Comprehensive Analysis of Roller-Compacted Concrete for Road Infrastructure: Materials, Performance, and Applications in the Sub-Saharan Context — Oak Academic Publishing
Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Comprehensive Analysis of Roller-Compacted Concrete for Road Infrastructure: Materials, Performance, and Applications in the Sub-Saharan Context
Laboratoire Eco-Matériaux et Habitat Durable (LEMHaD), Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Laboratoire Eco-Matériaux et Habitat Durable (LEMHaD), Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
,
Laboratoire Eco-Matériaux et Habitat Durable (LEMHaD), Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
3 Laboratoire Eco-Matériaux et Habitat Durable (LEMHaD), Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
5 Laboratoire Eco-Matériaux et Habitat Durable (LEMHaD), Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
6 Laboratoire Eco-Matériaux et Habitat Durable (LEMHaD), Institut International d’Ingénierie de l’Eau et de l’Environnement (2iE), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Road infrastructure is crucial for economic and social development, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it ensures connectivity and mobility. However, bitumous pavement deterioration is common due to harsh climates and inadequate adaptation of materials and techniques. This highlights the need for innovative and durable solutions. Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC), a no-slump concrete compacted with vibratory rollers, offers a promising alternative. Known for its strength, durability, and cost-efficiency, RCC has seen growing global interest but remains underutilized in Burkina Faso and other regions. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the use of RCC in pavement applications. It examines constituent materials, mix design approaches, and mechanical and durability performance under various environmental conditions. Recent advancements and practical applications are also discussed. The study identifies research gaps and concludes with recommendations to support the adoption of RCC technology in Sub-Saharan Africa’s road construction sector.
AFRICON (2008) Africa Infrastructure Country Diagnostic—Unit Costs of Infrastructure Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2008.
American Concrete Institute Committee 207 (2011) ACI Report 207.5R-11: Report on Roller-Compacted Mass Concrete.
American Concrete Institute Committee 213 (2014) ACI report 213R-14: Guide for Structural Lightweight—Aggregate Concrete.
ASTM D1557-12 (2021) Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort.
ASTM C309-19 (2019) Standard Specification for Liquid Membrane-Forming Compounds for Curing Concrete.
Chhorn, C., Hong, S.J. and Lee, S. (2017) A Study on Performance of Roller-Compacted Concrete for Pavement. Construction and Building Materials , 153, 535-543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.07.135
Pulecio-Díaz, J., Sol-Sánchez, M. and Moreno-Navarro, F. (2024) Prediction of the Physical-Mechanical Properties of Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavements under Different Service and Mix Conditions Based on Cement and Water Content. Materials , 17, Article 549. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17030549
Lopez-Uceda, A., Agrela, F., Cabrera, M., Ayuso, J. and López, M. (2016) Mechanical Performance of Roller Compacted Concrete with Recycled Concrete Aggregates. Road Materials and Pavement Design , 19, 36-55. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2016.1232659
Adamu, M., Raut, A.N., Ibrahim, Y.E., Janga, S. and Khed, V.C. (2024) Multicriteria-based Optimization of Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement Containing Crumb Rubber and Nano-Silica. Nanotechnology Reviews , 13, Article ID: 20240046. https://doi.org/10.1515/ntrev-2024-0046
Modarres, A. and Hosseini, Z. (2014) Mechanical Properties of Roller Compacted Concrete Containing Rice Husk Ash with Original and Recycled Asphalt Pavement Material. Materials & Design , 64, 227-236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2014.07.072
Fakhri, M. and Saberi. K, F. (2016) The Effect of Waste Rubber Particles and Silica Fume on the Mechanical Properties of Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement. Journal of Cleaner Production , 129, 521-530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.04.017
Tavakoli, D., Sakenian Dehkordi, R., Divandari, H. and de Brito, J. (2020) Properties of Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement Containing Waste Aggregates and Nano SiO 2 . Construction and Building Materials , 249, Article ID: 118747. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118747
Pourkhorshidi, A.R. and Ramezanianpour, A.A. (2020) Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement Using Natural Pozzolan: Experimental Investigation and Salt-Scaling Durability Model. International Journal of Pavement Engineering , 22, 1582-1591. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2019.1703982
Ghahari, S.A., Mohammadi, A. and Ramezanianpour, A.A. (2017) Performance Assessment of Natural Pozzolan Roller Compacted Concrete Pavements. Case Studies in Construction Materials , 7, 82-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2017.03.004
Dareyni, M. and Mohammadzadeh Moghaddam, A. (2019) Fresh and Mechanical Properties of Roller Compacted Concrete Containing Cationic Asphalt Emulsion Admixture. Construction and Building Materials , 198, 226-236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.11.186
Shahid, M.J., Khan, H.A., Khan, M.Z.N., Ahmad, J. and Abdullah, M. (2024) Optimisation of an Alkali Activator Solution to Enhance the Performance of Roller-Compacted Concrete for Pavements (RCCP). International Journal of Pavement Engineering , 25, Article ID: 2318609. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2024.2318609
Gagne, R. (2004) Methode de formulation et d’optimisation des melanges de bétons compactés au rouleau. CRIB, Université de Sherbrooke.
Yaseen, M.H., Hashim, S.F.S., Dawood, E.T. and Johari, M.A.M. (2024) Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Roller Compacted Concrete Incorporating Brick Powder, Glass Powder, and Steel Slag. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Materials , 33, Article ID: 20220307. https://doi.org/10.1515/jmbm-2022-0307
Ramadji, C., Messan, A., Sore, S.O., Prud’homme, E. and Nshimiyimana, P. (2022) Microstructural Analysis of the Reactivity Parameters of Calcined Clays. Sustainability , 14, Article 2308. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042308
Nshimiyimana, P., Tameghe, U.F., Ramadji, C., Prud’homme, E., Zhao, Z., Compaoré, D., et al. (2023) Physico-Mechanical and Durability Characterization of Eco-Ternary Cementitious Binder Containing Calcined Clay/Rice Husk Ash and Recycled Glass Powder. Materials , 16, Article 7009. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16217009
Nshimiyimana, P., Adufu, Y.D., Savadogo, N., Kanazoe, K., Kindo, M. and Messan, A. (2025) Towards the Development of Eco-Cement Containing Furnace Slag from the Recycling of Metal Scraps into Steel in Burkina Faso. MRS Advances . https://doi.org/10.1557/s43580-025-01328-2
Sore, S.O., Nshimiyimana, P., Messan, A., Prud’homme, E., Tsobnang, F. and Escadeillas, G. (2025) Chemical and Mineralogical Characterizations of Different Kaolinitic Clays from Burkina Faso: Feasibility for the Synthesis of Geopolymer Binders. Geosciences , 15, Article 230. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15060230
Adufu, D.Y., Sore, S.O., Nshimiyimana, P., Messan, A. and Escadeillas, G. (2022) Contribution à la formulation d’un béton géopolymère à température ambiante: Propriétés physico mécaniques. Academic Journal of Civil Engineering , 40, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.26168/ajce.40.2.9
Adufu, Y.D., Sore, S.O., Nshimiyimana, P., Ahouandjinou, K.D., Messan, A. and Escadeillas, G. (2025) Durability Behaviors of Calcined Kaolin Clay-Based Geopolymer Concrete Containing Different Calcium Compounds and Cured in Ambient Sub-Saharan Climate. Construction and Building Materials , 465, Article ID: 140195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.140195
He, Z., Deng, H., Fan, F. and Tan, J. (2018) Microstructure of Four-Graded Roller Compacted Concrete. Construction and Building Materials , 187, 25-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.07.120
Lopez-Uceda, A., Ayuso, J., Jiménez, J.R., Galvín, A.P. and Del Rey, I. (2018) Feasibility Study of Roller Compacted Concrete with Recycled Aggregates as Base Layer for Light-Traffic Roads. Road Materials and Pavement Design , 21, 276-288. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2018.1483257
Hosseinnezhad, H., Hatungimana, D. and Yazıcı, Ş. (2021) Mechanical Properties of Roller Compacted Concrete Containing Recycled Concrete Aggregate. Revista de la construcción , 20, 277-290. https://doi.org/10.7764/rdlc.20.2.277
Settari, C., Debieb, F., Kadri, E.H. and Boukendakdji, O. (2015) Assessing the Effects of Recycled Asphalt Pavement Materials on the Performance of Roller Compacted Concrete. Construction and Building Materials , 101, 617-621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.10.039
Debbarma, S., Ransinchung R.N., G.D. and Singh, S. (2019) Feasibility of Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement Containing Different Fractions of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement. Construction and Building Materials , 199, 508-525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.12.047
Meddah, A., Beddar, M. and Bali, A. (2014) Use of Shredded Rubber Tire Aggregates for Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement. Journal of Cleaner Production , 72, 187-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.02.052
Raftari, M., Baharvand, M., Dehghanbanadaki, A., Mahjoub, R. and Baharvand, S. (2024) Experimental Study of Strength and Microstructure of Roller Compacted Concrete Containing Waste Glass Aggregate. Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling , Experiments and Design , 7, 3201-3214. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41939-024-00384-9
Hashemi, M., Shafigh, P., Karim, M.R.B. and Atis, C.D. (2018) The Effect of Coarse to Fine Aggregate Ratio on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement. Construction and Building Materials , 169, 553-566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.02.216
American Concrete Institute Committee 327 (2015) ACI Report 327R-14: Guide to Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavements.
Marchand, R.G.J., Ouellet, E. and Lepage, S. (1997) Mixture Proportioning of Roller Compacted Concrete: A Review. ACI Symposium , 171, 457-486. https://doi.org/10.14359/6111
Deghfel, M., Meddah, A., Beddar, M. and Chikouche, M.A. (2019) Experimental Study on the Effect of Hot Climate on the Performance of Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions , 4, Article No. 54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-019-0246-8
Ntimugura, F., Sore, S.O., Bello, L. and Messan, A. (2017) The Influence of Metakaolin from Saaba (Burkina Faso) over Physico-Mechanical and Durability Properties of Mortars. Open Journal of Civil Engineering , 7, 389-408. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojce.2017.73027
Aghaeipour, A. and Madhkhan, M. (2019) Mechanical Properties and Durability of Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement (RCCP)—A Review. Road Materials and Pavement Design , 21, 1775-1798. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2019.1579754
American Concrete Institute Committee 325 (2001) ACI Report 325.10R-95: Guide to Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavements.
Portland Cement Association (2002) Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures.
de Larrard, F. and Sedran, T. (2002) Mixture-proportioning of High-Performance Concrete. Cement and Concrete Research , 32, 1699-1704. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0008-8846(02)00861-x
Mehta, P.K. and Monteiro, P.J.M. (2014) Concrete: Microstructure, Properties and Materials. 3rd Edition, The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Rahmani, E., Sharbatdar, M.K. and H.A.Beygi, M. (2020) A Comprehensive Investigation into the Effect of Water to Cement Ratios and Cement Contents on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement (RCCP). Construction and Building Materials , 253, Article ID: 119177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119177
Selvam, M., Debbarma, S., Singh, S. and Shi, X. (2022) Utilization of Alternative Aggregates for Roller Compacted Concrete Pavements—A State-of-the-Art Review. Construction and Building Materials , 317, Article ID: 125838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125838
Fardin, H.E. and Santos, A.G.D. (2020) Roller Compacted Concrete with Recycled Concrete Aggregate for Paving Bases. Sustainability , 12, Article 3154. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083154
Rambabu, D., Sharma, S.K. and Akbar, M.A. (2023) Evaluation of Roller Compacted Concrete for Its Application as High Traffic Resisting Pavements with Fatigue Analysis. Construction and Building Materials , 401, Article ID: 132977. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132977
Sengun, E., Alam, B., Yaman, I.O. and Ceylan, H. (2021) A New Evaluation of the Fatigue Design Criteria of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) Pavements. Construction and Building Materials , 289, Article ID: 123195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123195
Kessal, O., Achour, Y., Noui, A., Belkadi, A.A., Benouadah, A., Belagraa, L., et al. (2022) Bio-Fiber Reinforced Roller Compacted Concrete Designed for Road Construction: Feasibility of Date Palm Fibers in Pavements. European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering , 27, 1224-1246. https://doi.org/10.1080/19648189.2022.2077838
Park, J.Y., Lee, S.W., Han, S.H. and Kim, Y.K. (2018) Fatigue Behavior of Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement Based on Full-Scale Fatigue Test. Journal of Testing and Evaluation , 48, 2895-2907. https://doi.org/10.1520/jte20170522
Rad, S.A.M. and Modarres, A. (2017) Durability Properties of Non-Air Entrained Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement Containing Coal Waste Ash in Presence of De-Icing Salts. Cold Regions Science and Technology , 137, 48-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2017.02.006
AliAhmad, M., Miri, M. and Rashki, M. (2017) Probabilistic and Experimental Investigating the Effect of Pozzolan and Lumachelle Fine Aggregates on Roller Compacted Concrete Properties. Construction and Building Materials , 151, 755-766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.06.107
Aghaeipour, A. and Madhkhan, M. (2017) Effect of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) on RCCP Durability. Construction and Building Materials , 141, 533-541. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.03.019
Rao, S.K., Sravana, P. and Rao, T.C. (2016) Abrasion Resistance and Mechanical Properties of Roller Compacted Concrete with GGBs. Construction and Building Materials , 114, 925-933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.04.004
Wang, X., Luo, S., Hu, Y., Yuan, Q., Wang, H. and Zhao, L. (2012) High-Speed Flow Erosion on a New Roller Compacted Concrete Dam during Construction. Journal of Hydrodynamics , 24, 32-38. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1001-6058(11)60216-3
Yilmaz, A., Yildizel, S.A., Bahrami, A. and Kaplan, G. (2024) Utilizing Genetic Programming to Evaluate and Predict Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavements Reinforced with Coal Powder and Basalt Fiber. International Journal of Pavement Engineering , 25, Article ID: 2382328. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2024.2382328
Hoang, N. (2023) Estimating the Compressive Strength of Roller Compacted Concrete Using a Novel Swarm-Optimised Light Gradient Boosting Machine. International Journal of Pavement Engineering , 24, Article ID: 2270765. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2023.2270765
Selvam, M., Kumar, M.N. and Singh, S. (2023) Comparative Analysis of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement and Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement. Transportation Research Record : Journal of the Transportation Research Board , 2678, 196-210. https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981231188722