Mechanical performance of permeable concrete using chemical and mineral admixtures: An experimental study

The use of permeable concrete represents a significant development in sustainable urban infrastructure. The primary characteristic of this material is its porous structure, which is attained by precisely combining coarse aggregates, cement, and water. Implementing permeable surfaces within urban environments enables the adoption of sustainable methods for water man¬agement aimed at mitigating the risks associated with flooding. This study investigated permeable concrete mixtures to determine the optimum aggregate-to-ce¬ment ratio, evaluate the effects associated with variations in aggregate sizes, and consider the impact of a high-range water-reducing admixture and silica fume on concrete strength, permeability, and porosity. Fifteen concrete mixtures were designed, cast, and tested to analyze compressive strength and permea¬bility characteristics. The results are displayed graph-ically and discussed in detail with a focus on optimal concrete mixture to achieve maximum strength while remaining within acceptable limits for permeability. The study demonstrates that future permeable concrete can achieve remarkable strength and permeability characteristics.