Applicability of no-fines concrete as a road pavement

Abstract

Considerable research has been conducted on environmentally sustainable development. This has lead to the use of no-fines concrete in place of conventional concrete and asphalt surfaces. This material dramatically reduces environmental degradation and the negative effects associated with urban sprawl. No-fines concrete has been used as an effective method for treating and reducing negative environmental impacts. Problems plagued the initial development, with the pores becoming clogged and stopping the water from passing through, causing ponding and reducing the skid resistance of the road surface. The second problem was concerned with the unsightly ravelling that occurs on the surface shortly after construction and the unsafe perception that this creates. This thesis analyses the effectiveness of no-fines concrete in pavement applications. This was achieved by analysing the properties and characteristics of no-fines concrete. The performance of no-fines concrete was compared with a concrete sample that is comparable to the material used for the construction of conventional concrete road pavements.