Field Performance of Pervious Concrete

 

The study, “Portland Cement Pervious Concrete Pavement: Field Performance Investigation on Parking Lot and Roadway Pavements,” was conducted at Cleveland State University over three years. It includes a long-term field performance investigation on the use of pervious concrete, particularly in areas where freeze-thaw conditions are prevalent. Although the use of pervious concrete has increased significantly in southern climates over the last decade, northern locations have not as widely embraced its use due to questions about its performance in cold weather. This new study validates that pervious concrete has performed well in freeze-thaw environments, with little maintenance required. The study is the latest of several final and on-going pervious concrete research projects funded by the RMC Research & Education Foundation.

“The foundation’s board of trustees has funded several pervious concrete projects due to the tremendous opportunities the application offers from an environmental standpoint, including stormwater management. This latest study should provide assurance that it can be successfully placed in cold climates, resulting in safer parking lots and roadways with reduced icy conditions as melting snow runs through the pavement rather than re-freezing on it,” said foundation chairman Dominique Calabrese.

Added foundation executive director Julie Garbini “The recommendations included in this report for placing pervious concrete in freeze-thaw environments will allow designers and concrete producers to use pervious concrete with confidence in areas prone to harsh winter weather.”

The full report may be downloaded form the foundation’s website at www.rmc-foundation.org where information on the foundation’s other pervious concrete, research, and educational projects can also be found. To receive a hard copy of the report, please contact Jennifer LeFevre.