Firgure: Applied Research Development Building, Northern Aarizona University.
Abstract
This project presents the investigation of pervious concrete mixtures using two aggregate sources from Plant A and Plant B in northern Arizona. According to a statistical data, northern Arizona has been recorded with a mean annual frequency of 250 freeze-thaw cycles. The daily temperature variations have been significant and become a severe issue on the performance of pervious concrete pavements. A parking lot project near by the Applied Research Development (ARD) building made of pervious concrete materials was first built at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 2007 but it failed three years after completion. Even though numerous research have been made on the pervious concrete production and performance, due to the unique climate condition in northern Arizona, a research is needed to develop pervious concrete mix designs for the climate in the region.
Objectives:
1. To develop pervious concrete mix design that can better sustain cold temperatures and high frequency of freeze-thaw cycles.
2. To produce pervious concrete mixtures with promising strength (3000 psi or greater) as well as proper voids (15%-25%)
3. To evaluate the strength of aggregate from local areas (Prescott, Camp Verde, Flagstaff, etc.) to be used in the mixtures
Future Plans:
•Freeze-thaw cycle test will keep running until samples have 15% mass lost or 300 cycles are reached, the shrinkage and mass lost will be measured at the end of 32, 55, 100, 150, 200, 250 cycles.
•The effect of adding Silica-fume to the pervious concrete on the compressive strength, void ratio, and freeze-thaw resistance will be investigated.
•A parking lot project at the NAU campus will be paved with pervious concrete based on our recommended mix design formula. Field tests will be conducted.
Technical Advisor/Client:
Chun-Hsing Ho, Ph.D., P.E.
10 Dept. of Civil Engineering, Construction Management & Environmental Engineering
Northern Arizona University
PO Box 15600, Flagstaff AZ 86011
(928) 523-5307
Email: chun-hsing.ho@nau.edu