Roller-Compacted Concrete by Rapid International USA

Roller-compacted concrete is an ultra-tough, zero-slump concrete with compressive strengths greater than 4,000 psi. It is placed with asphalt pavers to form an nonreinforced, concrete pavement. Roller Compacted Concrete successfully and economically combines strength and durability with ease of construction.

Roller Compacted Concrete requires no forms, finishing, steel reinforcement or joint sawing. However, saw-cut joints can be easily created to offer an enhanced appearance and to help control cracking. Roller Compacted Concrete consists of portland cement, coarse and fine aggregates, and water.

The Process
Roller Compacted Concrete takes its name from the method used to build it.

Mix
A Rapid Roller Compacted Concrete Continuous Mixing Plant, must have the efficiency to evenly disperse the relatively small amount of water present in the stiff, dry mix which resembles damp gravel. Rapid can do this very easily.

Transport
Dump trucks transport the Roller Compacted Concrete mix from the plant to the conventional or high-density asphalt pavers.

Placement
The mix is placed in layers (or lifts) 4-9 inches thick.

Compaction
Steel drum vibratory rollers compact the concrete.

Definition

Roller Compacted Concrete, a durable paving material that carries heavy loads, is now developing as a fast, economical construction method for dams, off-highway pavement projects, heavy-duty parking and storage areas, and as a base for conventional pavement. Roller Compacted Concrete is a stiff, zero-slump concrete mixture with the consistency of damp gravel comprised of local aggregates or crushed recycled concrete, Portland cement, and water. The mixture is placed and roller compacted with the same commonly available equipment used for asphalt pavement construction. The process requires no forms, finishing, surface texturing, or joint sawing and sealing.

Because of its low water-cement ratio, Roller Compacted Concrete typically has high strengths similar to, or even greater than, conventional concrete. Roller Compacted Concrete's high-strength properties combined with ease of construction and high rate of production often make Roller Compacted Concrete more economical than a flexible pavement. Additionally, more than 20 years of exposure as logging roads in cold climates have demonstrated that Roller Compacted Concrete has adequate resistance to freezing and thawing.