Surface Texturing and Smoothness

The finished surface of RCC pavement typically is far from smooth, due to the effect of using steel-wheeled rollers to densify the concrete. Removing the roller marks can contribute to a finished surface requiring grinding after hardening in order to create a smooth surface.

Efforts have been underway to eliminate the need for rolling and to use only the densification provided by the paver screed to meet the compaction specifications. This approach results in a much smoother surface at a lower cost while still meeting the required strength and specified density. It may be useful to experiment with different methods to enhance the finished surface of an RCC pavement (as shown in figure 12) without significant loss of skid resistance to partially close up a surface and reduce moisture loss. As previously stated, admixtures also are available to enhance the finishability of the surface concrete.