Abstract

This study is about the development of a porous concrete with the used of local materials.
There were few studies regarding to this internationally, but those were all costly. The
researchers of this study wants to make a product that is different and economic friendly. The
researchers picked local and low cost materials to prove the product’s effectiveness despite its
low economic value. The Porous concrete allows water to passed through. This is useful
especially to those who lives in flood prone areas. First, mixed 1/4 cup of water, 1 cup
cement and 1 cup river stones in a basin. Second, mixed it properly until the stones become
sticky. Lastly, put it in a close container. The researchers waited for at least 1-2 days before
testing the product's effectiveness. While waiting for the product to dry, it was put in a shady
place, too much sun exposure may affect the stone and cement's capability to stick with each
other. The researchers did two more trials with different measurements. The first trial had lots
of cement and the water did not pass through. The second is a bit dry so it is not strong
enough. The last one had enough strength because the measurement of cement and water were
equal. The speed of water that pass through it is fast. The researchers found out that the
product should be made in a warm environment for better results. The measurement of water
and cement should be equal, and the stones measurement should be far greater than the two to
achieve a durable concrete. Be a keen observer, the mixed materials should not be too dry nor
wet. Mixed it properly and put those in a cement former. The researchers found out that it is
not advisable to place the mixed materials in a close container. The remains of water would
be stuck under, until it hardens with the cement. With that, the water would not pass through.
This study is successful. It is possible to make a porous concrete out of low cost materials.
 Introduction
The Philippines is a tropical country and thus is constantly prone to typhoons and
thunderstorms throughout the year. Heavy rainfalls usually result in major floods which
results to irreplaceable and money costing damages through its havoc.
The researchers developed a previous concrete which may lessen or minimize flood in the
area. The concrete offers enough porosity for water to pass through as it trickles down the
path of the concrete.
The researchers noted that production costs will be significantly higher than normal road
concrete because of the processes to be used in creating the actual base of the concrete.
Although it is not money friendly as of existing commercial concrete, it would significantly
help lessen damage costs in the long run. The populace would be paying for something that
actually helps with their way of life instead of paying taxes that would effectively result in
more complications such as urban flooding because of the normal concrete clogging up
drainage.

Research Methodology

To make the product, the first thing the researchers did was gather the materials to be used.
The main components are river stones, water, cement, and a mixing tray. The correct amount
of water and cement sand is needed so the concrete stays intact and doesn’t fall off. We mix
together the materials in the tray and put in different amounts of water and cement sand to
create a cement paste aggregate used to hold the concrete together. On the first trial, we put a
¼ amount of water and a ½ amount of cement in the mixture and placed it in a close container
resulting to a very hard concrete but no holes to let water pass. The second trial we put two
cup of cement, one half cup water and four cup of stones in the mixture which resulted to
having the paste too dry to hold the stones together. The trial we put 2 cups of water and 1
cup of cement that creates the perfect amount of paste. The last trial was deemed successful as
the concrete stayed together. We let it dry off and tested to see if the porosity of the concrete
worked and it did. The water flowed straight through the concrete. We then concluded the
experiment as a success and tested its strength. It was remarkably strong when it was dropped
with a weight similar to the concrete. But it breaks when it is dropped with a weight more
than the concrete’s own.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Measurements (Cup) 1st try 2nd try 3rd try

RIVER STONES 1 4 6
WATER 1/4 1/2 1
CEMENT 1 2 1
Figure 1: Measurements of the Product

1.1 Results of the Experiment

The above table shows the ratio of the materials used for the
experiment. Not all trials proved successful however. The first trial had
less water and more cement which made the foundation too brittle to hold
itself and the stones kept breaking away from one another because the
cement paste aggregate was not enough. The second trial had more
cement and water but had half as less the water from the first trial which
made the stones too dry to hold itself but the third trial yielded a much
stronger foundation with more stones and the same amount of water and
cement creating the perfect blend of cement paste aggregate. The
concrete was successfully made as the researchers poured water on the
concrete and it flowed smoothly down thereby concluding the study as a
success.

1ST Try 2nd Try 3RD Try

None 
Slow
Moderate 
Fast 
Figure 2: Water Movement

1.1.2 Results of the Experiment

The first try was placed in a closed container that is why it hardened
together with the cement. The water did not passed through. The
movement of water in the second try is moderate because there is more
cement making the holes of concrete smaller. The flow of water in the
last try is fast because there is a same amount of water and cement
making it equal. With regards to the stones, the third try had six cups of
it. The last product had the right amount of measurement making the
study a success.