Assignment 4 cve171

1. The water-cement ratio is the weight of water to cement used in a concrete mix. A lower ratio
results in greater strength and durability, but may make the mix difficult to work with and form.
When the water-cement ratio is higher, the spacing between the cement aggregates widens,
influencing compaction. Concrete's durability and compressive strength are correspondingly
reduced as dampness levels rise.
2. How does permeability affect the durability of the concrete structure?
Permeability is a property that governs the rate of flow of a fluid through a porous
solid, and concrete durability, is the ability of a concrete to resist weathering action, abrasion,
or any process of deterioration. Concrete permeability affects durability because it regulates
the rate at which moisture, potentially containing an aggressive chemical, enters the concrete
and the movement of water. Reduced water-cement ratio increases concrete strength, which
further improves crack resistance.
When there is a possibility of water penetrating the concrete, its durability suffers.
Permeability increases the volume of the concrete, causing cracks to form and, eventually,
disintegration. Concrete typically has small gel pores and capillary cavities. However, due to
their small size, gel pores do not allow water to pass through them. However, permeability is
caused by capillary cavities in concrete, which form as a result of a high water-cement ratio.
As a result, the lowest possible water cement ratio must be recommended to prevent
permeability.
3. Using Internet resources, write a paragraph on the use of porous concrete pavements for
stormwater management.
Porous concrete pavements, also known as pervious concrete pavements, are a type of
concrete pavement with an open network of pores that allows stormwater infiltration into the
base/sub-base layers. This type of pavement helps to restore a more natural hydrologic balance
and reduce runoff volume by trapping and slowly releasing precipitation into the ground rather
than allowing it to flow into storm drains and out to receiving waters as effluent.
Other uses of it have been found to reduce stormwater runoff, replenish groundwater,
reduce flooding, which is one of the causes of overloading of sewer-sewage treatment plants.
This type of pavement also reduces pollutants in run-off, reduce thermal pollution, lessen
evaporative emissions from parked cars, and reduce pavement ice buildup.