Investigations into the effect of contaminants on permeable concrete effectiveness during its life cycle

Eaton, John (2015) Investigations into the effect of contaminants on permeable concrete effectiveness during its life cycle. [USQ Project]

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Abstract

Permeable concrete (PC), also referred to as porous or pervious concrete, is a specific type of concrete with a high porosity that ultimately allows for water and gas permeability. As permeable concrete is not commonly used in developments for construction of pavements, car parks and driveways in Toowoomba. It is therefore, necessary to understand the implications of the long-term benefits of using permeable concrete. This project explores both the positive and negative implications of using permeable concrete in new construction developments.

Small scale testing was carried out in a USQ laboratory. Therefore, this type of testing is not as representable as large scale applications, such as new housing subdivision development or completed pavements. The clogging potential was examined in four pervious concrete cylindrical samples using various aggregates: sand, clay and stormwater. Pressure cleaning and vacuuming was used to clean the clogged specimens after each use. The permeability was determined following clogging applications. This report is aimed at developing an understanding for what influences clogging of the pores/voids in PC which ultimately leads to permeability reduction.

Results reveal that a reduction of permeability is strongly associated with sediment types, porosity and tortuosity. Evaluation showed that sand significantly impacted the occurrence of clogging. Furthermore, in comparison clay and stormwater runoff had no significant impact of clogging. However, literature review suggests that clay may eventually accumulate and build up under the PC sub surface. Most information from research is currently derived from small scale tests and not in-situ testing of larger areas.

The integration of pervious concrete into new housing developments around Toowoomba, or any city, should be encouraged by planning sections of local government to add as a condition for new developments that PC be incorporated for use on roads, driveways and footpaths. However, long-term wide scale investigation into PC and the phenomenon of clogging and site location is recommended.


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Item Type: USQ Project
Item Status: Live Archive
Additional Information: Bachelor of Civil Engineering project
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Civil Engineering and Surveying (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021)
Supervisors: Zhuge, Yan
Date Deposited: 01 Jun 2016 02:45
Last Modified: 06 Jun 2016 00:48
Uncontrolled Keywords: Permeable concrete, Clogging, Porosity
Fields of Research (2008): 09 Engineering > 0905 Civil Engineering > 090506 Structural Engineering
Fields of Research (2020): 40 ENGINEERING > 4005 Civil engineering > 400510 Structural engineering
URI: https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/29201

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