RCC/Soil-Cement: What’s the Difference?

Abstract

Roller-compacted concrete (RCC) and soil-cement are similar materials, in that they both are of zero-slump consistency and are placed and compacted with earth-moving or paving equipment. The construction methods used to produce RCC and soil-cement are also quite similar. Yet, in spite of these similarities, there are some fundamental differences between RCC and soil-cement. The following aspects of these two materials are discussed and compared: historical applications with an emphasis on water resources, mixture ingredients, testing procedures, design procedures, properties, construction methods, and costs. This paper identifies the limitations of each material based on properties and performance so that each material is properly applied to a project. Some recommendations and suggestions are introduced to better understand the practical differences and to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of using these two similar materials.