The rapid development in urban areas, especially in terms of constructing parks and roads using conventional concrete, has led to adverse environmental impacts. One of the problems that arise is the increase in the impermeable layer which prevents the penetration of rainwater into the ground. This results in increased surface runoff, which in turn has the potential to cause inundation or even flooding when the rainy season arrives. To overcome this challenge, WIKA Beton responded with innovation in the form of developing porous concrete technology which has the ability to absorb water, providing significant environmental benefits.
Porous concrete is a special type of concrete that has high porosity, used as a surface layer that allows rainwater and water from various sources to seep into the ground. This is an important step in making the urban environment more resistant to surface flooding and maintaining groundwater balance. Porous concrete consists of main ingredients such as portland cement, aggregate, water, and admixture or special additives. One of the main differences between porous concrete is the use of coarse aggregate with little or no fine aggregate, which gives it unique permeability characteristics.
The main advantages of porous concrete are its ability to absorb rainwater, reduce the risk of surface runoff, and improve the quality of groundwater around the application area. With a compressive strength ranging from 2.8 MPa to 28 MPa, porous concrete is suitable for structures with light traffic loads, such as sidewalks, sports fields and limited parking areas. In 2022, a pilot project that applies porous concrete as a vehicle parking floor has been carried out at the Subang Concrete Products Plant Karawang factory.
In developing porous concrete, WIKA Beton carries out various innovations to improve performance and efficiency. The use of screen material as coarse aggregate is one of the innovative steps in the development of this technology. Laboratory tests show that the infiltration rate is higher compared to conventional methods such as paving blocks. However, the use of porous concrete requires special attention in the building process, especially in subgrade and subbaselayers, to ensure the desired permeability.
Apart from focusing on technical functions, aesthetic aspects are also considered in the development of porous concrete. This technology allows the addition of color pigments to the concrete mix, providing the flexibility to create a more aesthetically pleasing surface that meets design requirements.
By adopting porous concrete technology, WIKA Beton shows its commitment to building sustainable solutions to environmental problems in cities. This innovation not only provides an alternative to overcome surface inundation and flood risk, but also encourages the use of more environmentally friendly construction materials. As cities grow and develop, porous concrete is a solution that can help create a more balanced, sustainable and comfortable environment for urban communities.
Understanding Porous Concrete: A Water-Absorbing Solution
Rapid urban development, particularly in the construction of parks and roads using conventional concrete, has led to adverse environmental impacts. One significant issue is the increase in impermeable surfaces that prevent rainwater from seeping into the ground. This results in higher surface runoff, which can lead to waterlogging or even flooding during the rainy season. To address this challenge, WIKA Beton has responded with the innovative development of porous concrete technology, offering significant environmental benefits.
What is Porous Concrete?
Porous concrete is a specialized type of concrete with high porosity, designed as a surface layer that allows rainwater and other water sources to infiltrate the ground. This makes it a critical component in creating urban environments more resilient to surface water accumulation and maintaining groundwater balance. Porous concrete is composed of key materials such as Portland cement, coarse aggregates, water, and specialized admixtures. Its distinguishing feature lies in the use of coarse aggregates with little to no fine aggregates, providing its unique permeability characteristics.
Key Benefits
The primary advantage of porous concrete is its ability to absorb rainwater, reduce surface runoff, and enhance groundwater quality in the surrounding area. With compressive strengths ranging from 2.8 MPa to 28 MPa, porous concrete is suitable for structures with light traffic loads, such as sidewalks, sports courts, and limited parking areas. In 2022, WIKA Beton completed a pilot project implementing porous concrete as parking lot flooring at the Subang Precast Concrete Plant in Karawang.
Innovations in Porous Concrete Development
WIKA Beton has introduced several innovations to enhance the performance and efficiency of porous concrete. One such innovation is the use of screened materials as coarse aggregates, resulting in superior infiltration rates compared to conventional methods like paving blocks. However, special attention is required during construction, particularly for the subgrade and subbase layers, to ensure the desired permeability is achieved.
Aesthetic and Functional Flexibility
In addition to its technical advantages, WIKA Beton also emphasizes the aesthetic potential of porous concrete. The technology allows for the addition of colored pigments to the concrete mix, providing flexibility to create visually appealing surfaces that meet specific design requirements.
Commitment to Sustainable Urban Solutions
By adopting porous concrete technology, WIKA Beton underscores its commitment to providing sustainable solutions for urban environmental challenges. This innovation not only offers an effective alternative for managing surface runoff and reducing flood risks but also promotes the use of environmentally friendly construction materials.
As cities continue to grow and evolve, porous concrete emerges as a viable solution for creating balanced, sustainable, and comfortable urban environments. Through this technology, WIKA Beton continues to lead the way in addressing urban environmental issues while supporting sustainable development goals.