1 s2.0 S2352146520304968 Main

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Transportation Research Procedia00 (2019) 000–000
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Transportation Research Procedia 48 (2020) 3678–3695
World Conference on Transport Research – WCTR 2019, Mumbai, 26-30 May 2019
Design of a porous concrete mixture for drainage coverslab in

pedestrian walkways
I.M.H.Pereraa, C.J.Athapaththua, Prof. W.K.Mampearachchia,*
a
Department of civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Abstract
A novel design of a drainage coverslab in pedestrian walking areas has been developed as a composite section of reinforced
concrete and a porous concrete layer. Porous concrete exhibits a reduction in permeability due to clogging by particulates, which
severely limits the functional level of the coverslab. Slabs were tested for sever clogging mechanism in the laboratory. Samples
of new coverslabs with various sizes of aggregates were cast using various compaction methods. Strength was tested using 3
point load test and clogging potential of cover slab was determined by infiltration test (ASTM C1701). Infiltration was tested on
a series of coverslab samples which were clogged with top soil mixture collected from the field, landscape fine compost and silt
clay slurry to simulate worse case clogging in the field. Comparison of surface textures of the porous surface was made based on
sand patch test and proposed clay patch test. This paper focuses on discussing the design of porous concrete layer of coverslab,
construction methods and practical issues related to application and mitigation techniques.
© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.
© 2020 The Authors.Published by Elsevier B.V.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
This is an open
Peer-review access
under article under
responsibility of the
the CC BY-NC-ND
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committee (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
of the World Conference on Transport Research – WCTR 2019
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the World Conference on Transport Research – WCTR 2019
Keywords: porous concrete; coverslab; cloggingpotential; surface texture
1. Introduction
Pedestrian walkways require a minimum width of 1.5m (5ft) for any two people to walk together according to the
Federal Highway Association and Road Development Authority (Sri Lanka) guidelines. Due to the lack of land
available for road improvement in urban areas, the drainage coverslabs are used as pedestrian walkways. These
existing precast concrete coverslabs with a notch in one or both sides are placed in such a way that a void strip is
made when two slab panels are fixed together, through which water is drained. However, these void strips lead to
some issues. For example it is wide enough for a child’s foot to get stuck which can rule it as dangerous. On a
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +94773048865;

E-mail address:wk.mampearachchi@gmail.com
2352-1465© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

2352-1465 © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

10.1016/j.trpro.2020.08.080
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2 I.M..Perera, et.al. / Transportation Research Procedia 00 (2019) 000–000
similar note, there is a high possibility for valuables to fall through or get stuck as well. Further, there is a possibility
of entering surrounding solid waste causing blockage of the drainage. Therefore, these coverslabs are not much
effective and comfortable.
The novel design of a coverslab has been developed as a composite section of reinforced concrete and a porous
concrete layer. This coverslab should facilitate the surface while being capable of bearing vehicle loads during cases
of an emergency parking. Therefore, permeability and strength are the governing factors of this coverslab design.
Porous concrete (also known as pervious concrete, permeable concrete, no fines concrete) is a special type of
concrete with a high porosity that allows water from precipitation and other sources to pass directly through. There
are various benefits of this porous concrete: controlling storm water runoff, restoring groundwater supplies, and
reducing water and soil pollution. Due to the water-permeating, water-draining, and water retaining performances of
the porous concrete, it has been utilized in road pavements, sidewalks, parks, and building exteriors (Bhutta, Tsuruta,
&Mirza, 2012).
The service life of a pervious concrete is severely limited because of the reduction of permeability due to the
clogging of particulates. The service life of pervious concrete is defined as the period until the pervious function of
the pavement drops due to clogging up to a level in which it cannot cope with the design storm and requires
maintenance such as cleaning (Lin, et al., 2016).
The clogging mechanism starts with the particles filling and blocking the voids, allowing the further accumulation
of fines. After drying, the accumulated particles form a hard crust that seals the voids (Kia, et al., 2017). Materials
that cause clogging include sediments such as sand, silt and clay. A number of studies investigated that the
combination of silt clay and sand caused the highest reduction in permeability. Clay causes near ten times more
clogging than sand. The clogging potential is probably highest when the sediment particle size is closer to the pore
size of porous concrete (ACI, 2010). According to Kevern (2015) the combination of soil slurry and compost caused
the greatest clogging effect.
The objective of this research is to measure the effectiveness of porous concrete layer which shall have required
strength for the composite section, minimum clogging potential and better surface texture for smooth mobility of
pedestrians.
2. Literature review
2.1. Porous concrete
Pervious concrete, sometimes referred to as no-fines, gap-graded, permeable, or enhanced porosity concrete, is
an innovative approach to controlling, managing, and treating storm water runoff. When used in pavement
applications, pervious concrete can effectively capture and store storm water runoff, thereby allowing the runoff to
percolate into the ground and recharge groundwater supplies. Pervious concrete contains little or no fine aggregate
(sand) and carefully controlled amounts of water and cementations materials. The paste coats and binds the
aggregate particles together to create a system of highly permeable, interconnected voids that promote the rapid
drainage of water (Kia et al., 2017; ACI 2010). Typically, between 15 and 25 percent voids are achieved in the
hardened concrete, and flow rates for water through the pervious concrete are generally in the range of 2 to 18
gal/min/ft2(81 to 730 L/min/m2), or 192 to 1,724 inch/hr (488 to 4,379 cm/hr) (ACI 2010).
Factors affecting the performance of the porous concrete shall be considered.
2.1.1. Water content

Porosity affects strength but strength itself is a result of bonding. Developing bonds in mixtures with high W/C
ratios is difficult due to the distances between particles. A high W/C ratio means a mixture with a high porosity.
Therefore, a high porosity means weaker bonds which in turn lead to lower strength. Water and its application in
pervious concrete are extremely critical. Since fines are eliminated from pervious concrete, strength relies on the
bond of the cement paste and its interface with the aggregate. As with conventional concrete, too little water results
in no bonding and too much water will settle the paste at the base of the pavement and clog the pores. The correct
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amount of water will maximize the strength without compromising the permeability characteristics of the pervious
concrete.
2.1.2. Cement content and water/cement ratio

High compressive strength can be achieved with increasing the cement content. However, excessive cement
increases the percentage of filled voids and reduces the porosity of the mixture. So, the optimum cement content
depends on aggregate size distribution (ACI, 2010). The optimum w/c ratio is typically between 0.26 and 0.45(Kia
et al., 2017). Ghafoori and Dutta (1995) determined that the optimum w/c ratio was 0.37-0.42 for an
aggregate/cement (a/c) ratio of 4-6. ACI Committee 522 (2010) recommends w/c ratio of 0.26-0.40 to produce good
aggregate coating and pastestability. High cement paste content causes localised clogging because the paste drains
down the permeable concrete, resulting a dense paste-rich lower layer (Kia et al., 2017).
2.1.3. Aggregate type and size

In pervious concrete, the cement paste is limited and the aggregate rely on the contact surfaces or locking of
aggregate for strength. Therefore, harder aggregate, such as granite or quartz, would yield higher compression
strength than a softer aggregate like limestone. Typically, aggregate within the range of 3/8” and 3/4” are used
because of enhanced handling and placement. Larger particle size would result in larger void spaces and would
provide a rougher surface. In permeable concrete, aggregates are single- sized or narrowly graded between 9.5mm
and 19mm (ACI, 2010). Narrow grading and large size produces larger pores and improves permeability. When
producing the porous concrete with small aggregates having a larger total area per unit volume require more cement
paste than larger aggregates (Agar-Ozbek et al., 2013). Blending aggregates of different sizes improves mechanical
properties, but this is not recommended for permeable concrete because it reduces porosity and infiltration rates.
Rounded aggregates such as gravel, produces a lower void content and increases compressive strength. Angular
aggregates tend to be oriented in one plane during compaction, adversely affecting contact area and bonding. Flaky
and elongated aggregate particles are avoided (Kia, et al., 2017).
2.1.4. Compaction
The amount of compaction can have considerable effects on the function of pervious concrete. A higher degree of
compaction that takes place when the concrete is placed will directly lead to a higher level of strength in the
concrete. This is due to the densification of the concrete and the elimination of voids. These are the same voids
necessary for the permeability. Insufficient compaction causes low-strength and surface raveling while over
compaction will reduce the void content resulting of loss of permeability through the concrete and a failure of the
pervious concrete system (Kia, et al., 2017).
2.1.5. Admixture
The properties of fresh and hardened permeable concrete can be improved by using chemical admixtures same as
normal concrete. Workability of the concrete can be improved by adding water reducing admixtures at a low w/c
ratio. The addition of cohesive agent to high performance porous concrete (HPPC) mixture could decrease the total
void ratio and permeability and significantly increase the compressive and flexural strengths (Bhutta, et al., 2012).
The presence of Silica fume did not have an important effect on mechanical properties of porous concrete.
Contribution to the mechanical properties of the porous concrete is slightly lowered (Agar-Ozbek, et al., 2012).
Although the air entraining admixtures exist, there is no reliable method to quantify the entrained air voids in
permeable concrete (ACI, 2010; Kia, et al., 2017)
2.1.6. Relationship among compressive strength, W/C & A/C ratios

Compressive strength of pervious concrete depends on the water cement ratio and the aggregate cement ratio.
(Malhotra,1976) Table1 and Fig.1 illustrate the relationship between compressive strength and time, for various
water/cement ratios and aggregate/cement ratios. The study has also concluded that even the optimum ratios still
would not provide compressive strengths comparable to that of conventional concrete.
Table 1: Relationship between Compressive strength and W/C & A/C Ratios
Aggregate Water cement Age of Test Density Cement Compressive

cement ratio ratio (days) (lb/ft3) (lb/yd3) strength (psi)
(by volume) (by weight)
6 0.38 3 125.8 436 1295
7 125.4 436 1660
28 124.8 436 2080
8 0.41 3 120 326 850
7 119.5 326 1055
28 119.4 326 1365
10 0.45 3 116.7 261 625
7 116.4 261 780
28 116.2 261 1015
Fig.1. compressive strength vs time (Malhotra,1976)
2.1.7. Relationship among compressive strength, W/C, A/C ratios & aggregate size
Meininger(1988) discovered a relationship between 28 day compressive strength and water content while
utilizing aggregate 3/8” in size and an aggregate cement ratio equal to 6. He also studied the relationship between 28
day compressive strength and water cement ratio for various aggregate cement ratios and aggregate sizes as shown
in Table 2 and Table 3. The results of those experiments led Meininger (1988) to deduce an optimum water cement
ratio that would maximize water permeability but not necessarily maximize compressive strength. Then, he studied
the relationship between air content and compressive strength. As expected, an increase in air content decreases the
compressive strength of concrete because the space once occupied by aggregate now contains air thereby reducing
the structural material in the concrete. This result is presented graphically in Fig.2.(Meininger, 1988)
Table 2: Relationship between 28-dsy compressive strength and water content(3/8" coarse aggregate-Agg/cement ratio=6)
Water content 28 Day Compressive Cement Water Aggregate Air permeability
(by weight) strength (psi) (lb/yd3) (lb/yd3) (lb/yd3)
0.51 1350 440 224 2640 22 5
0.47 1370 430 203 2575 23 4
0.43 1500 430 184 2570 25 10
0.39 1400 425 165 2550 27 30
0.35 1250 415 145 2520 29 40
0.31 1010 410 125 2430 32 51
0.27 870 395 106 2370 33 59
Table 3: Relationship between 28 Day Com strength & W/C ratio (Meininger 1988)
Aggregate Aggregate Water Compressive Aggregate Aggregate Water Compressive

cement size cement strength (psi) cement size cement strength
ratio ratio ratio ratio (psi)
10 ¾’’ 0.27 625 6 3/8’’ 0.27 1100
0.35 750 0.31 1250
0.42 800 0.35 1400
0.51 775 0.39 1800
3 ¾’’ 0.25 775 0.43 150
0.33 1150 0.47 1400
0.37 1400 0.51 1700
0.41 1250 4 ¾’’ 0.25 900
0.49 1050 0.33 1950
0.41 2050
0.49 2200
Fig.2.28 day compressive strength vs. W/C Ratio (Meininger, 1988)
2.1.8. Effects of the aggregate cement ratio and compaction energy on compressive strength and permeability
Compressive strength depends on the water cement ratio, the aggregate cement ratio, compaction, and curing.
Table 4 and Figure 3 shows the effects of aggregate cement ratio and compaction energy on compressive strength
and permeability(Ghafoori& Dutta, 1995).
Table 4: Relationship between com .strength & A/C ratio
AC Water Compaction Energy Permeability Strength

Ratio Content (kN-m/m3) (in/min) (psi)
4 0.372 0.013 215 1650
0.033 125 2200
0.066 65 2850
0.099 60 3300
0.132 55 3500
0.165 30 4000
0.198 20 4200
0.264 15 4500
4.5 0.381 0.013 220 1450

0.033 140 2000
0.066 115 2300
0.099 110 2500
0.132 70 2700
0.165 60 3000
0.198 55 3200
0.264 50 3550
5 0.390 0.013 230 1250
0.033 210 1800
0.066 150 2100
0.099 135 2300
0.132 115 2400
0.165 100 2500
0.198 75 2700
0.264 60 3000
6 0.418 0.013 240 1100
0.033 210 1700
0.066 190 2000
0.099 150 2100
0.132 150 2200
0.165 130 2300
0.198 120 2400
0.264 100 2600
Fig.3.28 day compressive strength vs. A/C Ratio(Ghafoori&Dutta, 1995)
2.1.9. Clogging mechanism
Clogging materials include sediments such as sand, silt and clay particles eroded from surrounding areas,
deposited debris in road surfaces, originated from pavement itself due to surface wear or other degradation, and
organic matters from surrounding vegetation (Kia, et al., 2017).A number of studies investigated that the
combination of silt clay and sand caused for the highest reduction of permeability (ACI, 2010).
Coughlin (2012) performed a laboratory test to measure clogging by sand and clay in a saturated pervious
concrete pavement system and the effect of surface cleaning by pressure washing. He made 4 pervious concrete
samples and for each sample, infiltration and head loss were recorded for a series of eight runs. These eight runs
included one without clogging materials, three with increasing amounts of sand, three with increasing amounts of
clay, and one after pressure washing as shown in the Table 5. Results are shown in Figure 5
Table 5: Clogging material added in each run
Run 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 [g] (1) 𝑚𝑚𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 [g] (2) 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 [kg/m2] (3) 𝑚𝑚𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 [kg/m2] (4)
1 0 0 0 0
2 20 0 0.87 0
3 60 0 2.6 0
4 140 0 6.1 0
5 140 2 6.1 0.087
6 140 6 6.1 0.26
7 140 14 6.1 0.61
1 (▪), 2 (□), 3 (●), 4 (○)
Fig.4. (a) measured infiltration rate; (b) Infiltration rate normalized by initial infiltration rate (Coughlin, et al., 2012)
According to (Kevern, 2015), the greatest clogging effect was caused by a combination of soil slurry and
compost. He made 9 porous concrete samples and they were clogged with materials typically located near pervious
concrete installations. First 3 samples were clogged with top soil composed primarily of silt (34% < 0.075mm)
mixed with thick slurry. Next 3 samples were clogged with fine landscaping compost (15% <0.075mm) and final 3
samples were clogged with an equal mixture of the top soil and compost. The solids-to-water ratio by mass for the
soil was fixed at 1:1. The surface dry mass loading rate was 2.30 kg/m 2 for the soil slurry, 1.80 kg/m2 for the
compost, and 1.95 kg/m2 for the combination.
After the slurries were poured on to the surface, samples were then placed outside for 7 days for a seasoning
period. Infiltration was tested once a day for 7 days for simulates wetting and drying effect on the clogged sample.
Infiltration was tested using ASTM C1701 method. Measured infiltration of soil, compost and combination is shown
in Figure 5 (A), Figure 5 B and Figure 5 C respectively.
Fig. 5.Infiltration testing for soil (A); compost (C) ;combination (E)(Kevern, 2015).
Conclusion of the study;

• Compost had lower clogging effect than pure soil, whereas the greatest clogging caused by the combination
of soil and compost.
• A significant infiltration capacity lost was observed even with high initial infiltration and no significant
recovery was observed after cleaning.
• Infiltration can be measured and reported in the field using ASTM C1701 and is suggested as a tool to
assist in the making of decisions about the required maintenance.
3. Methodology
Summary of the methodology is given below;

a) Novel design of the coverslab has been developed as a composite section of reinforced concrete and a porous
concrete layer(Fig.6)
Fig.6: Proposed coverslab design
b) In the cover slab, reinforced concrete with holes is used as the bottom part of the coverslab where the tensile
stresses are induced. The porous concrete layer having a 50mm (2 inch) thickness is used for the compression
part which is the top part of the coverslab. Holes are placed in such a way that those shall not overlap with the
reinforcement. Reinforcements were designed based on SAP2000 analysis of the composite section.
c) The mix proportions of porous concrete were obtained from literature. Table 6 shows the mix proportions used
for the porous concrete layer.
Table 6: Mix proportion data for porous concrete according to literature
Reported range (Kia, et al., 2017): Selected values

Cement 150-700 kg/m 3
340 kg/ m3
Coarse aggregate 1100-2800 kg/m3 1460 kg/m3
Fine aggregate 0-100 kg/m3 0
w/c ratio 0.2-0.5 0.33
Aggregate/cement 2-12 4.3
d) Porous concrete coverslab samples were cast and 3 point load test was initiated for the testing of strength.
e) Four numbers of porous concrete coverslabs with aggregate of various sizes were cast using different types of
compaction methods.
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f) Sand patch test and clay patch test introduced in this study were conducted to estimate the surface texture depth
of the porous concrete layer.
g) Initial infiltration was measured and then samples were clogged by clogging materials. Subsequently, the
clogging effect on infiltration in the sample slabs was compared in order to select the best porous concrete
mixture for drainage coverslab.
4. Experimental investigation
4.1. Casting of reinforced and porous concrete coverslab samples
Reinforced concrete section was casted with grade 25 concrete. This sample includes 9 numbers of holes of 50mm
diameter. Figure 7a shows the formwork casting slab. “L” shaped fixtures in the formwork to separate the reinforced
concrete section and porous concrete section. Figure 7 b shows the reinforced concrete section with drainage holes.
Figure 7c shows the composite section.
(a)
(b) (c)
Fig.7. (a) Formwork; (b) reinforced concrete panel; (c) Novel coverslab sample
4.2 Porous concrete mixture:

Mix proportions for the porous concrete layer are given below. Table 7 shows the grading of course aggregate.
Figure 8 shows the graphical presentation of the gradation of the course aggregate.
• Aggregate cement ratio - 4.3

• W/C ratio - 0.33
• Cement content - 340 kg/m3
• Water content – 112.2 kg/m3
• Aggregate content – 1460 kg/m3
• Coarse Aggregate size ranges from 10mm retained and 20mm passing sieve. No fine aggregates were used.
Table 7: Grading of coarse aggregate
Sieve size Retained mass Cumulative mass % of passing

0 1494 1494 0
10 1320 2814 25
13.2 325 3139 47
14 726 3865 52
16 1130 4995 64
19 354 5349 83
20 649 5998 89
25 0 5998 100
sieve analysis
100
90
80
70
% passing
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26
Sieve sizes
Fig.8. Sieve analysis of coarse aggregate content
3 different types of coverslabs were cast with the same porous concrete mixture;
a) Slab with 9 holes and effective thickness of 150mm

b) Slab with 5 holes and effective thickness of 150mm
c) Slab with 5 holes and effective thickness of 125mm
4.2. Load test
Three point load test was conducted to determine the maximum load carrying capacity of the coverslabs. Load
was applied on a surface area of 275mmx275mm and 30kN proving ring was used to determine the readings. Fig. 9
shows the loading of the slab in three point load test and cracks observed at the failure.
(b)
(a)
(c)
Fig.9. (a) Three point load test ;(b)Smaller cracks appeared first at interface; (c) Larger cracks appeared finally
Readings were taken at the serviceability limit state (Fig.9 b) and the ultimate limit state (Fig.9 c). At the
serviceability limit state, cracks started to generate and further load was applied until crack widths become larger as
shown in Fig.9c. According to the SAP2000 structural analysis, stresses were developed highly at the vertical joint
which the porous and r/f concrete panel connects. In this three point load test, minor cracks had appeared first at the
interface of the porous concrete panel and reinforced concrete panel. Then the major cracks had generated at the
corner bottom and spread to the top of the centre. Maximum load was applied at the ultimate state.
4.3. Preparation of test slab with various texture
Aggregate size and the method of compaction were varied.

Two different sieve ranges of coarse aggregates were used for casting samples;
a) 10mm retaining and 16 mm passing
b) 10mm retaining and 19 mm passing
Two compaction methods were used;

a) Manual compaction by hammering on a board placed on the porous layer (30 and 40 blows on a
500x500 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚2 board)
b) Plate vibrator compaction method (3min).
The thickness of the porous concrete is 50mm and un-compacted height is around 60mm. Area is 500x500𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚2 .
Coverslab samples:
A - Slab with 10-16mm aggregate compacted by manual compaction using hammer for 40 blows. Fig.10(a).
B - Slab with 10-16mm aggregates compacted by plate vibrate compactor for 3min. Fig. 10(b)
C - Slab with 10-19mm aggregates compacted by plate vibrate compactor for 3min. Fig. 10(c)
D - Slab with 10-16mm aggregate compacted by manual compaction using hammer for 30 blows. Fig.10(d)
(a) (b)
(c)
(d)
Fig.10.CastCoverslab (a) Sample A; (b) Sample B; (c) Sample C; (d) Sample D

4.4. Measuring of surface texture
Two testing methods were used to estimate the depth of surface texture.
4.4.1. Sand patch test

The surface texture can be measured by the sand patch test. Before the test, the surface was swept by a soft brush
and kept dry. Then 100ml of dry sand with rounded particles and following grading were taken to a cylinder.
Grading of sand is shown in Table 8.
Table 8: Grading of sand
BS Test sieve(mm) % by Mass passing

0.6 100
0.3 90
0.15 10
Test procedure;
a) Sand was placed into a heap on the test surface.
b) Then the sand was spread over the surface in a circular motion with the use of a disk with its face kept flat, so
that the sand was spread in a circular patch so that the surface depression filled to the level of peaks of
aggregates as in Fig.11
c) The diameter of the sand patch was measured diagonally (at every 45º) and the mean of the 4 measurements was
calculated.
Fig.11. Sand patch test
It was revealed that the standard sand patch test as described is not entirely suitable to measure the surface texture
of this porous concrete surface due to large pore sizes in the porous concrete. Sand infiltrated into the layer. It was
revealed from this study that traditional sand patch test is not suitable for measuring texture of porous concretes.
4.4.2. Proposed clay patch test

As the sand patch test was found to be not accurate for the porous concrete surface due to infiltration of sand
through the voids, a new test was proposed using cohesive material instead of sand to determine the surface texture
depth of porous concrete surface.
Test procedure;
a) 50ml of dry standard kaolin clay was used. Water was added to maintain the moisture near liquid limit (LL).
b) Surface was cleaned and then the clay sample was put on the test surface.
c) Then the clay was spread over the surface by a wooden disk. Some form oil was applied to this disk to avoid
sticking with clay. Spreading was done in a circular motion so that the clay was spread as a circular patch as
shown in Fig.12.
d) The diameter of the clay patch was measured diagonally (at every 45º) and the mean of the 4 measurements was
calculated.
Fig.12. Clay patch test
4.5. Measuring of infiltration with clogging material
There is no standard method for measuring the clogging potential of the porous concrete. Therefore, a new testing
method was developed based on the finding of related literature (Kevern, 2015; Kia, et al., 2017; Coughlin, et al.,
2012). Clogging mixture consisting of top soil was collected from the field, landscaping compost and silt clay.
Test procedure;
a) Clogging materials were collected from the field near the walkways which were having a heavy pedestrian
condition and severe clogging potential.
b) Then the top soil, compost and silt clay were mixed to the proportion of 1:1:0.5 by mass respectively.
c) Then the wet sieve analysis was performed to analyze the clogging sample.
d) Initial infiltration rate of the samples were measured.
Infiltration is performed in the field as per ASTM C1701. A 300mm (12-in.) diameter ring was used to measure the
water flow by the semi constant head technique. The ring was placed on the slab and the bottom edge of the ring
was sealed. Then 5 gallons of water was poured into the ring as indicated in Fig.13. The water was poured at a rate
sufficient to maintain a head between the two marked lines in 10 mm and 15 mm (0.4 in. to 0.6 in.) to simulate the
expected storm water depths. Recording the time for infiltration was commenced as soon as the water impact on the
surface, and stop timing when free water is no longer present on pervious surface. The infiltration rate was
calculated for coverslabs with varying surface textures (mixtures).
Fig.13. Infiltration test

e) The clogging sample was mixed with water to make a slurry. The solids-to-water ratio by mass was fixed at 1:1.
The surface dry mass spread rate was 6.23kg/m 2. The prepared slurry was poured and pressed on the porous
concrete surface to completely fill the surface voids in the porous surface as depicted in Fig.14.
Fig.14. Clogged sample
f) After allowing air drying, the infiltration was tested and samples were then placed outside for 7 days to simulate
a seasoning period.
g) After 7 days, the infiltration was tested one time per day for 7 days to simulate wetting and drying effect on the
clogged samples.
h) After 7 days of testing, samples were washed by high pressure water jet. Then the infiltration was measured at
predetermined intervals again.
5. Results and discussion
5.1. Three point load test
Failure loads at various stages (A, B, and C) is shown in Table 9

Table 9: Three point load test results.
A (kN) B (kN) C (kN)
Type of slab
Smaller cracks Larger cracks Ultimate state
Slab with 9 holes, Thickness = 150mm 161.8 180.2 190.1
A cover slab of 150mm thickness with 5 holes is the better than that with 9 holes. However, considering the test
results there is no significant load bearing capacity difference between a coverslab of 150mm thickness with 5 holes
and 9 holes. Therefore, considering the high flow rate of 9 holes in reinforcement slab, the coverslab of 150mm
thickness with 9 holes will facilitate for better drainage through porous layer.
At serviceability state maximum load is 180kN.

So the applied surface pressure is 180kN/(0.275*0.275) = 2380.2 kN/m2
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48 (2020) 3678–3695 15
Fig.15. AASHTO HL-93 Truck tyre plan
Considering the middle axle load, maximum load applied through single side = 145kN/2
(Figure 15) = 72.5kN
Tyre contact area according AASHTO HL-93 Truck tyre plan = 0.51m*0.25m
= 0.1275m2
Maximum pressure applied on the coverslab = 72.5kN/0.1275m 2
= 568.62kN/m2<2380.2 kN/m2
Therefore, the coverslab combined with reinforced concrete and porous concrete can bear heavy vehicle loads in
case of an emergency parking.
5.2. Sand patch test
Sand patch results of the tested slabs are shown in Table 10.
Table 10: Sand patch test results
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

Sample Diameter of patch (mm) Texture depth = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝ℎ (𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚)
Sample A 136 6.8

Sample B 140 6.5
Sample C 138 6.7
Sample D 133 7.2
According to the test results, sample B has a better surface than the other test slab samples. Further, sample D has
the highest texture depth compared to the rest. Therefore, sample D is not considered for further investigation of the
texture as it has poor surface texture which would provide less comfort for pedestrians. However, there is no
significant difference between texture depths due to infiltration of sand into the porous pavement. Therefore as
proposed cohesive material is more suitable for this test instead of sand.
5.3. Clay patch test
Texture depth of the A, B, and C samples were tested using the proposed clay patch test. Clay patch test results are
shown in Table 11.
Table 11: Clay patch test results
𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐

Sample Diameter of patch (mm) Texture depth = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝ℎ (mm)
Sample A 90 7.8
Sample B 116 4.7
Sample C 109 5.4
The sample B (Slab with 10-16mm aggregates compacted by plate vibrate compactor for 3min) has a better surface
than sample A and C. Therefore, the plate vibrator compaction provides a better and comfortable surface for
pedestrians.
5.4. Clogging test
Clogging mixture preparation details are given below

Proportion of Top soil : compost : silt (mass) = 1:1:05
Volume ration of mixture; dry mixture volume : water (volume) =1:1
Wet sieve analysis was performed for clogging sample. See Table 12 for test results.
Table 12: Sieve analysis results of clogging materials
Sieve size Retaining mass (g) Retaining percentage (%)

4.75mm 7.2 2.6
425µm 87.8 31.6
75µm 92.2 33.2
Pan(<75µm) 90.5 32.6
Table 13 presents the ASTM C1701 infiltrations test results of coverslab samples in various stages and Fig.16
presents the results in graphically. Fig.17shows the percent of initial infiltration rate with wetting and drying cycle
which provide better simulation of clogging mechanism and permeability recovery in the field.
Table 13: Infiltration test results (Unit mm / s)
Sample A Sample B Sample C

Initial 15.5 14.18 21.83
plugged 0.686 0.993 4.059
Day 1 1.719 2.956 7.165
Day 2 1.788 3.486 8.093
Day 3 1.876 3.791 8.556
Day 4 1.844 3.982 10.4
Day 5 2.049 4.271 11.15
Day 6 2.147 4.433 12.327
Day 7 2.134 4.592 13.329
Cleaned 8.642 10.457 16.001
3694 I.M.H. Perera
I.M..Perera, et.al. et al. / Transportation
/ Transportation Research
Research Procedia
Procedia 48 (2020)
00 (2019) 3678–3695
000–000 17
Infiltration vs Time
25
20
Infiltration (mm/s)
15
10
day 2
day 3
day 4
day 1
initial
day5
day6
day7
Cleaned
plugged
Time
sample
Fig.16. A
Infiltration sample
rate with B and drying
wetting sample C
cycle
Percent of initial vs Time

100
90
Percent of initial (mm/s)
80
70
60 Figure 1: Infiltration rate with wetting and drying cycle
50
40
30
20
10
0
day 1
day 3
day 4
day 2
initial
day5
day6
day7
Cleaned
plugged
Time
sample A sample B sample C
Fig.17. Percent of initial infiltration rate with wetting and drying cycle
Results indicate that the sample C (Slab with 10-19mm aggregates compacted by plate vibrate compactor for 3min)
has the lowest clogging potential compared with the other samples. In the sample C, there is a high porosity than the
rest due to the use of large sized aggregates. This can be considered as the reason for high infiltration capacity and
lower clogging potential in sample C.
5.5. Hydraulic analysis
After cleaning, discharge through the coverslab (sample C) = 16.001 x10−3 x 0.5 x 0.5 m3/s = 4.000 x10−3 m3/s
1. Assuming a worst case of 50mm/day rainfall and lane width of 3m and length of 10m,
Using𝑄𝑄 = 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶, C= 0.65
Amount of water to be discharged = 0.011 m3/s
Therefore, maximum discharge through 20 cover slabs =4.0 x10-3 x20
(10m road length) = 0.08 m3/s>0.011 m3/s
2. Maximum rainfall the drainage cover slab can facilitate,
Maximum discharge through the cover slab = 4.000 x10−3 m3/s
Area considered for one cover slab (assuming 3m lane width) = 3 x 0.5 = 1.5 m 2
Maximum rainfall intensity = 4.0 x 10−3 x 3600 x 103 / 1.5 = 9600 mm/hr
Therefore permeability is well enough to drain out the storm water collected on a road.
6. Conclusion
A composite section of reinforcement concrete and the porous concrete for drainage coverslabs has been
recommended to use for the covered drainage slabs in pedestrian walkways. Porous concrete which has highest
permeability and lowest clogging potential can be used as an effective drainage layer. However, walkability on the
drainage slab was considered in the design. The surface texture of the porous concrete surface was measured using
both sand patch and the clay patch test method in the study. It was found that clay patch test effective in measuring
the surface texture in mixtures with high porosity. Clogging potential of the material and effectiveness of selected
maintenance treatment was also studied.
Porous layer with 10-19mm aggregates compacted by plate vibrator for 3 min has the lowest clogging potential and
highest permeability recovery than other three samples. Plate vibrator compaction provides more comfortable
surface for pedestrians.
A significant infiltration capacity will be lost even with high initial infiltration due to severe clogging specially
during the road construction period. Therefore sever clogging should be avoided. When using porous concrete
coverslabs for long term performance, carrying out efficient maintenance is paramount importance. This is because
the infiltration capacity should be much higher than the capacity needed to infiltrate the rainfall, in the long run.
References
Agar-Ozbek, A. S., Weerheijm, J., Schlangen, E. &Breugel, K. V., 2012. Investigating porous concrete with improved strength:Testing at
different scales. Elsevier, Volume 41, pp. 480-490.
American Concrete Institute (ACI), 2010. Report on pervious concrete, s.l.: ACI Committee 522.
A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (AASHTO)
Bhutta, M. R., Tsuruta, K. &Mirza, J., 2012.Evaluation of high-performance porous concrete properties.Elsvier, Volume 31, pp. 67-73.
Coughlin, J. P., CAmpbell, C. D. & Mays, D. C., 2012.Infiltration and clogging by sand and clay in a pervious concrete panementsystem.Journal
of Hydraulic Engineering.
Ghafoori, N., &Dutta, S. (1995). Development of No-Fines Concrete Pavement Applications. Journal of Transportation Engineering, 121(3),
283–288.
Kevern, J. T., 2015. Evaluation Permeability and Infiltration Requirement for Pervious Concrete. Testing and Evaluation, 43(3), pp. 544-553.
Kia, A., Wong, H. S. &Cheeseman, C. R., 2017.Clogging in permeable concrete: A review. Elsevier, Volume 193, pp. 221-233.
Lin, W. et al., 2016.Development of permeability test method for porous concrete block. Elsevier, Volume 118, pp. 20-26.
Malhotra, V.M. (1976). “No- fines concrete-Its properties and applications”. Journal of the American concrete institute,73(11),628-644.
Meininger, R. C. (1988). No-fines Pervious Concrete for Paving. Concrete International.

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Transportation Research Procedia 48 (2020) 3678–3695

Design of a porous concrete mixture for drainage coverslab in

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +94773048865;

2352-1465© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

2352-1465 © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

2.1. Porous concrete

Factors affecting the performance of the porous concrete shall be considered.

2.1.1. Water content

2.1.2. Cement content and water/cement ratio

2.1.3. Aggregate type and size

2.1.6. Relationship among compressive strength, W/C & A/C ratios

Aggregate Water cement Age of Test Density Cement Compressive

Fig.1. compressive strength vs time (Malhotra,1976)

Aggregate Aggregate Water Compressive Aggregate Aggregate Water Compressive

Fig.2.28 day compressive strength vs. W/C Ratio (Meininger, 1988)

Table 4: Relationship between com .strength & A/C ratio

AC Water Compaction Energy Permeability Strength

4.5 0.381 0.013 220 1450

Fig.3.28 day compressive strength vs. A/C Ratio(Ghafoori&Dutta, 1995)

2.1.9. Clogging mechanism

Table 5: Clogging material added in each run

1 (▪), 2 (□), 3 (●), 4 (○)

Conclusion of the study;

Summary of the methodology is given below;

Fig.6: Proposed coverslab design

Table 6: Mix proportion data for porous concrete according to literature

Reported range (Kia, et al., 2017): Selected values

4.1. Casting of reinforced and porous concrete coverslab samples

4.2 Porous concrete mixture:

• Aggregate cement ratio - 4.3

Table 7: Grading of coarse aggregate

Sieve size Retained mass Cumulative mass % of passing

Fig.8. Sieve analysis of coarse aggregate content

a) Slab with 9 holes and effective thickness of 150mm

4.2. Load test

4.3. Preparation of test slab with various texture

Aggregate size and the method of compaction were varied.

Two compaction methods were used;

Fig.10.CastCoverslab (a) Sample A; (b) Sample B; (c) Sample C; (d) Sample D

4.4. Measuring of surface texture

4.4.1. Sand patch test

Table 8: Grading of sand

BS Test sieve(mm) % by Mass passing

Fig.11. Sand patch test

4.4.2. Proposed clay patch test

Fig.12. Clay patch test

4.5. Measuring of infiltration with clogging material

Fig.13. Infiltration test

Fig.14. Clogged sample

5. Results and discussion

5.1. Three point load test

Failure loads at various stages (A, B, and C) is shown in Table 9

At serviceability state maximum load is 180kN.

Fig.15. AASHTO HL-93 Truck tyre plan

5.2. Sand patch test

Table 10: Sand patch test results

𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

Sample A 136 6.8

5.3. Clay patch test

𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐

5.4. Clogging test

Clogging mixture preparation details are given below