Enhancing Pervious Concrete with Agro-Industrial Waste: A Sustainable Approach to Water Quality Improvement and Mechanical Optimization

This study explores the development of an improved pervious concrete through the incorporation of various agro-industrial waste materials. The primary focus was on identifying suitable waste materials that could enhance both the physico-mechanical properties and water quality improvement capabilities of pervious concrete. Mix designs were formulated, replacing 25% of the standard pervious concrete with selected waste materials, including ceramic, charcoal, and rubber. Comprehensive testing revealed that the inclusion of these materials resulted in significant variations in performance. Ceramic and charcoal emerged as the most effective materials for enhancing water quality, with charcoal showing the best results. However, the incorporation of industrial waste materials led to a 30-40% reduction in compressive strength and a 5-6% decrease in permeability. Despite this, chemically treated rubber waste showed a 20-25% improvement in performance compared to conventional pervious concrete. The findings suggest that while there are trade-offs in mechanical strength, the use of certain waste materials, particularly charcoal, can substantially improve the environmental performance of pervious concrete, making it a viable option for sustainable construction practices.