Assessing the phenomenon of clogging of pervious concrete (Pc): Experimental test and model proposition

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering 2020-05, Vol.29, p.101203, Article 101203
• Main Authors: Sandoval, Gersson F.B., Galobardes, Isaac, Campos, André, Toralles, Berenice.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clogging; Permeability; Pervious concrete; Porosity; Sediments concentration; Service life
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101203

During rainfall, different types of sediments are transported (organic and inorganic) that end up prejudicing the hydraulic efficiency of materials such as pervious concrete (PC). Sediments tend to accumulate on the surface of the material and its internal pore structure causing a decrease in permeability. This phenomenon is known as clogging. This study aims to identify and characterize the phenomenon of clogging of PC considering laboratory and field conditions. In that sense, a PC mix and three types of sediment (sand (S), clay (C), and mixture of both (S + C)) were considered. Two types of permeability tests were adapted to induce the clogging and estimate the permeability reduction: the constant head test (laboratory), and the ASTM C1701 (field). Finally, different rates of clogging (low, medium and high) were considered. Considering the type of sediments, the finer they are the higher is the influence on the clogging phenomenon, reaching maximum permeability reductions greater than 95%. Considering the rate of clogging, the results show that low rate entails higher clogging. On the other hand, an analytical model to describe the clogging was proposed. This predicts efficiently the reduction of permeability considering the type and concentration of sediment. This model was proposed with experimental data obtained and validated with results from other investigations. The model aims to be used for engineers to design PC considering their life span and maintenance. •It was possible to adapt tow test to evaluate the clogging in the PC.•Fine decreases permeability in the pervious concrete, because they are cohesive soils and are subject to van der waals forces.•When the sediment reaches the PC in a gradual form (low clogging rate), the permeability reduction is greater, than when it arrives instantaneously (high rate).•The proposed model will allow to foresee the useful life of the PC in function of the permeability degradation, as well as to establish at what moment a cleaning methodology should be executed to maintain the perious material.•The clogging model will help the decrease in permeability with a lot of reliability, since by determining the coefficient c the sedimentation potential of the sediment is known.