Effect of Aggregate Sizes and Polypropylene Fibers on the Mechanical Properties of Permeable Concrete

Abstract

Permeable concrete offers an innovative and practical solution to various environmental challenges, promoting sustainable and eco friendly development. This porous concrete played a crucial role in replenishing groundwater and reducing storm water runoff. However, permeable concrete was found to have lower compressive and flexural strengths compared to conventional concrete, as shown by variations in comparable experiments. This research aimed to investigate the impact of polypropylene fibers on the flexural and split tensile strengths of permeable concrete. In this study, compressive strength, flexural strength, split tensile strength, and permeability were assessed in permeable concrete reinforced with polypropylene fibers. The fibers were added in varying percentages
specifically 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% by weight of cement. The mix design followed the ACI 522R 10 method. A total of 60 cylinders were prepared for compressive strength and split tensile strength tests, and 60 beams were produced for flexural strength tests according to ASTM C78. Porosity, permeability, and compressive strength tests were conducted on the same samples. The results indicated that the addition of polypropylene fibers significantly improved the structural and mechanical strengths of permeable concrete. The highest values for compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength were obtained at the optimal fiber content of 0.75%, with increases of 11.97%, 113%, and 124%, respectively. However, the permeability decreased by up to 18.66%.