Layered Pervious Concrete for Drainage and Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current concrete systems face challenges in achieving aesthetically pleasing surfaces while allowing for water drainage without the need for integrated surface drainage systems, and they lack the strength and durability required for high-traffic areas.
Innovation Solution
A layered concrete construction comprising a pervious concrete layer with high porosity and a traditional non-pervious concrete topping layer, where the pervious layer allows water to pass through and the non-pervious layer provides strength and a decorative finish, with strategically placed joints to channel water into the pervious layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pervious concrete is used to allow water drainage, then water runoff is reduced and environmental friendliness is improved, but strength and durability are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The concrete structure is divided into multiple layers: a pervious concrete layer for water drainage and a non-pervious concrete layer for strength and durability. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining pervious concrete (with high porosity for water infiltration) and non-pervious concrete (with low porosity for strength). This composite material approach allows the structure to simultaneously achieve water drainage capability and structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If integrated surface drainage systems are added to manage water, then water runoff is controlled, but aesthetic appearance is degraded and visual detraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is extracted from the surface level and integrated into the subsurface structure through the pervious concrete layer. This eliminates the need for visible surface drainage components while maintaining effective water runoff control.
Solution Approach 2:
The pervious concrete layer uses porous materials with high porosity to allow water infiltration through the concrete structure itself. This provides aesthetic-friendly water management by eliminating the need for separate drainage infrastructure that would visually detract from the surface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pervious concrete is used for high traffic areas, then water drainage is achieved, but durability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The structure separates the drainage function (pervious layer) from the load-bearing function (non-pervious layer). This segmentation allows the non-pervious layer to provide the durability and strength needed for high traffic areas while the pervious layer handles water drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines the water-drainage capability of pervious concrete with the durability of non-pervious concrete. This composite approach enables the structure to withstand high traffic loads while maintaining effective water runoff control.
4Shape
If conventional concrete is used for aesthetic surfaces, then appearance is maintained, but water drainage capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The concrete structure is segmented into a surface layer (non-pervious concrete) that maintains aesthetic appearance and a subsurface layer (pervious concrete) that provides water drainage capability. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material system where the surface layer is non-pervious concrete for aesthetics and the underlying layer is pervious concrete for water drainage. This composite approach maintains visual appeal while eliminating harmful water runoff.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution creates a safer, more environmentally friendly, and aesthetically superior surface that effectively manages water runoff without the visual detraction of traditional drainage systems, while offering improved strength and durability compared to previous pervious concrete constructions.
Implementation Method 1
Pervious concrete consists of cement, coarse aggregate and water, with little to no fine aggregates. The addition of a small amount of sand will increase strength, but decrease porosity.
Implementation Method 2
the water is diverted directly into the ground for introduction into the water table
Implementation Method 3
Pervious concrete functions like a storm water infiltration basin and allows water to saturate soil over a large area, thus facilitating the introduction of water into the groundwater supplies locally.
Data Source
AI summary
A layered architectural water pervious concrete is provided. The concrete assembly includes a first layer of water pervious concrete preferably having 15%-25% void space capable of channeling water to the ground and underlying water table. Poured upon the pervious concrete layer, is a non-pervious concrete layer. Joints are formed through the non-pervious concrete layer, which preferably penetrates into the pervious concrete layer at least ¼ inch. Water flows from the top surface of the concrete assembly through the joints and into the porous concrete layer for distribution to the ground below.