. However, the long term behaviour of permeable pavement is still not well understood. Permeable concrete is a special structural concrete with the fine particles removed. This creates 15 to 20% voids. Thus, permeable concrete obtains more voids in the structure leading to higher water infiltration and air exchange rates compared with conventional concrete. However, a current constraint to the development of permeable pavements is their perceived lack of structural strength. This is caused mainly by the need for greater porosity for treatment purposes. This paper demonstrates that this material is not only an important contributor to sustainable practice, but that also it can, with proper mix design and targeted use of admixtures, achieve reasonable strength for use as a pavement construction material.