Evaluación de la Viabilidad del Concreto Poroso con Agregado de Escoria en la Prevención de Inundaciones en Áreas Urbanas

Abstract

The relevance of the study of porous concrete in Civil Engineering is significant, mainly in the search for sustainable and efficient solutions for its elaboration and implementation. In this framework, the research is proposed with the objective of evaluating the different behaviors of porous concretes according to their different compositions. By characterizing the sample, not only is the suitability of slag examined as a coarse aggregate material, but also its mechanical properties are determined, such as compressive strength and wear resistance, thus guaranteeing the quality of said concretes. Porous concrete is considered an innovative solution for the sustainable management of rainwater, especially in urban areas where natural infiltration is limited by impermeable surfaces. This material stands out for its high porosity, which allows water to filter through it, decreasing surface runoff. Within this research project, slag, a byproduct of the metallurgical process of steel purification, is used due to its granular structure and its ability to improve the mechanical strength of the material. Furthermore, the use of such aggregate contributes to environmental sustainability by recycling waste material and reducing the need to extract natural resources; it also provides more appropriate management of excessive rainfall events. This type of concrete is made with cement, slag, little or no fine aggregate and water, resulting in a hardened material with connected pores that allow efficient filtration of rainwater. This sustainable alternative is preferably used in regions with high rainfall and in areas such as parking lots and bike paths, which reduces the need for conventional drainage systems. In addition, it improves safety by reducing the accumulation of water on traffic surfaces.