| Pervious concrete systems can reduce stormwater runoff, minimize non-point source pollution, and increase groundwater recharge. Engineers are often hesitant to use pervious concrete because it costs more than traditional concrete and there is the possibility that the pervious concrete will clog prematurely; thereby removing any of the hydraulic advantages that pervious concrete provides. Pervious concrete clogs because sediment builds on the surface by filling in all the void spaces, thus reducing its hydraulic conductivity. In this study, pervious concrete cores were used to measure the effects of sediment accumulation on their hydraulic conductivity. Established sediment loading rates were used to measure how the hydraulic conductivity changed as sediment accumulated at or near the surface of pervious concrete. The results were used to develop a model to predict the hydraulic conductivity of pervious concrete based on its initial hydraulic conductivity, the amount of sediment deposited at or near its surface and the soil type of the sediment. The model presented here can be used to craft better maintenance plans to extend the life of pervious concrete and use pervious concrete more efficiently. |
