Powerfloated RCC first for CEMEX UK

Company completes largest roller-compacted concrete project involving first use of powerfloating technology

CEMEX UK have completed their largest roller-compacted concrete (RCC) project in the UK, which involved the first use of the company’s powerfloating technology. 

Powerfloating is said to represent an evolution in the RCC pavement process, achieving an engineered solution that lays fast and features the appearance and durability of a conventional concrete surface.

CEMEX supplied more than 40,000 tonnes of RCC using powerfloating for the creation of a purpose-built storage area located in the east of England. 

‘This project was a great achievement. It was not only the largest area that we have laid in the UK with RCC, but also an opportunity for us to use powerfloating technology for the first time,’ said Garry Gregory, director of asphalt and paving solutions with CEMEX UK.

‘Powerfloating provides our customer with a pavement solution that combines the strength and durability of concrete with the ease of asphalt construction. RCC alone delivers significant cost savings of up to 30% over traditional pavements, and now with powerfloat techology, RCC offers a significantly harder wearing surface that’s more aesthetically pleasing.’ 

Powerfloated roller-compacted concrete’s extremely hard-wearing surface is produced by spraying a specially designed admixture on to the RCC before powerfloating and curing. This creates a more closed, even surface than the more textured appearance of natural RCC. The smooth cement paste created during this process offers increased abrasion resistance, making it attractive for high-stress areas.