Specifications for the Construction of Steel Fibre-Reinforced Roller Compacted Concrete Roads

Depending on the prevailing material and energy prices, concrete roads can be made more cost-effective than asphalt roads. However, to provide a truly sustainable solution, it is necessary to reduce the energy consumption associated with the production and maintenance of concrete roads, as well as to minimise their construction / maintenance costs and delivery time. The research findings of the EC FP6 STREP project “EcoLanes” have indicated that the above aims can be attained by long-lasting rigid pavements made with “low-energy” steel fibre-reinforced roller-compacted concrete (SFR-RCC). The project has also overcome technological problems, such as mixing of steel fibres in roller-compacted concrete, and has successfully constructed demonstration roads in four diverse environments. To facilitate the use of SFR-RCC in pavement and road construction, the project has also developed specifications, which are outlined in this paper and cover a range of constructional issues, such as mix development, mixing and transportation of SFR-RCC, placement and roller-compaction as well as construction joints, curing and quality control. The experience, gained from the construction of the four demonstration pavements, has indicated that the proposed specifications can be adopted successfully for the construction of SFR-RCC pavements and roads.