Investigations on the efficiency of Enhanced Porosity Concrete in Containing vehicular oil spills

B. V. Bhayani, T. M. Holsen, N. Neithalath

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Groundwater contamination from vehicular oil spills due to stormwater runoff is a major concern in highly impervious areas. This paper examines the potential of Enhanced Porosity Concrete (EPC) in retaining spilled oil in its pore structure. In this study EPC mixtures with porosities varying between 13 and 35% were examined. Known quantities of oil were introduced in different EPC specimens and rain events of different magnitudes were simulated. Oil recovered in the water that drained through the sample was quantified using a partition gravimetric method. The influence of (i) material properties of EPC such as porosity and pore sizes, and (ii) varying environmental conditions such as rainfall intensities and rates of oil and water addition on the quantities of oil retained by the system was quantified. It has been found that there is a certain optimal range of porosity in which the oil retention by the system is maximum. These experimental studies provide an understanding of the influence of pore structure features that contribute to retention of seeped oil in EPC.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSustainable Construction Materials and Technologies - International Conference on Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
Pages375-380
Number of pages6
StatePublished - Dec 1 2007
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Conference on Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies - Coventry, United Kingdom
Duration: Jun 11 2007Jun 13 2007

Publication series

NameSustainable Construction Materials and Technologies - International Conference on Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Other

OtherInternational Conference on Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityCoventry
Period6/11/076/13/07

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Architecture

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