Correlating the Durability Properties of Roller Compacted Concrete

Abstract

Roller compacted concrete is the zero-slump concrete mixture, usually prepared at low cement content and low workability, and subjected to compaction by rollers to increase the density and improve the aggregate particles interlock. It is recommended for heavy duty pavement and can withstand harsh environment. Modeling the physical behavior of roller compacted concrete exhibits a quick and easy start to predict the future behavior of the material. In the present assessment, roller compacted concrete mixtures have been prepared in the laboratory using three percentages of Portland cement (10, 12, and 16) % to simulate low, medium, and high cement content from roller compacted concrete point of view. The mixtures were poured into the cylinder mold of 101.6 mm diameter and 116.4 mm height in five successive layers. Each layer had practiced 25 blows of the modified Proctor hammer with 4.5 kg weight, falling from 450 mm height. Specimens were withdrawn from the mold after 24 hours and cured for 28 days in a water bath at 20°C. Specimens were subjected to bulk density, absorption, and porosity determination. Test results were analyzed and modeled. It can be observed that the gradation of aggregates (dense or gap)does not exhibit a significant issue in the absorption-density relationship. However, Dense gradation exhibits lower porosity than gap gradation. It can be concluded that the obtained mathematical models may be implemented to predict the relationship between the durability parameters of roller compacted concrete in terms of porosity, absorption, and density with high coefficients of determination.