Evaluation of the Performance of Permeable Concrete Reinforced with Natural Agave and Bamboo Fibers for Urban Flood Mitigation in Huancayo

Abstract

Urban flooding is a growing challenge in cities worldwide, aggravated by climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and rapid urbanization. In Huancayo, Peru, streets such as Jirón Angaraes, Tarapacá, and Bolognesi are prone to recurrent flooding, leading to significant disruptions in daily life and deterioration of rigid pavements. This study aims to develop an innovative, sustainable solution to mitigate urban flooding by creating a permeable concrete mixture infused with natural fibers from agave (A) and bamboo (B). These fibers are incorporated to enhance both the drainage efficiency and the structural integrity of the concrete. The study examines various fiber dosages (0.4% - 1.2%) and their effects on the mechanical properties and permeability of the concrete, using cylindrical and beam specimens tested for compressive strength, flexural strength, and permeability at different curing stages (7, 14, and 28 days). The results demonstrated a synergistic effect between bamboo and agave fibres, significantly improving the mechanical strength and permeability of the concrete, making it more effi cient for water management. The optimal mix, composed of 0.8% agave fibres and 0.4% bamboo fibres, achieved a compressive strength of 242.06 kg/cm² and a permeability of 1.167 cm/s, achieving an ideal balance between durability and permeability that offers an innovative solution to address urban flooding. These results highlight that the incorporation of natural fibres in pervious concrete not only provides an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional materials, but also contributes to the development of resilient infrastructure. This scalable and sustainable approach has the potential to be applied in other vulnerable regions globally, establishing itself as a valuable contribution to the field of civil eng ineering and urban resilience.