Roller-compacted concrete (RCC) is a zero-slump concrete that is compacted by vibratory rollers. The use of RCC for pavements evolved from the use of soil cement and cement-treated base (CTB) material. Although equipment for batching, mixing, and transporting roller compacted concrete is similar to CTB, RCC is designed to have a much higher strength and durability.
According to the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the first use of RCC pavement in North America was a runway at Yakima, Wash., constructed in 1942. The Corps installed the first known RCC test pavement at Vicksburg, Miss. in 1975. This 300-foot service road proved the feasibility of RCC for use in pavement construction.
In general, RCC has been used for heavy-duty pavements, such as yards and port facilities. However, in the past 10 years RCC has also been proven to be a cost-effective pavement for many conventional pavement applications including warehouse facilities, industrial access roads, large commercial parking areas, intersection replacements, roadway inlays, highway shoulders and residential streets. Some of the changes that have occurred since the early projects include use of heavy-duty asphalt pavers to improve initial compaction and enhance surface texture and smoothness.
—Wayne Adaska
Read more highlights from 50 Years of Concrete Construction Progress.
