Construction of Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement in the Fayetteville Shale Play Area, Arkansas

Abstract

In 2012, roller-compacted concrete (RCC) pavement was used to rehabilitate a deteriorated section of roadway in the Fayetteville Shale Play Area (FSPA), Arkansas. As the result of recent heavy truck traffic related to natural gas exploration efforts in Arkansas, the FSPA has experienced significant pavement distresses that typical maintenance activities cannot sufficiently address. RCC pavement was selected as a potential solution to repair failing pavements in this area because that pavement could be constructed more quickly than conventional concrete pavements and could provide adequate structure for truck traffic. Two sections of RCC pavement were constructed on a rural, two-lane highway. The first was a 7-in. section placed on a cement reconstructed base course, and the second was an 8-in. section placed as an overlay. The RCC mixture contained a nominal, maximum aggregate size of ¾ in. and was designed to meet a minimum, 28-day compressive strength of 5,000 psi. Although some difficulties were encountered during the construction process, the final product was considered successful. Low initial strengths in Section 1 were believed to be caused by a combination of low temperatures and the presence of fly ash in the mix. Fly ash was removed from the mix design before the construction of Section 2 began, and the strength characteristics were much improved. Diamond grinding was used to ensure surface smoothness; this treatment resulted in an average International Roughness Index value of 69.5. After 6 months, a distress survey was performed in which minimal cracking was found. Minor surface distresses, including popouts and deterioration at construction joints, were noted.