Performance comparison of laboratory and field produced pervious concrete mixtures

Portland cement pervious concrete (PCPC) is an environmentally friendly paving material that has been increasingly used in parking lots as well as low volume and low speed pavements. Although specifications are available for the mix design and construction of pervious concrete, there still remains a need for laboratory tests to ensure the anticipated performance of laboratory designed pervious concrete. In this study, the performance of laboratory and field produced pervious concrete mixtures as well as field cores were evaluated and compared through laboratory performance tests, including air voids, permeability, compressive and split tensile strengths, as well as Cantabro and freeze–thaw durability tests. Two types of coarse aggregate, limestone and granite, with two gradings, No. 8 and No. 89 specified in ASTM C33, were used to produce the mixtures. Latex, air-entraining admixture (AEA), and high range water reducer (HRWR) were also added to improve the overall performance of pervious concrete. The results indicated that the mixtures made with limestone and latex had lower porosity and permeability, as well as higher strength and abrasion resistance than other mixtures. Even for pervious concrete, the addition of AEA could still help to improve the freeze–thaw resistance. The comparison between laboratory and field mixtures showed that a properly designed and laboratory verified pervious concrete mixture could meet the requirements of permeability, strength, and durability performance in the field.

► Multiple laboratory performance tests were employed in the study.
► A new durability test, the Cantabro test, was included in the testing.
► Laboratory mixes, field mixes, and field cores were compared.
► Findings from this study can provide guidance for pervious concrete projects.