What is Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC)?

Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) is a high-strength, low-maintenance paving solution. Engineered for extreme durability, RCC eliminates mud, prevents erosion, and provides a long-lasting, cost-effective alternative.

Get a Free Consultation

What is Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) and Why is It Different?

Unlike traditional concrete or asphalt, RCC is installed using a low-water to cement ration (.3 to .4) that provides high early strength mix that is compacted with rollers instead of poured and finished like standard concrete. This process creates an extremely durable, surface capable of withstanding heavy equipment and livestock traffic with minimal maintenance.

✔ High-Strength & Load-Bearing – Built to support heavy machinery, livestock, and constant wear.
✔ Fast Installation & Cure Time – RCC can be used within 24–48 hours after installation.
✔ Low Maintenance & Long Lifespan – No need for frequent resurfacing or regrading.

Investing in RCC is not only about enhancing durability and performance but also about achieving financial efficiency. Many of our clients have reported realizing a full return on their investment in as little as five years, thanks to RCC's low maintenance requirements and extended lifespan. This swift ROI underscores RCC as a financially sound choice for feedlot and dairy operations aiming for long-term savings and operational efficiency.

How Does RCC Compare to Other Surfaces?

Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) delivers superior strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional feedlot surfaces. Here’s how it stacks up against the alternatives:

How We Install RCC for Maximum Strength & Longevity

RCC is installed using a precise, multi-step process that ensures a strong, durable, and low-maintenance surface for feedlots and dairies. Unlike traditional concrete, which is poured and finished, RCC is placed and compacted with rollers, creating a seamless, high-density surface that stands up to extreme use.

Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful RCC installation. Our team carefully evaluates the project site and takes the following steps:

✔ Excavation & Soil Stabilization – We remove any unstable material and compact the subgrade to prevent shifting and settling.
✔ Grading & Slope Adjustment – We establish the correct slope for proper drainage, ensuring water runoff is controlled.
✔ Base Layer Compaction – A base layer is compacted for extra stability.

Step 1 – Site Preparation & Grading

Step 2 – RCC Mixing & Placement

RCC is different from traditional concrete because of its low-water to cement ration (.3 to .4) that provides high early strength mix. Here’s what makes this step unique:

✔ Precision Mixing – RCC uses a drier concrete mix that is carefully proportioned for maximum strength and minimal shrinkage.
✔ High Production – Unlike standard concrete, which is poured in sections.
✔ Layer Thickness – RCC is typically installed in 4-20 inch layers, depending on needs.

Step 3 – Roller Compaction & Smoothing

Once RCC is placed, it undergoes a specialized compaction process that gives it unmatched durability and strength.

✔ Heavy-Duty Rollers Compact the Surface – High-pressure rollers compact the RCC mix, ensuring maximum density and load-bearing capacity.
✔ Eliminates Air Pockets – Proper compaction prevents weak spots that could lead to long-term damage.
✔ Surface Smoothing & Texturing – The is based on needs of the facility.

Step 4 – Curing & Final Inspection

RCC’s curing process is faster and more efficient than traditional concrete, allowing for quick use with minimal downtime.

✔ Spraying for Initial Cure – We apply cure over the surface to ensure proper hydration and curing.
✔ Strength Development – RCC reaches most of its strength within 7 days, but is usable within 24–48 hours.
✔ Final Quality Inspection – Our team checks for proper compaction, slope alignment, and surface integrity before project completion.

Frequently Asked Questions About RCC

Have questions about Roller Compacted Concrete? We’ve got answers. Learn how RCC works, its benefits, costs, installation process, and why it’s the best choice for feedlots and dairies.

With proper installation, RCC can last 20+ years with minimal maintenance.
While the upfront cost is higher than dirt or gravel it is usually less than conventional concrete. The increased efficiencies in feeding and animal health combined with long-term savings on maintenance make RCC far more cost-effective.
RCC is designed to expand and contract naturally, making it far more resistant to cracking than standard poured concrete.
RCC can be used within 24–48 hours after installation, allowing for minimal downtime on your feedlot. Climate does play a role is cure time.
Yes! RCC is highly resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, extreme heat, and heavy rainfall. RCC was developed in Canada.