Study of the efficiency of permeable floors: analysis of permeability and mechanical properties

Abstract

In recent times, cities have experienced rapid growth that often occurs without proper planning, resulting in improper land occupation and causing several socio-environmental problems, including floods. Technologies have been developed to minimize these impacts due to soil waterproofing, as is the case with the permeable concrete pavement, which presents a solution to help urban drainage systems. It becomes necessary to check the efficiency of this material based on studies on its physical characteristics and conditions of application. In Brazil, although there is already a standard that specifies the characteristics required for the use of permeable concrete, there is still no in-depth study on the dosage of materials that makes the concrete pieces meet the requirements. Therefore, the following proposal aimed to test different recipe for the manufacture of permeable concrete and verify their characteristics in relation to the mechanical resistance and permeability. Control variables were established: 2 variations of coarse aggregate (mixture between sizes 9.5mm and 19mm, and only 19mm), and 3 variations of fine aggregate percentage (0%, 5% and 10%). To carry out the study, cylindrical and prismatic samples were made, which were tested according to specific NBRs. From the results obtained, it was found that the line with the best mechanical resistance was line 1, molded with the mixture between gravel 0 and 1, and presenting only 5% of the fine aggregate calculated in its composition; however, even obtaining the best results, the minimum value of axial compression resistance has not been reached. Traces 1 and 3 (both with sand in the trace) were the most suitable for use on urban sidewalks, indoor floors, squares, uncovered sports courts, bike lanes and even light vehicle parking due to good permeability, but they have not been yet considered suitable for use in flooring released for vehicular traffic.