Experimental Study on the Impact of Rainfall on RCC Construction

Abstract

Water content is an important parameter for ensuring construction quality of a roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dam. Due to large-scale and long construction duration of an RCC dam, continuous construction under rain is an inevitable option in order to complete the project on time. In general, rainfall can have a negative impact on RCC’s rollability, physical, and mechanical properties. This study is based on laboratory experiments with simulated RCC construction under artificial rainfalls. The results detail the impact of rainfall on RCC’s rollability, water content, vibrating compaction value, density, and bonding strength between RCC lifts. Reducing water content is studied as a countermeasure to mitigate such impacts. The findings can guide site decisions on whether to continue or suspend the RCC construction based on the forecasted rainfall intensity. The results are validated with actual field data.