Materials and Mix Design

Pervious concrete uses the same materials as conventional concrete, with the exceptions
that the fine aggregate typically is eliminated entirely, and the size distribution (grading) of
the coarse aggregate is kept narrow, allowing for relatively little particle packing. This
provides the useful hardened properties, but also results in a mix that requires different
considerations in mixing, placing, compaction, and curing. Proportioning pervious concrete
mixtures is different compared to procedures used for conventional concrete and the mixture
proportions are somewhat less forgiving than conventional concrete mixturestight controls
on batching of all of the ingredients are necessary to provide the desired results.
When developing pervious concrete mixtures, the goal is to obtain a target or design void
content that will allow for the percolation of water. The void content of a pervious concrete
mixture will depend on the characteristics of the ingredients, how they are proportioned and
how the mixture is consolidated. Pervious concrete is typically designed for a void content in
the range of 15% to 30%. Generally as the void content decreases, the strength increases
and permeability decreases. For pervious concrete mixtures it is even more important to
verify through trial batches that the mixture achieves the characteristics assumed or
targeted when developing mixture proportions. Frequently one finds that even though the
design void content is 20%, when the pervious concrete mixture is proportioned, the
experimentally measured void content is considerably different. This depends on the
workability of the mixture and amount of consolidation.
Table 3 provides typical ranges of materials proportions in pervious concrete. Additionally,
NRMCA has developed a pervious concrete mixture proportioning guideline and spreadsheet
software that will develop trial batch mixture proportions using volumetric considerations and
make the necessary calculations for production batches when mixture proportions are
finalized after trial batch evaluations.

Cementitious materials
As in traditional concreting, portland cements (ASTM C 150, C 1157) and blended cements
(ASTM C 595, C 1157) may be used in pervious concrete. In addition, supplementary
cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, pozzolans (ASTM C 618), and groundgranulated blast furnace slag (ASTM C 989) may be used. Testing materials beforehand
through trial batching is strongly recommended so that properties that can be important to

performance (setting time, rate of strength development, porosity, and permeability, among
others) can be determined.
Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, pozzolans, and slag
can be added to the cement. These influence concrete performance, setting time, rate of
strength development, porosity, permeability, etc.
The key to high-performance concrete is the use of SCMs. Silica fume, fly ash, and blast
furnace slag all increase durability by decreasing permeability and cracking
Silica fume is a byproduct of silicone production. It consists of superfine spherical
particles which significantly increase the strength and durability of concrete. Used frequently
for high-rise buildings, it produces concrete that exceeds 20,000 psi compressive strength.
Silica fume can replace cement in quantities of 5-12%.
Fly ash is the waste byproduct of burning coal in electrical power plants; it used to be
landfilled, but now a significant amount is used in cement. This material can be used to
replace 5-65% of the Portland cement
Blast furnace slag is the waste byproduct of steel manufacturing. It imparts added
strength and durability to concrete, and can replace 20-70% of the cement in the mix.

Figure 4. Pervious concrete is made with a narrow aggregate gradation, but different surface
textures can be obtained through the use of different maximum sizes. The concrete in the box
contained a 1/4-in. (6.5-mm) top size, while that below used a larger top size, 3/4 in. (20 mm).

Aggregate
Fine aggregate content is limited in pervious concrete, and coarse aggregate is kept to a
narrow gradation. Commonly-used gradations of coarse aggregate include ASTM C 33 No. 67
( in. to No. 4), No. 8 ( in. to No. 16), and No. 89 ( in. to No. 50) sieves [in metric
units: No. 67 (19.0 to 4.75 mm), No. 8 (9.5 to 2.36 mm), and No. 89 (9.5 to 1.18 mm)].
Single-sized aggregate up to 1 inch (25 mm) has also been used. ASTM D 448 also may be
used for defining gradings. A narrow grading is the important characteristic. Larger
aggregates provide a rougher surface. Recent uses for pervious concrete have focused on

parking lots, low-traffic pavements, and pedestrian walkways. For these applications, the
smallest-sized aggregate feasible is used for aesthetic reasons. Coarse aggregate size 89
(-in. or 9.5-mm top size) has been used extensively for parking lot and pedestrian
applications, dating back 20 years or more in Florida. Figure 4 shows two different aggregate
sizes used in pervious concretes to create different surface textures.
Generally, A/C ratios are in the range of 4.0 to 4.5 by mass. These A/C ratios lead to
aggregate contents of between about 2200 lb/yd and 3000 lb/yd (1300 kg/m to 1800
kg/m). Higher A/C ratios have been used in laboratory studies, but significant reductions in
strength result.
Both rounded aggregate (gravel) and angular aggregate (crushed stone) have been used to
produce pervious concrete. Typically, higher strengths are achieved with rounded
aggregates, although angular aggregates are generally suitable. Aggregate for pavements
should conform to ASTM D 448, while ASTM C 33 covers aggregates for use in general
concrete construction. As in conventional concrete, pervious concrete requires aggregates to
be close to a saturated, surface-dry condition, or close monitoring of the moisture condition
of aggregates should allow for accounting for the free moisture on aggregates. It should be
noted that control of water is important in pervious concrete mixtures. Water absorbed from
the mixture by aggregates that are too dry can lead to dry mixtures that do not place or
compact well. However, extra water in aggregates contributes to the mixing water and
increases the water-to-cement ratio of the concrete.

Figure 5. Samples of pervious concrete with different water contents, formed into a ball: (a) too
little water, (b) proper amount of water, and (c) too much water.

Water
Water-to-cement ratios between 0.27 and 0.36 are used routinely with proper inclusion of
chemical admixtures, and those as high as 0.40 have been used successfully. The relation
between strength and water-to-cement ratio is not clear for pervious concrete, because
unlike conventional concrete, the total paste content is less than the voids content between
the aggregates. Therefore, making the paste stronger may not always lead to increased
overall strength. Water content should be tightly controlled. The correct water content has
been described as giving the mixture a sheen, without flowing off of the aggregate. A
handful of pervious concrete formed into a ball will not crumble or lose its void structure as
the paste flows into the spaces between the aggregates (see Figure 5). Water quality is
discussed in ACI 301. As a general rule, water that is drinkable is suitable for use in
concrete. Recycled water from concrete production operations may be used as well, if it
meets provisions of ASTM C 94 or AASHTO M 157. If there is a question as to the suitability
of a water source, trial batching with job materials is recommended.

Admixtures
Chemical admixtures are used in pervious concrete to obtain special properties, as in
conventional concrete. Because of the rapid setting time associated with pervious concrete,
retarders or hydration-stabilizing admixtures are commonly used. Use of chemical
admixtures should closely follow manufacturers recommendations. Air-entraining admixtures
can reduce freeze-thaw damage in pervious concrete, and are used where freeze-thaw is a
concern. ASTM C 494 governs chemical admixtures, and ASTM C 260 governs air-entraining
admixtures. Proprietary admixture products that facilitate placement and protection
of pervious pavements are also used.

Table 3. Typical* Ranges of Materials Proportions in Pervious Concrete**

Proportions, lb/yd

Proportions, kg/m

Cementitious materials

450 to 550

267 to 326

Total Aggregate

2000 to 2500

1190 to 1480

Water: cement ratio*** (by mass)

0.27 to 0.36

Fine aggregate

0 to 500 lbs

0 to 297

* These proportions are given for information only. Successful mixture design will depend on
properties of the particular materials used and must be tested in trial batches to establish
proper proportions and determine expected behavior. Concrete producers may have mixture
proportions for pervious concrete optimized for performance with local materials. In such
instances, those proportions are preferable.
** Chemical admixtures, particularly retarders and hydration stabilizers, are also used
commonly, at dosages recommended by the manufacturer. Use of supplementary
cementitious materials, such as fly ash and slag, is common as well.
*** Higher ratios have been used, but significant reductions in strength and durability may
result.

NRMCA Pervious Concrete Mixture Proportioning

The following mixture proportioning approach can be used to quickly arrive at pervious
concrete mixture proportions that would help attain void content of freshly mixed pervious
concrete when measured in accordance with ASTM C1688 similar to the target value.
1. Determine the dry-rodded unit weight of the aggregate and calculate the void
content.
2. Estimate the approximate percentage and volume of paste needed. The paste
volume
(PV)
is
then
estimated
as
follows:
Vp (%)
Where
Vvoid =

Aggregate
CI

design

void

Void

Content

=
content

(%)

CI

(%)

Vvoid (%)

compaction
index
of
the
pervious
concrete

and
mix.

The value of CI can be varied based on the anticipated consolidation to be used in

the field. For greater consolidation effort a compaction index value of 1 to 2% may
be more reasonable. For lighter level of consolidation a value of 7 to 8% can be
used. NRMCA used a value of 5% to get similar values between measured fresh
pervious concrete void content (ASTM C1688) and design void content. Using a
smaller value for CI (%) will reduce the paste volume.
3. Calculate the paste volume, Vp in ft3 per cubic yard of pervious concrete:
Vp, ft3 = Vp (%) 27

4. Select the w/c ratio for the paste. Recommended values are in the range of 0.25 to
0.36.
5. Calculate

the

absolute

volume

of

cement

Where: RDc is the specific gravity of cement (typically 3.15)

6. Calculate

the

volume

of

water.

Vw

Vw, ft = Vp Vc

7. Calculate the volume of SSD aggregate. Vagg

Vagg =
27

(Vp +
Where: Vvoid is the design void content for the pervious concrete mix.

Vvoid)

8. Convert the volumes to weights of ingredients per cubic yard and for trial batches:
Cement
(lb/yd3)
=
Vc
RDc
62.4
Water
(lb/yd3)
SSD Coarse Aggregate (lb/yd3)

=
= Vagg RDagg 62.4

Vw

62.4

Trial batches are prepared to evaluate mix characteristics of the pervious concrete mixture.
Make appropriate adjustments are made to account for aggregate moisture content. If paste
is high, pick a lower value or change CI (%). Avoid excessive cementitious content should be

avoided. The consistency of the paste can be evaluated separately to ensure that it is not too
dry or causes paste run down by being too wet. The density of the mixture should be
measured in accordance with ASTM C1688 from which the void content is calculated to
ensure that values are in line with the design void content. Then evaluate mixture for
consistency, specification requirements and placement method used by the pervious
concrete contractor.
NRMCA has developed a pervious concrete mixture proportioning guideline and spreadsheet
software that will develop trial batch mixture proportions using volumetric considerations and
make the necessary calculations for production batches when mixture proportions are
finalized after trial batch evaluations. The guideline and spreadsheet software can be
purchased here: NRMCA Pervious Concrete Mixture Proportioning Software

Pervious Concrete
Pervious Concrete is quickly becoming a primary storm water management tool
for LID projects throughout WA state. Our Association provides NRMCA
Certification testing for all types of users; materials & inspection, placement,
and specifiers and agencies. We build certification classes based on interest. If
you are interested in a class, please call the Association office at (206) 8781622 or by email at nblase@washingtonconcrete.org. For technical questions,
please contact bchattin@washingtonconcrete.org.
For a printable version of our Pervious Concrete Flyer, CLICK HERE.

IMAGINE THIS...NO STORM WATER RUNOFF!

Pervious concrete is an alternative strategy to creating, capturing, treating, and discharging

storm water. Designed to meet the growing environmental demands for Sustainable & Low
Impact Development, LEED storm water guidelines, Municipal EPA requirements, and as a
primary mitigation measure to restore the health of Puget Sound; Pervious Concrete Pavement
is an effective solution for today's new approaches to storm water management. Pervious
Concrete Pavement is designed to allow rainfall and storm water to directly infiltrate through to
the native soils. Pervious concrete promotes more efficient land use, meet emerging LID
requirements and eliminates the burden and expense of storm water for both public and private
projects.

WHAT IS PERVIOUS CONCRETE?

Pervious Concrete is a specialty concrete consisting of cement, recycled fly ash or slag,
coarse aggregates, water, and other necessary components to produce sufficient paste and
bonding ability to glue coarse aggregates together. This creates a highly permeable yet,
structural system of interconnected voids that drains storm water quickly. Aggregate

characteristics, paste content and proper placement methods will determine the available
density or void content to produce infiltration rates sufficient to handle Pacific Northwest storm
events.

WHY IS PERVIOUS CONCRETE A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION?

Eliminates runoff of untreated storm water

Directly recharges groundwater
Mitigates "first flush" pollution
Protects streams, watersheds and ecosystems
Mimics the drainage and filtration of natural soils and bioswales
Provides drip line irrigation for Urban trees and landscaping
Provides a higher albedo surface reflectivity index (0.35 or higher)
Reduces surface temperatures & heat island effects
Eliminates need for expensive collection and detention systems

DESIGNING AND SPECIFYING PERVIOUS CONCRETE

Pervious Concrete may be used for: sidewalks, trails, residential driveways and
streets, parking areas or when a reduction of Impervious surfaces is needed to
reduce storm water.
Generally, Pervious Concrete Pavement depths range from 4-5' for sidewalks or pathways, 56 inches for residential driveways and light duty parking lots, and 8-10 inches for heavier truck
traffic areas. For design assistance consult ACI 330R-13 Guide for the Design and Construction
of Concrete Parking Lots.
Proper specification of Pervious Concrete is important. Specifications must clearly communicate
project objectives while recognizing the characteristics of Pervious Concrete are very different
from conventional concrete and traditional concrete elements do not apply. Specifications
should only incorporate specific criteria as it directly relates to Pervious Concrete based on
known and recommended practices. For project specifications consult: ACI 522.1-08;
Specification for Pervious Concrete Pavement documents may be obtained online
at: www.concrete.org

DESIGN OF THE RETENTION LAYER AND SUBGRADE

Pervious concrete is a 2 part on site filter for storm water in a dry detention
system consisting of the Pervious Concrete Pavement and a coarse gravel
retention layer for storm water storage. Design of the retention layer is a site
specific task and should take into account, percability and characteristics of
native soils, volume of storm water anticipated, rate of flow, and duration. An
initial soils survey and site specific storm water calculations should be
performed by a storm water management engineer.

PLACEMENT OF PERVIOUS CONCRETE

Specifications should require Pervious contractor crews to be certified and

experienced according to ACI 522.1-08. NRMCA Pervious Certification
programs are administered by the WA Aggregates & Concrete Association and
define 3 levels of Certification. Pervious Contractor crews should be qualified to
the "Installer" level of certification. Click
on: www.nrmca.org/certifications/pervious
Conventional concrete equipment and placement methods are not applicable to
Pervious Concrete. The contractor's compactive methods and equipment must
be considered in conjunction with the pervious concrete mix design for an
efficient and economical placement.
Pervious concrete is a specialty concrete and specialized equipment and
experience are necessary to successfully construct the Pervious Concrete
Pavement. Test panels may be recommended to verify concrete quality and
the contractor's placement method and equipment.
As for any concrete pavement, proper curing is essential. Positive curing with
visqueen should be accomplished as soon as practicable but no more than 20
minutes after placement procedures. Visqueen must be properly secured,
monitored and left in place for no less than 7 days.

TESTING AND INSPECTION

Many normal concrete field inspection and testing practices do NOT apply to
Pervious Concrete. Standard ASTM tests for Strength, Slump, and Air content
should NOT be criteria used for acceptance of Pervious Concrete. ASTM C-138
(Unit Weight) modified by ASTM C-29 (Jigging method) is used to confirm the
unit weight of the freshly delivered Pervious Concrete. Cores may be taken in
accordance with ASTM C-42 for the measurement of pavement thickness;
(ASTM C-174), and the density of the cores determined in accordance with
10

ASTM C-140. Non applicable or non standardized test methods not designed
specifically for Pervious Concrete to measure density or void content in the
hardened cores is NOT recommended.

WHAT ABOUT FREEZE OR THAW?

Pervious Concrete is not designed nor intended as a storage area. Water

passes directly through the pavement and into the gravel retention layer below.
Freeze / Thaw is not a concern in western Washington as NW temperatures
and freeze/thaw conditions are nominal. Pervious Concrete should not be
placed during freezing temperatures.

WHAT ABOUT CLOGGING?

Clogging of any pervious pavement or surface may be a concern. It is highly

unlikely a majority of any pervious surface will become 100% clogged. Leaves
and conifer needles are easily removed. Water will always seek the next point
of infiltration.

WHAT ABOUT MAINTENANCE?

Good common sense approaches are required to prevent run-on of

landscaping, storage of materials and construction activity on a Pervious
Concrete surface. If necessary, monitor site characteristics and implement a
regular cleaning schedule of any pervious surface. For parking areas, your
regular program for sweeping should be sufficient.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

To learn more about Pervious Concrete, contact your local Ready Mix Supplier
or NRMCA Certified Pervious Contractor!

11