Roller-compacted concrete (RCC) is produced in a mixing plant, laid out with a suitable paver and compacted with a vibrating roller. To ensure a homogeneous concrete, there are strict demands on aggregate particle size distribution, quantity of cement and water content. RCC was used in the construction of 68km of concrete roads in Norway in 1985-1995, most of it in tunnels. RCC pavements cost twice as much as normal asphalt roads and therefore must have clear advantages in terms of service life, maintenance costs and safety. Wheel tracks or rutting in Norway are caused by studded tyres. The incidence of rutting in RCC pavements is compared with that in asphalt pavements. Observed rut depths were 3 times higher on asphalt compared with RCC. No problems have been observed with joints in RCC, except where the joints were too big or the concrete quality uneven. For most RCC projects, the pavement surface has remained good even after 10 years of service.
Abstract