Effect of granular fraction combinations on pervious concrete performance

Construction projects are now facing several challenges and issues including the sustainability concept both in terms of design and choice of material. The flooding rainfall of some areas exposed to heavy rain make them very suitable for the development of pervious concrete for pavements applications. Pervious concrete is a special concrete characterized by a high porosity volume and suitable for several flatwork and pavement applications allowing water from rainfall to pass through and hence, reduces the runoff and the requirement for stormwater management systems as well as recharging ground water levels and allowing a natural treatment of polluted water by soil filtration. Additionally, its high porosity contributes to its thermal insulation (non-structural walls) and great acoustical properties (for noise/sound barrier walls). This paper investigates designing a Portland cement pervious concrete (PCPC) that suit many regions of hot climate and using different granular combinations of aggregates in the production of pervious concrete. By successfully designing a pervious concrete with satisfactory mechanical, thermal and hydrological performances, the produced PCPC is a sustainable and even more environmentally friendly for pavement and insulation applications. The results showed a high capacity of drainage with acceptable mechanical properties for the pervious concrete designed with various combinations of natural aggregate.