Evaluation of high-performance porous concrete properties

The aim of this laboratory study was to evaluate the properties of high performance porous concrete. It required no special vibration equipment and curing. The optimum mixture proportions were used in the preparation of high performance porous concretes containing three sizes of coarse aggregates with appropriate amount of high water-reducing and thickening (cohesive) agents. Tests carried out on this concrete were: slump, slump-flow, void ratio, and coefficient of permeability, compressive and flexural strengths, and strength development rate. Furthermore, a test was proposed to determine the effects of high water-reducing and thickening (cohesive) agents on self-compaction of high performance porous concrete. It was meant to evaluate its hardened properties from the viewpoint of practical application. Its strength development rate was also examined at curing age of 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days at 20 °C and 60% relative humidity (R. H.). Consequently, high performance porous concrete exhibited good workability and cohesiveness with no segregation or bleeding, and developed high strength compared to conventional porous concrete. The results of proposed self-compaction test for this porous concrete also showed good workability and cohesiveness without any special compaction or vibration.