Abstract
The paper reports on the effects of consolidation method and specimen size on optimum water content, density, and compressive strength of laboratory-prepared roller-compacted concrete (RCC) specimens for pavement construction. The three selected consolidation methods include the vibrating table/surcharge method presently under consideration by ASTM for casting cylinders, and two impact methods using Marshall and Proctor hammers. The selected mold sizes are 15.2 cm by 30.5 cm (the standard 6 in. x 12 in.) and smaller, 10.2 cm by 20.3 cm (4 in. x 8 in.), cylinders. The experimental results indicated that fabrication method (i.e., vibration/surcharge versus impact) significantly affects optimum moisture content, density, and 28-day compressive strength. Specimen size seems to be less of a factor. The choice of the laboratory consolidation method—for density measurement and specification in particular—may have important consequences in the construction, quality control, and overall performance of RCC pavements.