Republic of the Philippines

Commission on Higher Education

DON HONORIO VENTURA STATE UNIVERSITY
Villa de Bacolor, Pampanga

GENERATING A POROUS CONCRETE FOR SIDEWALKS AND

DRAINAGE COVERS

A Thesis Presented to
The Faculty of the Civil Engineering Department
Don Honorio Ventura State University

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

By:
GABRIEL ANGELO M. LAXAMANA
MARC ANTHONY C. MENDOZA
KHRYSS W. PARUNGAO
CHRIST JOSEPH B. QUIAMBAO
MARK NELSON S. SALENGA
SAIMON JAY C. SIMSUANCO
XYRON B. TORNO

Research Adviser

MARVIN D. BASEA, RCE

Research Coordinator

September 2024
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND REVIEW OF RELATED

LITERATURES AND STUDIES

1.1 Introduction

Flooding and water stagnation are persistent issues in the Philippines, a country highly

vulnerable to natural disasters due to its geographic location and frequent exposure to typhoons

and heavy monsoon rains. These problems are not only driven by natural factors, but also by

human activities such as poor urban planning and improper waste management. Moreover,

because of climate change and rapid urbanization, urban impervious underlying surfaces have

expanded. According to Tong Xu (2020), Urban flood risk decreases with the increase in

permeable underlying surface. The increase rate of flood risk in the part with permeability of 0–

35% is greater than that the part with permeability of 35–60%, that is, when the permeability of

underlying surface is lower than 35%, the flood risk rate will be higher. We demonstrated the

impact of the urban underlying surface permeability on the risk of urban flood disasters, which is

useful for urban planning decisions and urban flooding risk controls.

Water buildup on sidewalks and road surfaces, especially during periods of intense

precipitation, creates dangerous situations, increases pavement deterioration, and causes traffic

jams. Additionally, flooding is made worse by clogged drainage systems, which results in major

inconvenience and harm to the environment and infrastructure.

Traditional concrete, a widely used construction material, is characterized by its dense,

non-porous nature, which allows little to no water to pass through. This property, while

beneficial for structural integrity and strength, creates problems when used in areas prone to
heavy rainfall or flooding. Water runoff from impervious surfaces, such as roads and sidewalks,

accumulates rapidly, overwhelming drainage systems and increasing the risk of surface flooding.

On the other hand, porous concrete, also known as permeable or pervious concrete, offers

an innovative solution to these problems. Unlike traditional concrete, porous concrete has a

ability to absorb and filter water provides numerous advantages, particularly for sidewalks, and

drainage covers. By allowing water to pass through, porous concrete decreases surface water

runoff, eases strain on drainage systems, reduces the chance of flooding, and promotes

groundwater recharge. These advantages not only enhance city infrastructure but also support

sustainable water management methods, making porous concrete a perfect material for

contemporary urban settings.

This thesis, entitled Generating a Porous Concrete for Sidewalks and Drainage Covers,

seeks to analyze and improve the structural properties and mixture composition of porous

concrete. This study aims to enhance porous concrete's mechanical properties and permeability

in order to improve its effectiveness in stormwater management and performance in urban

infrastructure. By employing a methodical method, this research will offer important

understandings regarding the effectiveness of porous concrete in contemporary city settings,

ultimately enhancing flood resilience and supporting environmental sustainability.

1.2 Review of Related Literature

1.2.1 Porous concrete (Foreign)

It was initially introduced in Europe during the 1800s for various structural uses, such as

load-bearing walls, infill panels, and pavement. Its popularity surged again internationally after

World War II due to cement shortages. While not a recent invention, pervious concrete has only
been adopted in the United States over the last fifty years. The idea was suggested in the 1960s

to help mitigate flooding, raise water tables, and replenish aquifers.

A decade later, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started testing its cost-

effectiveness and efficiency. Permeable concrete is now utilized in various cities across the U.S.,

with its applications expanding significantly in the last decade, ranging from driveways and

sidewalks to larger commercial and multi-acre areas.(Mostafa Adresi etal,.2023)

Porous concrete is gaining popularity globally, especially in regions focused on

sustainable construction and stormwater management. Widely used in the U.S. and Europe for

pavements and green infrastructure, it also addresses urban flooding and water shortages.

Countries like Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, and Australia have adopted it to

improve drainage and support sustainability. In the Philippines, interest is rising due to urban

flooding challenges, with applications in parking lots and sidewalks increasing. As awareness of

its environmental benefits grows, porous concrete’s global use is expected to expand.(Journal of

Building Engineering 27, 100967, 2020)

1.2.2 Porous Concrete (Local)

Pervious concrete is recognized for its environmental benefits, such as improved water

quality and high permeability, but its significant void content leads to lower compressive

strength than traditional concrete. In the Philippines, its use is still limited, prompting this study

to optimize pervious concrete mixtures by varying the shape and size of aggregates and adjusting

the paste volume to inter-particle void ratio, along with evaluating the effects of viscosity

modifying admixture (VMA). The optimal mixture, which includes 9.5 mm angular aggregates

and a PV/IPV ratio of 70.90%, achieves a compressive strength of 17.95 MPa and a permeability
of 1.35 mm/s, suitable for low-traffic applications, while VMA improves compressive strength

by 23.74% but decreases permeability by 35.49%, Ma Patricia Leriezz Corpuz(2021).

The environmental advantages of utilizing pervious concrete for pavement in the

Philippines. Laboratory tests were conducted to measure and evaluate infiltration, noise

reduction, temperature control, and compressive strength of pervious concrete with different mix

ratios of water, cement, coarse aggregates, and fine aggregates. The results indicate that,

although pervious concrete has lower strength than conventional concrete, it can effectively

decrease noise levels and temperature, Christian R Orozco(2015).

1.2.3 Advantage and Disadvantage

One effective solution for addressing various environmental issues and promoting

sustainable development is the use of permeable concrete pavements. These pavements enhance

biodegradation of vehicle oils, facilitate rainwater infiltration, reduce urban heat, replenish

groundwater, support tree root health, and mitigate flash flooding. However, their long-term

performance is not fully understood. Permeable concrete, which has fine particles removed to

create 15 to 20% voids, allows for greater water infiltration and air exchange compared to

traditional concrete. Despite concerns about structural strength due to increased porosity, this

paper shows that with appropriate mix design and admixtures, permeable concrete can provide

adequate strength for pavement applications while contributing to sustainable practices.(Othman

AlShareedah and Somayeh Nassiri,2021)

Managing stormwater, recharging groundwater, and conserving the environment. Despite

its drawbacks, such as reduced strength and higher maintenance needs, its ability to alleviate the

urban heat island effect and enhance water quality makes it appealing. By exploring the
characteristics, benefits, and limitations of pervious concrete, engineers, architects, and urban

planners can make informed choices in their projects, fostering a greener and more sustainable

future. (Mr Khan,2023). However, a current challenge in the development of permeable

pavements is the perception that they lack structural strength, primarily due to the requirement

for increased porosity for effective water management, David Thorpe, Yan Zhuge(2019).

1.2.4 Sidewalks Application

Pervious concrete is increasingly recognized for its ability to reduce impermeable

surfaces in sidewalks, mitigate puddling, and potentially slow stormwater runoff. However,

concerns remain about its structural support, longevity, and overall life cycle costs. The

material's composition limits its mechanical strength and complicates maintenance, impacting its

expected lifespan. Performance is influenced by geographical factors, subsurface conditions, and

intended use. To gather data on porous sidewalks, a 200-foot-long, 6-foot-wide sidewalk was

constructed as part of the Skillman Road Pathway project, featuring a reservoir layer of No. 57

stone. Monitoring involved inspections for raveling, infiltration tests, and insights from

construction practices, highlighting the importance of experienced personnel and proper

techniques for maintenance and cleaning.(Husam Najm,2022).

The drainage coverslabs designed for pedestrian areas consist of a composite structure

that combines reinforced concrete with a porous concrete layer. However, the permeability of the

porous concrete may be reduced by particle clogging, which can impact the coverslab’s

effectiveness it measured by a three-point load test and clogging potential determined through an

infiltration test (ASTM C1701), CJ Athapaththu et al.,(2020).

1.3 Background of the Study

The expansion of cities and the increased use of traditional non-pervious concrete in

sidewalks, roads and buildings are making it increasingly difficult to manage stormwater

effectively. Climate change has also caused heavy rainfall that can easily flood existing storm

water systems and cause localized urban flooding with damage. But because non-pervious

concrete prevents rainwater from seeping into the ground, it generates lots of run-off flooding

roads and pavements quickly, while also putting greater pressure on sewers and drains during

storm events. The above average volumes wash large amounts of pollution into our rivers, which

causes erosion in surrounding areas. Enter one of the newfangled solutions: porous concrete, a

material manufactured to channel rainfall through its surface and all the way down into the

ground beneath. Porous concrete differs from traditional concrete in that it helps to manage

stormwater by decreasing surface runoff, promoting groundwater recharge and reducing flooding.

1.4 Statement of the Problem

Traditional concrete is an impervious material, the water cannot soak through it which

has proved to have massive downstream impacts on both nature and built infrastructure. This

impervious surface results in increased surface water runoff during rainstorms that overwhelms

stormwater systems and can cause localized flooding. Also, because water cannot pass through

the concrete and into the earth below such surfaces are notorious for causing erosion in

surrounding areas. This both fuels the risk of environmental destruction and threatens public

infrastructure.
 According to Yinghong Qin (2020), Most of rainwater reaching the ground surface either

infiltrates the soil or returns to the air by evaporation and evapotranspiration. Urbanization has

sealed natural soils by pavements, roofs, and other impervious surfaces, constraining natural

infiltration and evapotranspiration and converting rainfall into runoff. Runoff from open soils in

urbanized areas is also increasing because construction activities have compacted soils to behave

like impermeable surfaces.

To address this issue, the researchers arise for alternative materials like pervious concrete

to allow water penetration instead of runoff, reducing erosion and taking pressure off storm

water systems. The aim of this study is to design and investigate the properties of a porous

concrete mix for sidewalks and drainage covers material in substitution of standard concrete,

additionally regarding conventional supplies performance. The study hopes to discover whether

porous concrete can counter these environmental issues, and still have structural integrity.

Specially, it seeks to answer the following:

1. How can production of porous concrete be described in terms of:

a. Sizing of aggregates

b. Right mixture and proportioning

c. Right span and thickness

d. Dose of admixture coconut fiber per volume of porous concrete mix

2. Ability of porous concrete to withstand against:

a. Compressive stress

b. Tensile stress
c. Permeability test

3. Characteristic comparison to traditional concrete sidewalks and drainage covers in terms of:

a. Compressive Strength

b. Tensile Strength

c. Permeability

d. Materials

e. Mixture and proportioning

1.5 Objectives

General Objective

The general objective of this research is to determine the optimal mix design for porous

concrete to achieve desired permeability and strength for sidewalk and drainage applications.

Specific Objective

Specially, this research sought to determine the following:

⚫ Structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of porous concrete to

⚫ Difference between the characteristics of porous concrete and traditional concrete

sidewalks and drainage covers.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The design and execution of porous concrete for sidewalks and drainage covers can have

several major benefits. Porous concrete can help alleviate flooding and erosion by allowing
rainwater to seep into the ground, cutting down runoff and improving water quality. This can

contribute to a more visually attractive and sustainable urban environment, enhancing the overall

quality of life. Additionally, porous concrete can lower maintenance costs associated with

traditional concrete surfaces, such as resurfacing and crack repair. It can also help communities

adjust to the impacts of climate change, including more frequent and intense rainfall events.

Furthermore, porous concrete can help to lessen air pollution by capturing and filtering pollutants

from rainwater.

The development and execution of porous concrete technology can create new economic

opportunities and stimulate local businesses, fostering community involvement and awareness of

sustainable urban development practices. By conducting this research, communities can gain

valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of implementing porous concrete for

sidewalks and drainage covers, informing future planning and decision-making regarding urban

infrastructure development and climate change adaptation.

1.7 Scope and Limitation

The researchers mainly focus on developing Porous Concrete as a viable alternative for

sidewalk and drainage covers. This research aims to determine the optimal mixture and

proportioning of aggregates and cement to achieve the desired porosity while maintaining

adequate compressive strength. The study will investigate the appropriate span and thickness for

porous concrete slabs to ensure they can withstand tensile stresses and serve as durable and

functional infrastructure elements. A comparative analysis between porous concrete and

traditional concrete will also be conducted to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of

using porous concrete in sidewalk and drainage cover applications.

 This research investigates the design of porous concrete specifically for applications in

sidewalks and drainage covers, with the objective of optimizing porosity and compressive

strength through targeted material selection and mixture design.

The study will examine various combinations of aggregates, focusing on coarse

aggregates of 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) and 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) to enhance void space and facilitate

drainage. Fine aggregates No. 4 sieve (4.75 mm) will be incorporated to fill voids without

significantly compromising porosity. Admixture coconut fiber to increase the mechanical

characteristics of porous concrete.

The research will analyze 3 distinct concrete mixtures, resulting in a total of 18 samples

for compressive strength, tensile strength, and permeability test. Key performance metrics will

be assessed in every curing time of 7, 14, and 28 days to achieve its maximum strength.

Additionally, the study will evaluate design parameters such as span and thickness to ensure the

structural integrity of the porous concrete slabs.

This research acknowledges several limitations. The sample size 18 total samples may

limit the diversity of properties explored, potentially affecting the generalizability of findings.

Furthermore, the study will focus on a restricted range of aggregate types and sizes, which may

overlook other materials that could influence performance characteristics.

The water-cement ratio will be constrained to 2-3 specific values, which may restrict

insights into how varying ratios impact porosity and strength. Curing conditions will be

maintained under controlled environments, which may not fully represent real-world conditions.

In addition, the study will create 3 control samples (for compressive, tensile, and

permeability test) of traditional concrete that uses for sidewalks and drainage covers based on the
specification of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to analyze the comparison

between the characteristics of porous concrete and traditional concrete.

1.8 Conceptual Framework

The study on “Designing Porous Concrete for Sidewalks and Drainage Covers” begins

with gathering data on existing literature and industry standards. This foundational step informs

the preparation of materials, where suitable aggregates and cement are selected to optimize the

concrete’s performance. Next, researchers determine mixture proportions to achieve the right
balance between permeability and compressive strength through trial mixes. Design parameters

are established, focusing on the thickness, geometry, and surface texture of the slabs, while

considering environmental impacts.

After casting the samples, proper curing methods are applied to maintain hydration for at

least seven days. The samples then undergo tests for permeability and compressive strength to

evaluate their drainage and loadbearing capabilities. Results are analyzed to explore the

relationships between the mixture proportions, design parameters, and physical properties. The

study concludes with a summary of key findings, assessing the effectiveness of the porous

concrete mixtures. Recommendations for future research are provided, including optimizing

mixtures and exploring new materials. This approach aims to enhance our understanding of

porous concrete and its role in promoting sustainable urban development.

1.9 Definition of Terms and Abbreviations

Compressive Strength - The maximum load a material can withstand without failure when

subjected to axial loading, typically measured in megapascals (MPa).

Impermeable - A property of a material that prevents the passage of water or other fluids,

resulting in no infiltration.

Non-Pervious -Describes surfaces or materials that do not allow water to pass through,

contributing to water runoff and potential stagnation.

Permeability Test - A procedure used to measure the rate at which water flows through a

material, particularly porous concrete, to evaluate its drainage capabilities.

Porous Concrete - A type of concrete characterized by a high volume of voids that allows water

to pass through, making it suitable for applications such as sidewalks and drainage covers.

Silted Drains - Drains that have become clogged with silt and debris, reducing their

effectiveness in directing water flow and potentially leading to water stagnation.

Tensile Stress - The stress experienced by a material when it is subjected to a pulling force,

measured as force per unit area.

Water Stagnation -The accumulation of water in a particular area, often due to inadequate

drainage, which can lead to issues such as flooding and increased mosquito breeding.