Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences

Investigating the physical properties of modified pervious concrete containing different lightweight aggregates

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Huda H. Gghail
Mosah S. Abdulsada
Tumadhir M. Borhan

Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Al-Qadisiyah Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq.

https://doi.org/10.30772/qjes.2026.163760.1683
Abstract
Pervious concrete is an environmentally friendly paving concrete that has attracted significant attention due to its environmental advantages, particularly in mitigating the influences of urban heat and improving stormwater runoff. This study aims to investigate the influence of three types of lightweight coarse aggregates on the physical properties of pervious concrete mixtures. These types are pumice and two types of lightweight expanded clay aggregates (LECA): low density (LD) and high density (HD). Previous concrete mixtures were modified by styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) at 5% by cement mass and prepared. The physical properties of this type of concrete, including porosity, permeability, and hardened density, were investigated. The results indicated that replacing the normal coarse aggregate with a volumetric ratio of 10% lightweight coarse aggregates resulted in a significant increase in permeability and porosity while at the same time reducing density. The highest value of permeability was achieved by the mix containing 10% of LD without SBR, with an increment of 35.9%, compared to the control mix. The porosity was increased by 28.6% in the mix containing 10% of PA without SBR, compared to the control mix. On the other hand. Regardless of the type of lightweight coarse aggregate used, the addition of SBR to the lightweight aggregate mixtures significantly decreases the porosity and permeability while increasing density. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the type of aggregate chosen has a significant effect on the physical properties of pervious concrete.

Highlights

  • Three lightweight aggregates were evaluated in polymer-modified pervious concrete.
  • Low-density Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate produced the highest permeability enhancement.
  • Pumice generated the greatest increase in interconnected porosity.
  • SBR effectively balanced permeability with improved matrix densification.
  • Aggregate type and morphology were key factors governing physical properties.

Keywords

Pervious concrete
Physical properties
Styrene butadiene rubber
Lightweight coarse aggregate
Crossmark
Subjects
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Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 3
Summer 2026
Pages 310-315

  • Receive Date 15 January 2025
  • Revise Date 11 April 2025
  • Accept Date 30 July 2026

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