International Conference on: Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development

ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

GROUND WATER RECHARGING THROUGH PERVIOUS

CONCRETE PAVEMENT
A.L.Guruji 1, A.V.Rana 2
Lecturer & Research Scholar, Civil Engineering Department, Polytechnic, The M.S.University, Vadodara,
Gujarat, India 1
Lecturer & Research Scholar, Applied Mechanics, Department, Polytechnic, The M.S.University, Vadodara,
Gujarat, India 2

Abstract: The annual precipitation including snowfall in India is of the order of 4000 BCM
and replenishable ground water resources are of the order 433 BCM 6. The trend of today is
to make impervious concrete pavement and thus not allowing water to go in the ground.
These will not only increase the runoff from the road but also reduce virgin land area from
where water will recharge the subsurface. For most of the cities, drinking water requirement
is generally depend on ground water resources, therefore ground water level has declined
upto 30 m and more observed 6.In order to tackle the growing problem of ground water level
decline, it is necessary to take up schemes for water conservation and artificial recharge to
ground water on priority. This will be alarming situation as far as the ground water
depletion is concern. If impervious concrete pavement is constructed, the sufficient slope
should be given to reach upto the storm-drainage line. This will increase amount of
concrete/aggregates in constructing impervious road and forced to increase the capacity of
storm water drainage network. To minimize this problem the best method is act locally i.e.
wherever water drops it will reach in that locality only. For this different techniques are
available. One of the method is to construct Pervious Concrete Pavement. In this paper
attempt was made to prepare such a kind of pavement for road, which recharge water
directly into the sub-surface. For preparing pervious pavement, aggregates of different sizes,
like 2.36 to 10 mm (coarse sand),4.75 mm to 12.5 mm(grit) and 4.75 to 20 mm (coarse
aggregates) were used. The proportion of aggregates and cement is 1:3 and tried to find best
combination. The specimens prepared with grit and cement is tested for compressive strength
gives good result as compared to other combinations. Pervious concrete not only reduce
storm water but also help in rising ground water level by artificial recharging.

Keywords: Ground water recharge, Storm water drain, Pervious Concrete Pavement,
S(Coarse sand),G(Grit),K(Coarse aggregate(Kapchi))

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 1
International Conference on: Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

I. INTRODUCTION
In present scenario, particularly in the urban area, roads in the societies are prepared with
impervious layer of concrete. If this will be the trend then day will come when impervious
surface create huge amount of runoff which may not carried by storm water drain due to large
discharge. There is a urgent need to think over the alternative for impervious pavement
created for the sake of cleanliness and durability.

Pervious concrete pavement consists of cement, coarse aggregate and water. Thus,
basically Pervious concrete is not concrete but it is a mortar where, instead of fine aggregate,
coarse aggregates are used. But as the properties resemble with concrete it is called Pervious
Concrete Pavement. The absence of fine aggregates in the mix creates voids in the porous
structure which allow water and air to pass through the mass. As the concrete is porous its
strength gets reduced.

METHODOLOGY
II.
In this paper there is attempt to optimize the available resources. Though the
strength of concrete reduced due to pervious property, but can be used where there is a light
load expected.

Plastic sheet

Impervious concrete Pavement

Reinforcement

Figure 1: Impervious Concrete pavement with Plastic sheet & Reinforcement for road
Source:A.L.Guruji 1

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 2
International Conference on: Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

The ingredients are taken as per weight mix. The proportion of 1:3 is used, where one
part of cement and three part of aggregates. The water-cement Ratio is 30 %.At a time six
number of cubes are casted, taking in to consideration of compressive strength test at the end
of 7 days and 14 days. Total 18 cubes are casted with three different combinations of
aggregates. The size of cube is 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm. The aggregates used as per
following Table No.1.

TABLE NO.1 SIZE AND SYMBOL OF AGGREGATES

Sr.no. Aggregate Size Symbol

1 Coarse Sand 2.36 to 10 mm S

2 Grit 4.75 to 12.5 mm G

3 Coarse Aggregate (Kapchi) 4.75 to 20 mm K

After casting every cube, it is kept cover with plastic sheet so that water loss due to
heat of hydration will be minimum. After 24 hours, mould is removed and another
combination is casted. The casted cubes are again kept under plastic cover instead of putting
in water tank for curing.
Sample cubes are tested for compressive strength on Compressive Testing Machine,
having capacity of 100 T. The ultimate load on which cube breaks is noted and divided by the
surface area of cube, gives compressive strength for that cube. This way, compressive test is
done for aggregates shown in Table No.1 with cement (Proportion is 1:3). The results are
given in the Table No.2 to Table No.7 for different combinations for 7 days and 14 days of
casting.

TABLE NO.2 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR SAND(S) MIX AT SEVEN DAYS

Sr.no. Sample Load in Compressive Average

at N Strength in Compressive
7 days N/mm2 Strength in
N/mm2
1 S1 134887.5 5.995
S2 36787.5 1.635 3.997
2
3 S3 98100 4.36

TABLE NO.3 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR SAND(S) MIX AT FOURTEEN DAYS

Sr.no. Sample Load in Compressive Average

at N Strength in Compressive
14 days N/mm2 Strength in
N/mm2
1 S4 34335 1.526
S5 31882.5 1.417 1.417
2
3 S6 29430 1.308

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 3
International Conference on: Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

Cube mould with Water droplets below

plastic sheet

Figure 2: Casting of Cubes for pervious concrete and covered with plastic sheet
Source:A.L.Guruji 2
TABLE NO.4 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR GRIT(G) MIX AT SEVEN DAYS

Sr.no. Sample Load in Compressive Average

at N Strength in Compressive
7 days N/mm2 Strength in
N/mm2
1 G1 164317.5 7.303
G2 179032.5 7.957 7.267
2
3 G3 147150 6.54

TABLE NO.5 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR GRIT(G) MIX AT FOURTEEN DAYS

Sr.no. Sample Load in Compressive Average

at N Strength in Compressive
14 days N/mm2 Strength in
N/mm2
1 G4 245250 10.90
G5 156960 6.976 10.028
2
3 G6 274680 12.208

TABLE NO.6 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR KAPCHI (K) MIX AT SEVEN DAYS

Sr.no. Sample Load in Compressive Average

at N Strength in Compressive
7 days N/mm2 Strength in
N/mm2
1 K1 49050 2.18
K2 78480 3.488 2.761
2
3 K3 58860 2.616

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 4
International Conference on: Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

Figure 4: Compressive Strength test for Pervious Concrete for Coarse Aggregates (K)

Source:A.L.Guruji 3

TABLE NO.7 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR KAPCHI (K) MIX AT FOURTEEN DAYS

Sr.no. Sample Load in Compressive Average

at N Strength in Compressive
14 days N/mm2 Strength in
N/mm2
1 K4 152055 6.758
K5 164317.5 7.303 7.049
2
3 K6 159412.5 7.085

The permeability is checked by pouring water on cube. It is observed that water

passes very fast from casting of cement and coarse aggregate (4.75 to 20 mm), while in case
of casting for cement and grit (4.75 mm to 12.5 mm) the detention time is around 7 to 12
seconds. Water passes slowly in cement and grit casting as compared to cement and coarse
aggregate casting. The casting of cement and grit gives average compressive strength at 14
days is 102 kg/cm2, which is maximum among other castings.

III. RATE ANALYSIS OF PERVIOUS CONCRETE MIX

The rate analysis is done for the combination of pervious concrete mix made with Coarse
Aggregate (K) and Grit (G). The results are shown in Table No.8.Labour component and
other factors considered to be same for the both cases. It shows that pervious concrete mix
made with grit ( G)is economical as compared to Coarse Aggregate (K) mix.

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 5
International Conference on: Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

Pouring of water on cube

water passing from cube

cube

Figure 5: Permeability checks for cube casted with Coarse aggregates(K)

Source:A.L.Guruji 4

TABLE NO.8 COST COMPARISON OF PERVIOUS CONCRETE MADE FROM COARSE

AGGREGATE (K) AND GRIT (G)
Sr.no. Materils Rate Pervious Rupees/m3 Pervious Rupees/m3
concrete concrete
mix with mix with
C.A.(K) Grit(G)
1 Cement Rs.300 per Bag 8 bags 2400 8 bags 2400
3 3
2 Coarse Aggregate (K) Rs. 1100 per m 0.75 m 825 0 0

3 Grit (G) Rs. 600 per m3 0 0 0.75 m3 450

Total Rs./ m3 - 3225 - 2850

IV. APPLICATION OF PERVIOUS CONCRETE

These type of pervious pavement can be used for pavements on which Light weight
vehicles are passing, driveways, sidewalks , footpaths, Parking place for light motor vehicle,
Tennis courts, Tree grate, Swimming pool decks, garden walkway and Pavement edge drains.
This may be used as inverted filter in hydraulic structures at downstream side.

V. BENEFITS OF PERVIOUS CONCRETE

Pervious concrete pavement reduces the storm water runoff and ultimately increases
the capacity of storm water system. It helps us to compensate extraction rate of ground water
either in village or city. It gives dust free environment. The main advantage is the local water
will remain locally recharge in that soil only.

VI. DISADVANTAGES OF PERVIOUS CONCRETE

As there is always two sides of coin, there are certain disadvantages of pervious
concrete pavement. Its strength is less as compared to impervious concrete pavement. In

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 6
International Conference on: Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

pervious concrete there are chances of clogging the pores in the concrete. It will increase the
maintenance cost for pavement. If proper design for sub base is not made then there may be
chances of settlement. The construction of pervious concrete pavement, require good
workmanship otherwise the purpose may not be served. Pervious concrete pavement cannot
work for sub-base with impervious layer. Before execution of pervious pavement, proper soil
survey is necessary and excavation should be done upto the virgin soil.
VII. CONCLUSION
Pervious concrete with coarse aggregates size 4.75 mm to 12.5 mm, designated as
Grit (G) mix has good compressive strength with comparison to other combination of
mix.
Considering the observed value of compressive strength which is less that desire for
traffic load so it is recommended to use at place where lighter traffic plying.
Percolated water through pervious concrete can enhance the recharge of ground water
for favorable soil whose bearing capacity is moderate and permeability is good.
The present trend of using impervious paver block in the shoulder portion of concrete
pavement in urban area, can be replaced by such pervious concrete blocks which will
improve ground water condition and also help in reducing storm water runoff.
The cost of pervious concrete prepared by using Grit(G) is cheaper than pervious
concrete prepared by Coarse Aggregate(K).
The practical problem that may be expected in the Indian conditions is clogging of
voids as dust particles are expected almost everywhere. The remedy for clogging of
voids may be overcome by using air vacuum cleaner periodically to clean up the
voids.
Empirical permeability test revealed that sufficient permeability rate is available in
pervious concrete with mix of grit for ground water recharge.
In this paper only three combinations are attempted. Still this can be modified with
geo-textile materials, admixtures, and use of nano technology in concrete.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors are thankfully acknowledged to Shri. H.V.Bhatt and Ms. D.S.Ghelani, Head,
Civil & Applied mechanics Department respectively, Polytechnic, The M.S.University of
Baroda, for their constant support for doing this research work. Shri S.M.Dave,
Asst.Professor in Highway Engineering, Faculty of Technology & Engineering, The
M.S.University of Baroda, have given their keen interest in research and helped whenever
needed. Mr. Nilam Joshi (Labolatory Assistant) and Mr. Chirag Pagedar(Peon) helped in
conducting compressive strength test. Mr.Moin Shaikh (Laboratory Assistant) in Geo Test
House helped in logistics required for the test. The Students of SY and TY Civil studying in
Polytechnic helped in casting cubes at stipulated time.

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 7
International Conference on: Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

REFERENCES
[1] A.L.Guruji, Photo of impervious concrete at Maninagar society, Manjalpur, Vadodara,July.2014
[2] A.L.Guruji, Photo of Pervious concrete casting covered with plastic sheet in Room no.8,Civil Engineering
Department, Polytechnic, The M.S.University of Baroda, Vadodara,Fabruary.2015
[3] A.L.Guruji, Photo of Compressive Strength Testing machine at Applied Mechanics Department,
Polytechnic, The M.S.University of Baroda,Vadodara,February.2015
[4] A.L.Guruji, Pouring of water on Pervious Concrete block at Polytechnic, The M.S.University of Baroda,
Vadodara,February.2015
[5] Darshan S. Shah , Prof. Jayeshkumar Pitroda, Prof.J.J.Bhavsar Pervious Concrete: New Era For Rural
Road Pavement, International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) Volume 4 Issue
8- August 2013.
[6] Jason Vogel,Asst.Proffesor, Biosystem/Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State University,
http://lid.okstate.edu/pervious-pavement.
[7] A.M.Amde & S.Rogge,Development of High quality Pervious concrete specifications for Maryland
Conditions,The University of Maryland.
[8] Manual for Artificial Recharge of Ground Water,Government of India, Ministry of Water
Resources,Central Ground Water Board.
[9] Paul D. Tennis, Michael L. Leming, and David J. Akers, Pervious Concrete Pavements Portland Cement
Association,5420 Old Orchard Road,Skokie, Illinois 60077-1083,847.966.6200 Fax
847.966.9781,www.cement.org
[10] www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScsQYHMfabU
[11] www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKhgNyJ8vw4

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 8