Concrete is the most commonly used material in modern construction. It has remained the ultima ratio for the past decades; however, its imperviousness has brought a lot of environmental hazards, like stormwater runoff, floods, and depletion of groundwater. In the last few years, one interesting solution has been permeable concrete. How do these two concrete types differ? Let’s find out in this blog
What is Permeable Concrete?
This permeable concrete mixture is deliberately designed to let water pass through its surface. In comparison with regular concrete, it holds more coarse aggregates and very few fine particles; hence, it has air voids in its structure. These air voids work as conveyors for water infiltration.
Comparing Permeable to Traditional Concrete
- Water Permeability: Traditional concrete is not permeable and thus there is always a chance of pooling of water on a pavement made with traditional concrete. This, in turn, makes a pavement susceptible to cracks and deterioration. On the other hand, permeable concrete stays more durable as the water flows right through it instead of pooling at the surface, which keeps surface dry and non-slippery.
- Environmental Impact: Another key difference is that while traditional concrete contributes to stormwater runoff and groundwater pollution, permeable concrete reduces stormwater runoff and improves water quality while at the same time replenishing groundwater.
- Strength: In terms of strength, the permeable concrete proves to be as strong as traditional concrete.
- Cost: Due to the use of specialized materials and methods of installation, permeable concrete comes at a higher cost compared to traditional concrete.
- Maintenance: While permeable concrete stays longer, it requires more maintenance, such as regular cleaning, to prevent clogging on the other hand traditional concrete requires lower maintenance.
Advantages of Permeable Concrete
- Improved Stormwater Management: The permeability of this concrete allows water to infiltrate the ground, thereby reducing the volume from stormwater runoff, which minimizes the effects of flooding and erosion.
- Better Water Quality: Water, as it percolates through the concrete, filters out pollutants to improve the quality of water reaching rivers and lakes.
- Groundwater Recharge: Permeable concrete replenishes groundwater aquifers, addressing issues of water scarcity.
- Reduces Urban Heat Island Effect: As permeable concrete permits evaporation of water, it helps in the cooling of urban areas.
- Aesthetic Appeal: It exists in several colors and textures, which gives added advantage in terms of improving the aesthetic value of outdoors.
Challenges and Considerations
Although permeable concrete has numerous advantages, it nevertheless has some limitations. It may not work properly under high traffic or in states that have rough winters. Moreover, the performance of this concrete depends on its maintenance—it has to be taken care of not to be clogged.
Conclusion
The choice between permeable and conventional concrete will have to rest on a combination of factors, including project requirements, budget, and environmental considerations. Permeable concrete is the first choice for stormwater management and environmentally driven applications. Now that you know the differences between both and the benefits of permeable concrete contact Exelmix for permeable concrete solutions and bring the benefits to your construction projects.