Clogging in permeable concrete: A review

- Permeable concrete exhibits a reduction in permeability over time due to clogging.
- Effectiveness of remediation techniques is limited for particles within the microstructure.
- Potential for clogging is related to tortuosity of connected porosity.
- Permeable concrete with significantly reduced pore tortuosity is required.

Permeable concrete (or “pervious concrete” in North America) is used to reduce local flooding in urban areas and is an important sustainable urban drainage system. However, permeable concrete exhibits reduction in permeability due to clogging by particulates, which severely limits service life. This paper reviews the clogging mechanism and current mitigating strategies in order to inform future research needs. The pore structure of permeable concrete and characteristics of flowing particulates influence clogging, which occurs when particles build-up and block connected porosity. Permeable concrete requires regular maintenance by vacuum sweeping and pressure washing, but the effectiveness and viability of these methods is questionable. The potential for clogging is related to the tortuosity of the connected porosity, with greater tortuosity resulting in increased potential for clogging. Research is required to develop permeable concrete that can be poured on-site, which produces a pore structure with significantly reduced tortuosity.