In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Low-Carbon Materials and Green Construction* (translated as *低碳材料与绿色建造*), researchers have developed a sustainable, low-carbon pervious concrete (PC) that could revolutionize urban infrastructure and offer significant benefits to the energy sector. The research, led by Haifeng Zhu from the School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering at Ningxia University, explores the potential of recycling industrial waste as building materials, providing a promising solution to environmental and economic challenges.
The study focuses on the use of coal gangue micro-powder (CGMP) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as supplementary cementitious materials to partially replace cement. Coal gangue sand (CGS) was used as fine aggregate, while municipal solid waste incineration slag (MSWI) and natural crushed stone aggregate (NCA) were used as coarse aggregates. The research investigated the effects of single-doping of CGMP and composite doping of CGMP and GGBS on the mechanical properties, permeability, pore structure, and frost resistance of PC.
“Our findings demonstrate that the composite doping of CGMP and GGBS at a ratio of 1:2 significantly improves the mechanical properties of pervious concrete,” said Haifeng Zhu. “This not only enhances the durability of the material but also contributes to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions and construction costs.”
The results showed that single-doping of CGMP led to a decline in mechanical properties and permeability. However, when CGMP and GGBS were co-doped at a ratio of 1:2, the specimens exhibited a synergistic improvement in mechanical properties, with 7-day and 28-day compressive strengths of 19.8 MPa and 24.6 MPa, respectively, and a permeability coefficient of 1.9 mm/s. The study also found that increasing the proportion of GGBS in the composite doping improved frost resistance, with the loss rate of compressive strength proving to be the most sensitive indicator of freeze–thaw effects.
In terms of carbon efficiency, life cycle assessment (LCA) indicates that the life-cycle carbon emissions per cubic meter of PC pavement prepared by the G10S20 scheme (a composite doping scheme with a total admixture content of 30%, including 10% CGMP and 20% GGBS) are reduced by 14.28% compared with normal concrete pavement (NCP) and by 14.80% compared with normal pervious concrete pavement (NPCP). Additionally, cost analysis confirms that the construction cost of G10S20 pavement is 22.38% lower than that of NCP and 14.46% lower than that of NPCP.
This innovative material not only effectively alleviates urban waterlogging and mitigates the heat island effect but also offers low-carbon and economic advantages when applied in scenarios such as urban roads, squares, and park ground paving. The research provides practical evidence for the promotion of sustainable building materials and could shape future developments in the construction industry.
As the world increasingly focuses on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints, this study offers a promising solution for the energy sector. By utilizing industrial waste and reducing construction costs, this sustainable pervious concrete could become a game-changer in urban infrastructure development. The findings highlight the potential for significant environmental and economic benefits, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
“This research is a significant step forward in the development of sustainable building materials,” said Haifeng Zhu. “It provides a viable solution for reducing carbon emissions and construction costs, making it an attractive option for the energy sector and urban planners alike.”