Assessment of Porous Concrete Properties as a Function of Mix Proportions

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the properties of porous concrete as a function of its mix proportions. Mixtures were designed based on desired cement paste/total aggregate ratio to determine fresh concrete and hardened concrete properties. Twelve mixes were cast and tested. The 12 mixes were divided into 6 groups: Each group comprised two mixes. Concerning, group 1(mixes 1 and 2), the former contained 10 mm aggregate, while the latter included 5mm aggregate. Both mixes had cement paste/aggregate ratio of 0.2 and were sand free. The same is applied for group 2 (mixes 3 and 4) and group 3(mixes 5 and 6). However, groups 2 and 3 had cement paste/aggregate ratios of 0.3 and 0.4 respectively. Group 4 (mixes 7 and 8), group 5 (mixes 9 and 10) and group 6 (mixes 11 and 12) were similar to those of groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, except that the used coarse aggregates was partially replaced with 10 % sand. Tests carried out on fresh concrete were slump, density and compaction index. Tests conducted on hardened concrete were compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexure strength, permeability, as well as flow rate. Results have shown that it is possible to produce porous concrete with acceptable porosity and compressive concrete strength. Key words: Compaction factor Compressive strength Flow rate Porosity Slump INTRODUCTION However, from the construction management point of Porous concrete was developed as an quality management to pavement, mix design and concret