Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures: January 2009
Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures: January 2009
net/publication/237654465
CITATIONS READS
3 4,348
3 authors:
Kejin Wang
Iowa State University
173 PUBLICATIONS 2,609 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:
All content following this page was uploaded by John T. Kevern on 23 October 2017.
Design of Pervious
Concrete Mixtures Version 3.0
ABSTRACT
While Portland Cement Pervious Concrete (PCPC) is comprised of the same components
as traditional concrete, its idiosyncrasies have forced the mixture proportioning to
develop as an artform instead of a clear set of procedures. Although an unlimited
number of variations on pervious concrete mixture proportions can exist, this document
outlines a series of proven procedures to produce pervious concrete for a wide-variety
of applications.
The design procedures are developed based on research performed by the collective
pervious concrete community in the United States, and from across the world. The most
common design are for parking areas and are aided by the included computer program,
which optimizes mixtures for local materials. Later chapters include a discussion of
quality control and test methods for both fresh and hardened concrete samples as well
as test placement procedures. Field experience and troubleshooting sections are
included to aid identifying potential mixture related issues and contains remediation
methods.
ii Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
ISBN
Published by NPCPA
Printed in USA
iii
FORWARD
Pervious concrete is currently more of an artform than a science when applied in the
field and the artform has developed differently across the country. Opportunities at
Iowa State and around the country have allowed me to experiment with a vast number
(over 1,000 at the time of publication) of mixture designs to better understand pervious
concrete. Throughout my Master’s and Ph.D. work, my research in PCPC has included
nearly all aspects of pervious concrete including mixture proportioning, freeze-thaw
testing, field placement, new test method development, stormwater management, and
speaking across the country.
JOHN T. KEVERN
iv Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The development of the following procedure could not have been made possible
without the contributions and assistance of a great number of individuals and industry
members. The authors would like to thank the National Concrete Pavement Technology
Center (CP Tech Center) and Iowa State University. Support and interest in pervious
concrete has been provided by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Associations
(NRMCA), Portland Cement Association (PCA), Iowa Concrete Paving and Ready Mixed
Concrete Associations, the Minnesota Aggregate and Ready Mixed Association (ARM),
the Nebraska Concrete and Aggregate Association, the Ohio Ready Mixed Concrete
Association, Indiana Ready Mixed Concrete Association, along with many others.
Lastly, some of the most important advances have occurred thanks to the collaborations
and discussions by the pervious concrete community brought together by the ACI 522,
ASTM C09.49 committees, and NRMCA Concrete Technology Forums.
v
vi Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
Table of Contents
ABSTRACT i
FORWARD iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv
List of Figures viii
List of Tables viii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
Principles of the Mixture Proportioning Procedure 2
Goals and Objectives 3
Organization of this report 3
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH 5
General Material Relationships 5
Aggregate Gradation 6
Cementitious Composition 7
Water-to-Cement 8
Considerations for Mixture Determination 8
CHAPTER 3: MIXTURE PROPORTIONING 10
Step 1 – Input the Aggregate and Cementitious Material Properties 11
Step 2 – Optimize the Aggregate Gradation 12
Step 3 – Input the Desired Mixture Properties 14
Step 4 – Output 15
CHAPTER 4: TEST PLACEMENT PROCESS 18
Step 1 – Placement Construction 18
Step 2 – Fresh Property Verification 18
Step 3 – Hardened Compaction Density Relationship Development 19
Step 4 – Surface Infiltration Verification 19
Step 5 – Hardened Property Verification 19
Step 6 – Mixture Proportion Iteration 19
CHAPTER 5: VALIDATION OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES 20
Determining the Compaction Density Relationships 21
Fresh Concrete Tests 22
CHAPTER 6: OBSERVATIONS AND FIELD EXPERIENCES 28
vii
List of Figures
List of Tables
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
This design procedure is meant as more than just a starting point for mixture
proportioning. However, test mixtures should be placed to further customize
concrete mixtures to differences between concrete plants, trucks, admixture
combinations, and placement techniques. Small batches allow experimentation
of new mixture combinations and placement techniques without fear of a large,
expensive failure.
The combined aggregate gradation must have enough initial voids to ensure a
proper degree of permeability after a cementitious paste coats and joins the
particles.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 3
Angular aggregate has more surface area than equally-sized round aggregate
particles. In order to produce similar cementitious paste coatings and load
transfer, angular mixtures require more cementitious material. The only
exception being when very small aggregates are used, the proximity of the
aggregate particles increases paste bridging and allows lower paste/mortar
contents.
Sand and fibers significantly improve the strength and durability of pervious
concrete and are highly recommended.
Admixtures are required and general dosage rates are suggested. Due to the
wide variety of available products, tests placements should be used to
determine the exact dosages and interactions of locally available products.
The goal of this report is to provide more than just a “starting point” to begin mixture
proportioning. The level of mixture proportioning depends upon application needs.
Integral to the proposed procedures is the accompanying computer program which
optimizes mixture proportions. The resulting mixture proportions can be used verbatim
with success or iterated for better performance using local conditions and experiences.
This document is organized into seven chapters. The research findings in Chapter 2 are
meant to support the design decisions in subsequent sections but only contain a brief
summary of the available information. More comprehensive information can be
obtained through reports, papers, and thesis listed in the selected reference section.
4 Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
The methods of mixture proportioning are divided into three levels. The mixture
proportioning procedure is presented in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 presents information to
aid determining engineering properties to aid with specification writing and testing.
Chapter 5 discusses using a test placement process to further refine the mixture.
Chapter 6 includes notes and observations from a variety of field projects and a
retrospective the placements. Chapter 7 includes troubleshooting tables to help
identify potential problems and remediation techniques.
5
Aggregate Gradation
Shorter fibrillated, micro-type, or cellulose fibers (<1.5 in.) have been shown
more effective in PCPC than longer fibers (>2 in.).
Cementitious Composition
Water-to-Cement
9. Fly ash improves workability and compactibility while slag causes a slight
increase in required compaction energy.
The following mixture determination is appropriate for any area that may
experience occasional truck traffic including routine winter maintenance with a
snow plow. These mixtures generally will have relatively high initial cementitious
contents for reliability. Mixtures may be further optimized following the techniques
discussed in Chapter 5.
P Porosity 15%-25%
B Binder 0.18-0.24
FA ~7%
A
CA
Under the Aggregate Properties and Other Materials Properties sections of the
“Material Inputs” tab, enter the aggregate type, absorption, and moisture content
along with the specific gravities of the mixture components. For freeze-thaw
climates the aggregate specific gravity must be greater than 2.5 with absorption less
12 Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
than 2.5%. Figure 2 shows an input for a round aggregate at SSD condition. Up to
two additional cementitious components can be blended with the cement fraction.
Most coarse aggregate gradations will require additional fine aggregate to meet the
gradation specification. Figure 3 and Table 1 provide the combined aggregate
gradations for pervious concrete. Beyond the upper gradation limit the mixture is
too rocky for manual placement techniques and the surface too open for a smooth
texture. The lower gradation limit represents an area below which low to zero
permeability becomes probable.
CHAPTER 3: MIXTURE PROPORTIONING 13
90
80
Lower Gradation
Percent Passing (%)
70
Limit Upper Gradation
60 Limit
50
40
30
20 Additional Sand
10
0
0.1 1 10 100
Sieve Size (mm)
Input the coarse aggregate and fine aggregate gradations in the “Gradation
Specifications” tab. Optimize the aggregate gradation by adjusting the Fine/Coarse
Aggregate ratio so that the curve representing the aggregate combination is located
at or near the Fine Gradation Limit. Figure 4 demonstrates the gradation
optimization for a 3/8 inch rounded pea gravel aggregate. The original gradation
meets the minimum criteria for pervious concrete but can be further optimized with
5% to 7% sand.
14 Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
In the Mixture Properties portion of the “Material Inputs” tab, input the design void
content, water-to-cement ratio, supplementary cementitious material replacement
rates, and fiber content. The design void content should be around 20% and water-
to-cement around 0.30. Figure 5 shows the Concrete Mixture Properties for a typical
design.
CHAPTER 3: MIXTURE PROPORTIONING 15
Step 4 – Output
The mixture proportions adjusted for aggregate water state are presented in the
“Batch Design” tab. Figure 6 shows an example batch ouput mixture proportions.
The volumetric design unit weight is the theoretical in-place dry unit weight for
specification purposes. The maximum theoretical unit weight is a SSD value for
comparison with ASTM C1688 calculations.
Step 5 – Admixtures
The three recommended admixtures are, air entraining agent, water reducer, and
hydration stabilizer.
2) Hot water should NOT be used with pervious concrete placements. Hot
water speeds up evaporation and since pervious concrete set is retarded by
the hydration stabilizer, there is no need for hot water.
Before placement commences the mixture proportions should be verified and in-
place density estimated. First check inverse slump as described in Chapter 5. Then
determine the ASTM C1688 unit weight (ASTM 2008). This value will be used in
future mixture submittals. Finally, estimate the in-place density as describe in
Chapter 5.
CHAPTER 4: TEST PLACEMENT PROCESS 19
Once the fresh properties are determined, produce samples for hardened testing as
described in Chapter 5.
After the concrete has sufficiently set, usually 1-day, infiltration testing can be
performed. Test the infiltration rate according to ASTM C1701 (ASTM 2009).
If an infiltration rate is not required in the contract documents use 500
Low in-place density is in./hr as a goal value. Research has shown good resistance to clogging when
often a result of mixtures achieve 500 in./hr or greater infiltration rate (Kevern 2011).
inadequate mixture
Step 5 – Hardened Property Verification
use. Poor workability
and density can result After the concrete has hardened enough for coring to produce a competent
from too low of sample, hardened verification may take place. Remove several core samples
admixture dosage or and trim the top and bottom to create a known volume. Compare the
loss of admixture pot hardened unit weight from the core to the previously developed
life from overworking. compaction density relationship.
Increasing the paste
content to achieve Step 6 – Mixture Proportion Iteration
proper density should
not be a substitution Results from infiltration, voids, and strength (if tested) are now used to
for correct admixture develop the next mixture iteration.
dosage
If the infiltration rate was too high the density is probably too low. If the
density is too low the strength and durability will not be acceptable.
Assuming the mixture flowed through the inverse slump cone and was
workable and the placement method is not changed, density should be increased by
increasing the paste content. Increase the paste content in increments of 25 pcy
until the desired infiltration rate and density are achieved. Test and record ASTM
C1688 values at each iteration.
If the infiltration rate was too low, the density is probably too high. If the density is
too high the durability will be good, but the pavement will tend to clog easily.
Decrease the paste content in increments of 25 pcy until the desired infiltration and
density are achieved.
Once the desired infiltration and density are achieved adjust the batch proportions
for correct yield. Use the actually measured ASTM C1688 unit weights for the
submittals.
20 Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
This chapter provides some general discussion of quality control for pervious
concrete. The ACI 522 pervious concrete committee, the ASTM C09.49 pervious
concrete committee, and the NRMCA pervious concrete certification process are
working in conjunction to produce standardized construction and testing
documents. At the time of printing, the ACI 522 pervious concrete committee has
released “Specification for Pervious Concrete Pavement” (ACI 2010) and a revised
522R pervious concrete document was published in 2010. The ASTM C09.49
committee currently has standards for field permeability and fresh concrete density
(unit weight) and yield with additional provisional specifications under
development. The NRMCA has a revised pervious concrete contractor specification
certification documentation that reflects the current body of knowledge and new
advancements in pervious concrete construction. This document focuses primarily
on mixture proportioning, but a concrete mixture is only as good as the quality
control and verification of the required properties. An example of where this
procedure was successfully implemented can be found in the article published
March 2010 in Concrete International “Hitting the Targets: A Case Study of a
Pervious Concrete Quality Assurance Program” (Kevern and Montgomery 2010).
CHAPTER 5: VALIDATION OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES 21
- Low Compaction Level: Fill the samples with fresh concrete and strike off
without compacting the surface. Be sure to protect the samples from any
movement as this represents the lowest achievable unit weight for the
mixture, any vibration will cause unwanted densification.
- Medium Compaction Level: Place the samples in two equal lifts, dropping
the cylinders 1 inch onto a flat surface, five times. The ASTM C29 jigging
procedure is difficult to consistently perform on small cylinders.
- High Compaction Level: Place the samples in three equal lifts, dropping
them ten times per lift.
130
125
Design Unit Weight = 120 pcf)
120
Fresh Density (pcf)
115
110
105
100
4. Plot the data values versus the voids such as, compressive strength, flexural
strength, fresh unit weight, hardened unit weight, or permeability versus voids.
The two most common methods of compacting and finishing pervious concrete are
shown in Figure 8. Where, (a) concrete is rough finished level with a riser strip
placed on the forms then compacted to the final density and (b) concrete is finished
and compacted with a roller-screed. In either method the degree of compaction in
only about one additional inch of material which produces a 25% compaction factor
for a 4-inch section, 17% for a 6-inch section, and 13% for an 8-inch section. This
allows a good estimation of the final in-place density from the consistency as
determined by the unit weight.
CHAPTER 5: VALIDATION OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES 23
(a)
(b)
First, when the truck arrives at the site the workability must be checked and
adjusted if needed. On-site workability of pervious concrete is determined by the
inverse slump flow test. The flow behavior of pervious concrete through a slump
cone closely reproduces the discharge ability from the concrete truck.
1. Fill an inverted slump cone with fresh concrete (do not to rod or compact)
to roughly level with the top surface (Figure 9).
2. With one even motion, lift the slump cone to approximately knee level. If
required, lightly tap the cone to initiate flow (Figure 10).
24 Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
3. If concrete flows from the cone then it will discharge easily from the truck
chute (Figure 11a). If the material sticks in the cone and requires substantial
energy (vigorous shaking) to free the concrete, then the concrete is too stiff,
will be difficult to discharge, have high porosity, low strength, and high
raveling potential (Figure 11b).
CHAPTER 5: VALIDATION OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES 25
Concrete that does not flow through the cone indicates loss of admixture
effectiveness and remediation can be performed by adding approximately 50% of
the original dosage of either water reducer or hydration stabilizer to the truck on-
site in addition to an additional ½ gallon of water per cubic yard of concrete.
Workability of subsequent batches should be modified by adding additional water at
the concrete plant, adding the water reducer on-site and mixing for three minutes
to ensure complete dispersion, or increasing the hydration stabilizer dosage by 50%.
1. Fill a unit weight container (commonly the 0.25 cf bottom portion of an air
pressure meter) with concrete in roughly two lifts. Evenly distribute the
concrete in the container but do not compact or consolidation. Strike off
even with the container surface.
3. Estimate the in-situ density by multiplying the concrete unit weight by the
appropriate compaction factor provided in
4. Table 2.
26 Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
125
120
118.5 pcf
115
Unit Weight (pcf)
110
105
100
20% voids
95
90
10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Pervious Concrete Voids (%)
2,500
1,000
20% Voids
500
0
10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Pervious Concrete Voids (%)
As with many new technologies a vast amount of knowledge is gained from the
success but often more is gained when projects are not completely successful. This
chapter includes a series of observations of situations where at the time some
aspect of the placement was not perfect. Often the specifics of the mixture
proportions or the error are not made known until much later. Included are
descriptions of the sites, mixture proportions, observations, and in hindsight,
methods to employ in future placements to remediate the situation.
CHAPTER 6: OBSERVATIONS AND FIELD EXPERIENCES 29
Mixture: Rounded pea gravel with sand, 0.22 w/c, water reducer, air entrainment,
and warm water.
Observations: Upon arriving, the concrete was warm, dry balls of material. Water
was added to bring the mixture to w/c = 0.29 with no improvement in workability.
An additional 15 gallons of water were added to remediate workability without
success. Other than showing the contractors what pervious concrete should not
look like, the placement was a failure.
Hindsight: The combination of too low w/c, warm water, and no hydration stabilizer
caused early hydration.
Remediation: None; add enough water to allow the material to properly discharge
from the mixer.
30 Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
Mixture: Rounded-river gravel with sand and fibers, fly ash, 0.29 w/c, water reducer,
hydration stabilizer, and air entrainment.
Observations: Concrete provided for a test placement a week prior was perfect.
Concrete on the day of placement was much stiffer. Placement occurred during the
fall and temperature had dropped between the test pour and actual placement.
Remediation: Do not use warm water; increase hydration stabilizer dosage; or dose
water reducer at the site.
CHAPTER 6: OBSERVATIONS AND FIELD EXPERIENCES 31
Background Information: Placement was a short haul situation from plant to site.
Hindsight: Aggregate moisture was checked once at the beginning of the placement,
but changed throughout the day.
Main Issue: Workability much improved between first and second placement.
Background Information: Placement was a long haul situation (~45 minutes) and the
truck was not able to back on grade. Site geometry required two strips placed 7-
days apart. Observations: During initial placement the concrete did not flow down
the chute and required several workers to assist discharge. Two inches of rain fell
between the two placements. Workability of the concrete during the second
placement was perfect, it flowed from the chute and was easy to finish.
Hindsight: Aggregate moisture was only estimated for the first placement.
Main Issue: Discharge rate was slow and the sticky mixture required several re-
temperings per load.
Mixture: Rounded river gravel with water reducer, air entrainment, and hydration
stabilizer.
Background Information: Three concrete trucks were batched and sent to the site at
once. Concrete plant was using hot water. It was the first pervious placement for
the contractor.
Observations: Workability was poor when the concrete arrived and required water
addition. Contractor’s inexperience coupled with the stiff mixture resulted in 30
minutes to place 8 cubic yards of concrete. Concrete in the third truck was 90
minutes old when placed and did not respond to water addition. Contractor had
been told pervious was supposed to be stiff and accepted the over-mixed concrete.
Hindsight: Hot water made the mixture too sticky. The first truck should have been
verified before batching additional concrete. Contractor should have rejected the
third truck.
Remediation: Do not use hot water; increase hydration stabilizer dosage; or add
additional water reducer at the site.
34 Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
Mixture: Rounded river gravel with fly ash, low quality (cheap) water reducer, and
some hydration stabilizer.
Background Information: Location was highly visible and was first pervious concrete
placement for producer and contractor. Test placement was scheduled as the first
concrete truck of the actual placement.
Observations: Additional water reducer was added at the site. Mixture was difficult
to compact and did not respond to additional water. Producer was not willing to
adjust the mixture when asked by the contractor.
Hindsight: Design mixture proportions only half followed. Aggregate type was
changed. Producer did not add hydration stabilizer and was using hot water. The
test pour should not have been part of the actual placement.
Remediation: Use hydration stabilizer, use a more durable water reducer, follow the
mixture proportions, and take pride in the quality of concrete produced.
CHAPTER 6: OBSERVATIONS AND FIELD EXPERIENCES 35
Main Issue: Mixture was very dry and had severe next day raveling.
Hindsight: Free aggregate moisture in the bin was lost on the transport belt.
Combination of slag and hydration stabilizer delayed set time.
4. Sticky Mixture
Potential Cause(s) Actions to Consider
Changes in water content Check aggregate moisture contents and absorption.
Make sure batch plant water is adjusted for actual
aggregate moisture content.
Make sure excessive free moisture is not lost between
the aggregate stockpile and batching location.
Add up to 1/2 gallon of water per yard of concrete and
mix for three minutes.
Mixture proportions Check that batched materials followed the prescribed
proportions.
Admixture dosages Check delivery ticket for correct admixtures and
dosages.
Increase water reducer dosage at plant
Add water reducer at the job site.
Admixture effectiveness Use a water reducer with a longer working time
Add additional water reducer at the job site.
Haul Time Increase w/c to higher end of allowable limit.
Increase hydration stabilizer dosage at the plant.
Add water reducer at the job site.
Ambient temperature Check that batch plant is not using warm/hot water.
CHAPTER 7: TROUBLE SHOOTING AND PREVENTION 39
7. Surface Closes
Potential Cause(s) Actions to Consider
Too much water Check aggregate moisture contents and absorption
Make sure batch plant water is adjusted for actual
aggregate moisture content.
Mixture proportions Check that batched materials followed the prescribed
proportions.
40 Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
APPENDIX
Selected References
American Concrete Institute (ACI) Pervious Concrete (2010). “522-R10: ACI 522
Committee Report,” Farmington Hills, MI: ACI.
American Concrete Institute (ACI) Specification for Pervious Concrete Pavement, ACI
522.1-11, Farmington Hills, MI: ACI, 2011.
ASTM C1688. (2008). “Standard Test Method for Density and Void Content of
Freshly Mixed Pervious Concrete,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards 4(2), West
Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
ASTM C-1701 (2009). “Standard Test Method for Infiltration Rate of In Place
Pervious Concrete,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards 4(2), West Conshohocken, PA:
ASTM International.
Bax, N., van Duerzen, A., Molenaar, A. New Technique for Rapid Construction and
Rehabilitation of Concrete Pavements, Proceedings of the International Conference
on Optimizing Paving Concrete Mixtures and Accelerated Concrete Pavement
Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Atlanta,
GA, pp. 283-293, 2007.
Beeldens, A,. Van Gemert, D., and Caestecker, C. Porous Concrete: Laboratory
Versus Field Experience. Proceedings 9th International Symposium on Concrete
Roads, Istanbul, Turkey, 2003.
Beeldens, A. Behavior of Porous PCC Under Freeze-Thaw Cycling. Paper presented at
the Tenth International Congress on Polymers in Concrete, Honolulu, 2001.
Crouch, L., Smith, N., Walker, A., Dunn, T., and Sparkman, A. (2006) “Pervious PCC
Compressive Strength in the Laboratory and the Field: The Effects of Aggregate
Properties and Compactive Effort,” CD-ROM. Proceedings of the 2006 NRMCA
Concrete Technology Forum – Focus on Pervious Concrete, Nashville, TN, 2006.
Delatte, N., Miller, D., and Mrkajic, M. “Portland Cement Pervious Concrete: Field
Performance Investigation on Parking Lot and Roadway Pavements.” Final Report of
the RMC Research and Education Foundation, Silver Springs, MD, 2007.
http://www.rmc-
foundation.org/newsite/images/Long%20Term%20Field%20Performance%20of%20
Pervious%20Final%20Report.pdf
42 Design of Pervious Concrete Mixtures
Kevern, J.T. Mix Design Determination for Freeze-thaw Resistant Portland Cement
Pervious Concrete, Master’s Thesis, Ames, IA: Iowa State University, 2006.
Kevern, J. T., Wang, K., Suleiman, M. T., and Schaefer, V. R. “Pervious Concrete
Construction: Methods and Quality Control.” CD-ROM. Proceedings of the 2006
NRMCA Concrete Technology Forum – Focus on Pervious Concrete, Nashville, TN,
2006.
Kevern, J.T., Schaefer, V.R., Wang, K., and Suleiman, M.T. “Pervious Concrete
Mixture Proportions for Improved Freeze-Thaw Durability,” J. ASTM Int. Vol. 5,
No. 2. 2008. (a)
Kevern, J.T. and Montgomery, J. “Hitting the Targets: A Case Study of a Pervious
Concrete Quality Assurance Program,” ACI Concrete International magazine, March
2010.
Kevern, J.T. Wang, K., and Schaefer, V.R. “The Effect of Aggregate Type on the
Freeze-Thaw Durability of Pervious Concrete,” A Report from the Portland Cement
Association Education Foundation, currently under review Feb 2008 (d).
Montes, F., Valavala, S., and Haselbach, L.M. (2005). “A New Test Method for
Porosity Measurements of Portland Cement Pervious Concrete,” Journal of ASTM
International, V.2, No. 1, pp.13.
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA). (2005) “Text Reference for
Pervious Concrete Contractor Certification.” NRMCA Publication #2PPCRT, Silver
Springs, MD.
APPENDIX 43
Olek, J., W.J. Weiss, N. Neithalath, A. Marolf, E. Sell, and W.D. Thornton.
Development of Quiet and Durable Porous Portland Cement Concrete Paving
Materials. Final Report SQDH 2003-5. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. 2003.
Schaefer, V.R., Wang, K., Sulieman, M.T., and Kevern, J. Mix Design Development for
Pervious Concrete in Cold Weather Climates. A Report from the National Concrete
Pavement Technology Center (CP Tech Center), Ames, IA: Iowa State University,
2006. http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/reports/mix_design_pervious.pdf
Suleiman, M. T., Kevern, J. T., Schaefer, V. R., and Wang, K. “Effect of Compaction
Energy on Pervious Concrete Properties.” Proceedings of the 2006 NRMCA Concrete
Technology Forum – Focus on Pervious Concrete, Nashville, TN, CD-ROM. 2006.
Tamai, M., and Yoshida, M. (2003) Durability of Porous Concrete. Paper presented
at the Sixth International Conference on Durability of Concrete, Thessaloniki,
Greece, 2003.
Taylor, P.C., Kosmatka, S.H., Voigt, J.F., et al. “Integrated Materials and Construction
Practices for Concrete Pavement: A State-of-the-Practice Manual.” A Report from
the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center and Federal Highway
Administration, Ames, IA: Iowa State University, 2006. [FHWA Publication No. HIF-
07-004] [www.cptechcenter.org/publications/imcp/]
Tennis, P.D., Leming, M.L., and Akers, D.J. “Pervious Concrete Pavements.” EB302,
Portland Cement Association, Skokie, Illinois, and National Ready Mixed Concrete
Association, Silver Spring, Maryland, 2004.
Wang, K., Schaefer, V. R., Kevern, J. T., and Suleiman, M. T. Development of Mix
Proportion for Functional and Durable Pervious Concrete. CD-ROM. Proceedings of
the 2006 NRMCA Concrete Technology Forum – Focus on Pervious Concrete,
Nashville, TN, 2006.
Definitions
Design Void Content (DVC) – Void content at perfect yield for a particular set of
mixture proportions.
Under the Aggregate Properties and Other Materials Properties sections of the
“Material Inputs” tab, enter the aggregate type, absorption, and moisture content
along with the specific gravities of the mixture components. For freeze-thaw
climates the aggregate specific gravity must be greater than 2.5 with absorption less
than 2.5%. Up to two additional cementitious components can be blended with the
cement fraction.
Input the coarse aggregate and fine aggregate gradations in the “Gradation
Specifications” tab. Optimize the aggregate gradation by adjusting the Fine/Coarse
Aggregate ratio so that the curve representing the combined aggregate gradation is
located at or near the Fine Gradation Limit.
In the Mixture Properties portion of the “Material Inputs” tab, input the design void
content, water-to-cement ratio, supplementary cementitious material replacement
rates, and fiber content. The design void content should be around 20% and water-
to-cement around 0.30.
Step 4. Output
The mixture proportions adjusted for aggregate water state are presented in the
“Batch Design” tab. The design unit weight is provided for each mixture for
specification purposes.
The three recommended admixtures are, air entraining agent, water reducer, and
hydration stabilizer.
Notes:
1) If the cementitious content includes 35% or greater blast furnace slag and if
an adjacent pervious placement is scheduled for the next day, reduce the
amount of hydration stabilizer to 6 oz/cwt or reduce the amount of slag.
The combination of blast furnace slag and hydration stabilizer can result in
extended set times.