IMPACT OF THE SIKACEM SUPERPLASTICIZER ADDITIVE AND STEEL FIBER ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PERMEABLE CONCRETE

Abstract

Pervious concrete is a sustainable material for stormwater management in urban environments; however, its high porosity limits its mechanical strength. This study evaluated the combined effect of a SikaCem superplasticizer (15 % water reduction) and DRAMIX® 3D steel fibers (15 kg/m3) on pervious concrete designed for a compressive strength of f'c = 180 kg/cm2, in accordance with ACI 522R-10 guidelines. An experimental methodology was adopted by comparing conventional and modified mixtures through compressive strength, flexural strength, and permeability tests conducted at 7 and 28 days. The results showed significant improvements in mechanical performance. At 28 days, the modified mixture achieved a compressive strength of 186.31 kg/cm2 (1.8 % increase) and a flexural strength of 59.73 kg/cm2 (6.0 % increase) compared to the control concrete. Permeability decreased from 0.030 m/s to 0.019 m/s (approximately 36.7 % reduction), while remaining within acceptable ranges for pervious pavements. Overall, the results confirm that the combined use of a superplasticizer and steel fibers optimizes the balance between mechanical performance and infiltration capacity, constituting a viable alternative for sustainable urban pavements subjected to light to moderate traffic