Modelling the properties of pervious concrete using a full-factorial design

Although the greatest concern regarding pervious concrete (PC) is permeability, the strength performance should not be neglected. The trade-off between permeability and mechanical properties is however a difficult task and often requires several trials to establish optimum mix design. The objective of this study is to model the effect of main mixture parameters on permeability, effective porosity, unit weight, and compressive as well as tensile strength of PC using a full-factorial design. The modelled factors are paste volume-to-inter-particles void ratio (PV/IPV), water-to-cement ratio (W/C), and dosage of water reducing agent (WRA). The modelled domain is limited by values of PV/IPV ranging between 33% and 47%, by volume, W/C between 0.27 and 0.33, and WRA dosages between 30 and 190 mL/m(3) of concrete. The modelled responses include hardened unit weight (HUW), effective porosity, permeability, compressive, and tensile strength characteristics. Test results showed that the PV/IPV parameter shows the most significant influence on permeability and strength development.