Integrated Buildings & Structures

Hi all,
I am a first year student in research. I was wondering if we could discuss on the possible applications of porous concrete from the aspect of structural application. What could be the feasible structural components? Porous concrete have very acknowledging pavement applications. But is it worth a try from structural aspect?

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Jayashree Sengupta S.M.ASCE
IIT KHARAGPUR
Kharagpur
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As far as the properties of structural concrete are met you may consider. However as the name implies I assume that the concrete is of low density and high permeability. Can the strength be achieved?  High permeability will result in the corrosion of reinforcement. All the properties of concrete have to be tested in the long term to meet a durable solution. Low density concrete is successfully used instead of screed  on roofs.

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Kim Currun Singh M.ASCE
Director
Vacoas
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Dear Jayshree,
 
                  Porous (Pervious) concrete is specially designed for pavement applications for several advantages such as:
1. Efficient Drainage System:
The porous concrete has a high porosity hence it allows the storm water to flow through it in a rate of 3 to 8 gallons per sq foot. Hence additional drainage system is not required.
2. Recharge of Ground Water:
The ground water storage is being recharged as the water infiltrated to the ground through the concrete surface.
3. Storm Water Management:
 By allowing water to soak through and infiltrate, pervious paving reduces storm-water flow and pollutant loads.
4. Economical Significance:
  There is no need of constructing the drains, sewage structures, ponds and other rain-water harvesting structures.

Generally we use the concrete for structural applications due to its high compressive strength  and structural stability. The Controlled concrete can be designed up to 80-90 Mpa which is great for heavy load applications but the porous concrete can't be designed to take high loads. The maximum design can be done for porous concrete is M30. The porosity causes reduction of both strength and durability. More the concrete will porous more it will be pron to chloride attack. Hence use of porous concrete for structural application is insane! 

Thank you.
Regards. 
                                                                              

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Shaswat Das [researcher and student]
Govt. College of Engineering , Keonjhar , Odisha
Keonjhar OR
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