Development of Pervious Concrete using Local and Recycled Omani Materials for a Sustainable Drainage Solution and Insulation Applications

Sustainability issue is now a concern that has to be considered when designing or implementing any construction project or using any type of material. The Omani hot weather combined with a fewer but flooding rainfall, especially in the south make it very suitable for the development of pervious concrete for pavements and insulation applications. Pervious concrete is a special high porosity concrete used for several flatwork applications that allows water from rainfall and other sources to pass through and hence, reducing the runoff and the requirement for stormwater management systems (sewers) as well as recharging ground water levels and allowing a natural treatment of polluted water by soil filtration. In addition, its high porosity also gives it other useful characteristics such as thermal insulation (walls of buildings) and great acoustical properties (for sound/noise barrier walls). The aim of this research is first, to design a Portland cement pervious concrete (PCPC) that suit the hot climate of Oman and then to incorporate different types of recycled aggregates, from various sources, as a partial/full replacement of natural aggregate in the production of pervious concrete. By combining these two sustainable concrete technologies, the project will deliver an even more environmentally friendly final product for pavement and insulation applications while maintaining the structural and thermal performance, and drainage capabilities of the designed pervious concrete. Keywords: Drainage system, Fibers, Flooding, Insulation properties, Noise reduction, Pavement, Permeable, Pervious concrete, Recycled and waste Materials, Sustainable construction.