Roller Compacted Concrete

This online engineering PDH course provides information and guidance on the use of RCC in dams and other civil works structures. Elements discussed include investigation and selection of materials, mixture proportioning, design and construction considerations, construction equipment and techniques, inspection, and performance.

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) defines roller-compacted concrete (RCC) as "concrete compacted by roller compaction; concrete that, in its unhardened state, will support a roller while being compacted." Properties of hardened RCC can be similar to those of conventionally placed concrete. However, RCC can also be made with hardened properties that are outside the range of typical properties of conventionally placed concrete. The term "roller compaction" is also defined by ACI as "a process for compacting concrete using a roller, often a vibrating roller."

RCC may be considered for application where no-slump concrete can be transported, placed, and compacted using earth and rock-fill construction equipment. Ideal RCC projects will involve large placement areas, little or no reinforcement, and little or no embedded metal work or other discontinuities such as piles. Application of RCC should be considered when it is economically competitive with other construction methods. It may be considered in lieu of gabions or riprap for bank protection, especially in those areas where riprap is scarce. It may be considered for large work pads, aprons, or paved areas, massive open foundations, base slabs, cofferdams, massive backfill, emergency repairs, and overtopping protection for  embankment dams. It may be used in lieu of conventionally placed concrete in concrete gravity and arch-gravity dams. RCC may be considered for use in levees where foundations are adequate and may also be used in caps for jetties to reduce the amount of required rock.

This 8 PDH online course is applicable to civil, structural or geotechnical engineers, as well as design and construction personnel involved with the planning, design, construction of roller-compacted concrete structures.