scope:

INTRODUCTION

This report provides technical information on pervious concrete's application, design methods, materials, properties, mixture proportioning, construction methods, testing, and inspection.

The term "pervious concrete" typically describes a zeroslump, open-graded material consisting of portland cement, coarse aggregate, little or no fine aggregate, admixtures, and water. The combination of these ingredients will produce a hardened material with connected pores (Fig. 1.1), ranging in size from 0.08 to 0.32 in. (2 to 8 mm), that allow water to pass through easily. The void content can range from 18 to 35%, with typical compressive strengths of 400 to 4000 psi (2.8 to 28 MPa). The drainage rate of pervious concrete pavement will vary with aggregate size and density of the mixture, but will generally fall into the range of 2 to 18 gal./ min/ft² (81 to 730 L/min/m²).

Concern has been growing in recent years toward reducing the pollutants in water supplies and the environment. In the 1960s, engineers realized that runoff from developed real estate had the potential to pollute surface and groundwater supplies. Further, as land is developed, runoff leaves the site in higher rates and volumes, leading to downstream flooding and bank erosion. Pervious concrete pavement reduces the impact of development by reducing runoff rates and protecting water supplies.