Effect of polypropylene fibers on strength and durability of permeable concrete road as urban drainage alternatives

Rapid urbanization and the global climate crisis have intensified the challenges of sustainable transportation and urban drainage. Inadequate storm water infrastructure in many developing cities often results in severe water accumulation on road surfaces, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and freeze-related accidents. This study investigates fiber-reinforced permeable concrete (FRPC) as an alternative rigid pavement material capable of enhancing both drainage capacity and structural performance. Experimental mixtures incorporating polypropylene fibers at 0.5–1.0 kg/m³ were evaluated in terms of mechanical strength, durability, and permeability. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of fibers increased compressive strength by up to 77%, splitting tensile strength by 65%, and flexural strength by 40%, while abrasion resistance was significantly improved. However, permeability decreased slightly with fiber addition, and freeze–thaw resistance remained limited. Microstructural analyses confirmed that fiber bridging contributed to improved crack control and residual strength. The findings suggest that FRPC can effectively mitigate surface water accumulation and improve road safety, particularly in light-traffic areas, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and parking facilities. Overall, unlike previous studies, it explicitly addresses the simultaneous optimization of drainage capacity and mechanical performance, providing a novel integrated approach to FRPC as a sustainable pavement solution. Polypropylene fiber reinforcement provides a practical and sustainable approach to balancing permeability with mechanical durability in pavement design tailored to urban drainage needs.