Concrete is the most vital component in building construction, which is made of aggregate materials and special quality cement paste. When large sized particles of aggregate materials are utilized in manufacturing process, unique porous concrete is formed. It is also known as pervious concrete or permeable concrete or no fines concrete in the market. Due to these porous particles, any flatwork structure made of this concrete allows water to run through it without any obstruction.

Porous Concrete
Major applications of porous concrete in constructions
? Pavements – The pavements or the pathways need to remain free of water even during heavy rainfall. So most of the modern cities have the public pathways made of porous concrete, through which rainwater easily seeps deep into the ground. The level of groundwater is recharged to a large extent due to roadways made of this concrete, thus helping in environmental conservation. Many house owners prefer to construct decorative pathways for beautifying their outdoors that are made of pervious concrete.
? Parking space – When the floors of garages or parking lots are made of pervious concrete, there is very little chance of rainwater accumulating there. No moss can grow on this dry ground that would make the tyres of vehicles slip while moving in. Often flat slabs made of porous concrete are preferred by contractors, due to the uniformity in density and dimensions of these slabs.
? Walls – Sound walls or noise barriers in many sensitive places are made with precast slabs of pervious concrete. Retaining walls are also preferably made of this concrete, to allow the easy passage of rainwater through the sloppy soils that are retained by those walls. The walls supporting the basements are also considered as retaining walls. No fines concrete is also set to backfill the spaces dug up for wall construction, to provide steady drainage of stormwater.
? Animal stables – Stables are used as the homes of pet horses and cattle. As water accumulation is unhealthy for the animals living there, the floors of stable are made of porous concrete. Moreover, drainage system becomes more effective due to the installation of this concrete at these enclosures, thus keeping those places drier. Porous concrete is use by home builders for low impact development projects. It is also used in cold climates where freezing and thawing is very regular.
Porous concrete as used in sports courts and in greenhouse grounds:

Porous Concrete
? Sport courts – When rainwater accumulates on any sport ground, it becomes impossible to carry on with the game. Hence, the floorings of modern play courts are constructed with pervious concrete, to prevent undesired water accumulation there. So, the games can be restarted normally on these courts as soon as the rain stops.
? Greenhouse grounds –The floors of the greenhouses are made of porous concrete to stop unhealthy accumulation of water that may rot the plant roots. The growth of water based weeds can also be prevented by this type of flooring. Moreover, this solid concrete ground allows the vehicles to enter the greenhouses, carrying necessary equipments and other materials. The large pores of this concrete also store heat that prevents freezing of plants in winter.
The water drainage capacity is the main plus point of porous concrete that makes it a favourite of contractors and builders. The usual permeability of above mentioned concrete structures is maintained by regular cleaning with a damp cloth or a vacuum sweeper. You can now hire special house builders or concrete rendering and making specialists who work with transparent and colored porous concrete in various construction projects. You can take the budget previously and then start the construction or renovation project accordingly.
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