ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF ROLLER-COMPACTED CONCRETE

An investigation was conducted to develop a procedure for the design of roller-compacted concrete (RCC) pavements. This paper is a report on the laboratory portion of the investigation that was conducted to determine the engineering properties of RCC. Specimens for the laboratory tests were obtained from a full-scale test section constructed using a 10-ton vibratory roller. Specimens were tested for flexural, split-tensile, and compressive strength; modulus of elasticity; and fatigue properties. The engineering behavior of RCC was determined to be similar to that of conventional concrete. Test results for RCC made using 243 to 285 lb/cu yd of cement show that RCC is capable of providing relatively high in-place strength. As with conventional concrete, RCC strengths produced are even higher when higher cement contents are used. In another phase of the investigation, mix proportioning procedures for RCC were investigated. Specimens were prepared using a vibrating table with a surcharge and the modified Proctor procedure. RCC mixes studied contained 3.5 and 6 bags/cu yd of cement. Specimens prepared by using the vibrating table produced significantly lower densities and strengths because the moisture content was lowered.