Roller Compacted Concrete – Properties, Advantages, Disadvantages & Application

Roller compacted concrete (RCC) is a special type of concrete that shares similarities with traditional concrete but has some unique features. This concrete is cost-effective and offers specific advantages in various construction applications.

Ingredients in Roller Compacted Concrete

RCC uses the same basic materials as regular concrete but in different proportions. Besides cement, fine and coarse aggregates, and water, fly ash is added to partially replace Portland cement. Additionally, chemical admixtures like water reducers, retarders, accelerators, and superplasticizers may be included to achieve specific properties.


Properties of Roller Compacted Concrete

Compressive Strength : RCC exhibits compressive strength ranging from 4000psi to 6000psi, comparable to conventional concrete. The low water-cement ratio contributes to achieving high compressive strength, with some structures exceeding 7000psi.

Flexural Strength : Flexural strength, ranging from 500psi to 1000psi, correlates with density and compressive strength in RCC. This property is essential for applications where the concrete may undergo bending stresses.

Bond Strength : RCC is placed in layers, and the bonding between these layers is crucial. Adequate bond strength is attained when the concrete layers are thoroughly bonded during the compaction process.

Shrinkage : Due to lower water content, RCC typically experiences lower shrinkage and reduced crack formation compared to conventional concrete.


Characteristics of Roller Compacted Concrete

Roller compacted concrete exhibits characteristics such as toughness, durability, strength, sustainability, versatility, and resistance to freezing and thawing.


Applications of Roller Compacted Concrete

RCC finds applications in various construction projects, including:

  • Concrete pavements for roads, streets, and highways.
  • Construction and rehabilitation of concrete dams, ports, airports, storage facilities, and parking lots.
  • Construction and maintenance of light and heavy industrial facilities.

Advantages of Roller Compacted Concrete

Several advantages make RCC a preferred choice in construction:

  • Strength and durability due to lower water content.
  • No need for reinforcement bars in certain constructions.
  • Resistance to deformation under heavy loads.
  • Cost-effectiveness compared to traditional concrete.
  • Resistance to oil spills, fuels, hydraulic fluids, and other liquids.
  • Smooth finished surface.
  • Lower cement consumption due to the use of fly ash.

Disadvantages of Roller Compacted Concrete

While RCC offers many benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider:

  • In specific situations, RCC dams may be more expensive than alternative low-cost options.
  • Potential leakage issues if compaction is not done properly.

In conclusion, Roller Compacted Concrete provides a practical and cost-efficient solution for various construction needs, offering a balance of strength, durability, and versatility.