Study on the influence of alkali-resistant glass fiber additions on the properties of pervious concrete

Abstract

The soil waterproofing process results in negative consequences for urban drainage management. In this context, pervious concrete, the subject of this study, emerges as a solution to mitigate impacts from waterproofing. However, due to its high porosity, this type of concrete exhibits lower strength compared to conventional concrete. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of adding alkali-resistant glass fibers (AR glass fiber) on the strength and permeability of pervious concrete. Pervious concrete mixes were prepared using a ratio of 1:4.6, with the addition of 10% silica, 0.5% superplasticizer additive, and 0.34% water relative to the weight of cement. To assess the influence of fibers, two different percentages of AR glass fiber were added: 10% and 20% (by volume of concrete). The methodological approach included tests for axial compressive strength, split tensile strength, three-point flexural strength, as well as determining bulk density, voids ratio, and permeability coefficient. The results revealed that the addition of fibers led to a decrease in axial compressive strength. However, the mix with 10% fiber showed an increase in split tensile and flexural strengths, which are critical in pavement applications. Dry bulk density and permeability coefficient decreased with fiber inclusion, while the voids ratio increased. It is concluded that adding 10% fiber was beneficial; however, subsequent increases did not yield significant gains.