Effects of Winter Surface Applications on Hydraulic Conductivity of Porous Concrete Pavements

A laboratory study evaluating the effects of winter surface applications on the hydraulic conductivity of porous concrete pavements is presented. The objectives of the study were to: (1) determine the effects of typical winter surface application (sand and salt, 2:1 ratio by weight) on the hydraulic conductivity of porous concrete specimens, (2) determine the effects of maximum fines infiltration on hydraulic conductivity; and (3) examine the effectiveness of vacuuming as a tool to reclaim hydraulic conductivity after some amount of clogging had occurred. Hydraulic conductivities of virgin specimens ranged from 0.18 cm/s (255 in/hr) to 1.22 cm/s (1,729 in/hr). Reduction in hydraulic conductivity after the winter surface application of 0.12 g/cm2 was found to be 15%. After maximum clogging had been achieved, reductions in hydraulic conductivity were measured around 35%. Specimens that were vacuumed to reclaim hydraulic conductivity after clogging were on average restored to within 10% of the initial hydraulic conductivity.