Performance Evaluation of Sustainable Pervious Concrete Incorporating Industrial and Agricultural By-products

Abstract

The sustainable advancement of pervious concrete through the integration of industrial and agro-industrial waste materials presents a promising approach to addressing environmental challenges. This study investigates the effects of incorporating rice husk-derived activated carbon, iron slag, and a 5% adhesive cement replacement (by weight) into pervious concrete mixtures. Performance was evaluated in terms of compressive strength, porosity, permeability, and water purification capabilities.

Experimental findings demonstrate that the combination of iron slag and 5% adhesive cement produced the highest 28-day compressive strength of 22.13 N/mm²—outperforming the control sample—and enhanced the structural capacity of the concrete. This mix also achieved the highest porosity (24.42%), leading to improved permeability and superior drainage performance, making it particularly suitable for stormwater management systems.

Water quality testing showed that Mix 2 effectively reduced pH to levels within World Health Organization (WHO) acceptable limits, functioning as a viable passive water treatment solution. While Mix 3 provided moderate pH neutralization, Mix 4 demonstrated the most significant pH reduction, though requiring adjustment to prevent excessive acidity. In terms of water hardness, Mix 4 delivered the most notable improvement, with a reduction of approximately 38.9%, likely due to the enhanced ion adsorption and precipitation facilitated by the iron slag and activated carbon. Mix 2 also contributed significantly to hardness reduction, supporting its role in improving filtration efficiency.

This study supports the viability of incorporating waste-derived materials into pervious concrete to enhance environmental sustainability, promote groundwater recharge, and improve urban infrastructure through eco-conscious construction methods.