Roller Compacted Concrete

Unlike conventional concrete, roller compacted concrete (RCC) has a semi-dry appearance, is placed in layers of usually 15 cm to 45 cm, transported placed and compacted using traditional earthmoving and compacting equipment. With the hot joint method normally used, subsequent layers are placed and compacted before previous layers have set as opposed to the cold joint method where a bonding mortar or concrete layer with high flowability is installed prior to the next RCC layer being placed.

RCC is made with the same components as regular ready-mix concrete but with substantially less cement and water, a maximum aggregate size, and higher fines content.  Compressive strength is not normally the main objective. It is normally achieved by better compaction of the material rather than cement content and thus achieving the right moisture content and granulometric curves are important.

Holderchem provides guidance with regard to roller-compacted concrete requirements, supplying a range of water-reducing and air-entraining admixtures for better workability, and set retarding admixtures to extend the elapsed time prior to concrete hardening and reduce the risk of cold joints with the subsequent placing.