Pervious concrete

Wikipedia PrvsC

Pervious concrete is a type of concrete with a high porosity used for concrete flatwork applications that allows water from precipitation and other sources to pass directly through, thereby reducing the runoff from a site and allowing groundwater recharge. It is also known as porous concrete, permeable concrete, no-fines concrete, and porous pavement.

Composition

Pervious concrete is composed of cement, coarse aggregate, and water with little to no fine aggregates. The mixture creates a substantial void content, typically between 15% to 25%, which allows water to pass through the concrete.

Applications

Pervious concrete is used in a variety of applications, including:

• Pavements
• Parking lots
• Sidewalks
• Driveways
• Low-volume roads
• Residential streets
• Swimming pool decks

Environmental Benefits

Pervious concrete offers several environmental benefits:

• **Stormwater Management**: It helps in managing stormwater runoff and reducing the risk of flooding.
• **Groundwater Recharge**: It allows water to percolate into the ground, recharging groundwater supplies.
• **Pollution Control**: It can filter pollutants from water, improving water quality.
• **Heat Island Effect Reduction**: It can reduce the heat island effect in urban areas by allowing water to evaporate and cool the surface.

Installation

The installation of pervious concrete requires specialized techniques to ensure proper compaction and curing. It is typically placed using standard paving equipment, but the compaction process is different from that of conventional concrete. Proper curing is essential to achieve the desired permeability and strength.

Maintenance

Maintenance of pervious concrete involves regular cleaning to prevent clogging of the voids. This can be done using vacuum sweeping or pressure washing. Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the pervious concrete.

Related Pages

• Concrete
• Cement
• Aggregate
• Stormwater management
• Groundwater recharge
• Urban heat island

See Also

• Sustainable construction
• Green building
• Environmental engineering