October 2026

 

Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement Council 

Three Rivers Phase 2

When Infrastructure Demands Speed and Durability, RCC Delivers


The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District awarded Barnard Construction Company the Three Rivers Phase 2 Hydraulic Containment Structure project near Tichnor, Arkansas, on December 17, 2024. Sitting near the confluence of the White, Arkansas and Mississippi rivers, the site is about as remote as heavy civil work gets. Tichnor is an unincorporated farming community, and every load of material had to travel roughly 100 miles from the nearest source. That distance shaped every decision on the job, from batch timing to truck staging.


The roller-compacted concrete (RCC) scope called for a 2.3-mile levee cap placed 8 inches thick and 14 feet wide, with multiple 3-lane pull-offs built into the run. In all, the crew placed approximately 4,200 cubic yards of RCC in a single lane along the crest of the structure. That single-lane access created the project’s defining challenge. Because the paving surface sat atop a structure standing 5 to 75 feet off the ground, flanked by sloping riprap banks, trucks could not turn around. Instead, each truck had to back the full length of the placement to reach the paver. To keep that operation safe and moving, the team ran continuous radio coordination, linking the plant, drivers, flaggers and the paver through multiple headsets and walkie-talkies. Clear communication kept material fresh, backing movements controlled and the crew protected on a narrow elevated work platform.

Project Details



OWNER

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Barnard Construction Company, Bozeman, MT

PAVING CONTRACTOR

Robert Smith Inc.

PAVING MACHINE

Dynapac SD2520 high density paver

MIXING PLANT

Rapid mix plant

COMPLETION DATE

April 2026 (12 days)

LOCATION

Tichnor, Arkansas

Meeting the flatness tolerances set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers demanded precision. Robert Smith Inc. (RSI) set a string line to control grade and surface flatness across the entire run, pairing a rapid mix plant with its Dynapac SD2520 high density paver to hold consistent density and profile. Saw cuts were made every 15 feet and sealed with a curing compound to protect the fresh concrete and control cracking. RSI then returned to double-cut and widen the joints, installing backer rod and self-leveling caulk across approximately 11,290 linear feet. The finished product performed well above spec: RCC breaks averaged 4,800 psi at 10 days, and every break exceeded 6,000 psi at 28 days.



The RCC levee cap is one piece of a much larger effort. Phase 2 includes a new hydraulic containment structure with a crest elevation of 157 feet, a bridge culvert at Owens Weir and replacement of the La Grue Lake culvert. The broader scope also carries extensive heavy civil work, including soil cement, structural concrete, massive riprap, sheet piling and cutoff walls, underwater excavation and utility relocation.


Completed in April 2026 over just 12 working days, the RCC placement shows why the material fits demanding infrastructure schedules. Its durability and rapid strength gain let the crew deliver a compliant, high-strength surface fast, even under difficult access, tight tolerances and a location far from any support. For owners and engineers weighing options on levees and hydraulic structures, Three Rivers Phase 2 is a strong example of RCC delivering strength, speed and reliability where it counts.

 
 

RCC Pavement Council News & Events

RCC Pavement Council celebrates four award-winning projects

Congratulations to our members honored with the American Concrete Pavement Association's 2026 Excellence in Concrete Pavement Awards. For more than 35 years, this program has recognized the contractors, engineers and project owners behind the nation's most outstanding concrete pavement projects.

 

This year's RCC Pavement Council winners:

  • A.G. Peltz Group, LLC: Norfolk International Terminals Optimization Project in Norfolk, Virginia
  • Andale Construction, Inc.: GAF XLR8 in Newton, Kansas, and the I-540 Triangle Expressway Southeast Extension in Wake and Johnston counties, North Carolina
  • Peltz Companies, Inc.: Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel in Virginia Beach, Virginia.


These projects span a major port terminal, an industrial facility, a highway extension and a tunnel. Together, they show how roller compacted concrete (RCC) delivers durable, cost-effective pavement for demanding loads and tight schedules.

 

Winners will be honored Dec. 3 at ACPA's 63rd Annual Meeting in Hollywood, Florida.


Join us in congratulating these teams.

RCC Pavement Council honors Dr. Zollinger

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Dan Zollinger on Sunday, September 20, 2026, after a five-month battle with cancer.


Dr. Zollinger was a brilliant professor, dedicated researcher and an icon in the concrete pavement industry. Throughout his distinguished career, he inspired generations of students and engineers, shaping the future of transportation infrastructure through his ground-breaking research and tireless leadership.


The RCC Pavement Council has been exceptionally fortunate to work alongside Dr. Zollinger to advance Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) pavement technology. His profound expertise, insightful guidance and passion for innovation leaves an indelible mark on our organization and the entire concrete community.


We extend our deepest condolences to Corey Zollinger, P.E. and to the entire Zollinger family, friends, colleagues and all the former students whose lives and careers he touched. His legacy will continue to pave the way forward for years to come.



Rest in peace, Dr. Zollinger.

Save the Date!

Save the Date! Join the RCC Pavement Council at their next in-person meeting on December 2nd, 2026, at the Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, FL, held in conjunction with the 2026 ACPA 63rd annual meeting.

Register for ACPA’s meeting here.

Will we see you in Raleigh this December?

The Count on Concrete Conference has moved from January to Dec. 14-15, 2026, at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The RCC Pavement Council is proud to be a sponsoring partner for this event, which brings DOT and industry professionals together to share practical advances in concrete infrastructure.


Plan to attend the RCC session on Dec. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to noon: "I-40 Recovery from Hurricane Helene: A Look Back and Forward, RCC Use for Slope Protection." Josh Deyton of NCDOT and Blake Soblesky of RS&H will discuss how roller-compacted concrete is helping protect slopes along a critical corridor.


For agencies planning disaster recovery or long-term resilience work, this session offers real-world insight from the field. DOT and government employees can register for $175, and the conference offers 5 PDHs.



We look forward to connecting. Register here.

RCC Resources Available for You!

See RCC in Action

What makes Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) a smart choice for demanding pavement applications? This informative video takes you through the RCC process from site preparation and grading to placement and compaction, while demonstrating how RCC delivers strength, durability and long-term performance.


See how RCC can provide a durable, low-maintenance pavement solution in challenging environments, including areas with steep grades, heavy use and exposure to the elements. The video offers a closer look at how RCC is placed and compacted to create a strong, long-lasting surface built to perform.



Watch the video to learn more about RCC, how it is constructed and why its combination of speed, durability and low maintenance makes it a proven pavement solution. 

New Resource Spotlight: RCC Roadway Projects Nationwide

We’ve added a valuable new resource to our website highlighting Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) pavement used in roadway projects across the country.


RCC is a type of rigid concrete pavement placed with high-density paving equipment and compacted with vibratory rollers, allowing for rapid installation and accelerated construction schedules. Known for its strength and durability, RCC is built to withstand heavy and specialized loads—making it a reliable, cost-effective solution for engineers, owners and construction managers.


This new resource showcases publicly funded RCC roadway projects from across the nation, completed by RCC Pavement Council members. It demonstrates the versatility of RCC in a wide range of applications, including arterial and local streets, highways, ramps, shoulders, medians, access roads and parking areas.


Explore this resource to see how RCC is making an impact on roadway infrastructure nationwide.

RCC State Sheet Resources!

Looking for reliable, state-specific insights on roller compacted concrete? The RCC Pavement Council’s resource page is packed with detailed state sheets designed to help you understand RCC applications tailored to your region. Whether you're planning a project or exploring innovative paving solutions, these resources are your go-to guide.


Explore the state sheets today and discover how RCC can transform your next project.

Are you an RCC Pavement Council member?

Submit Your RCC Projects Here!

Are you a member and want to see your project displayed on the Roller Compacted Concrete Pavement Council website, newsletter and social media? Submit your project here today! 

Joining the Council will place your company at the forefront of this emerging pavement technology. With the Council’s focus on end-users, all members will benefit by the increased project opportunities generated by Council members. In addition, contractors, equipment vendors, materials suppliers and pavement engineers will have access to the needs and concerns of their customer base as well as the opportunity to benchmark and develop best construction practices. The members also participate in and learn from emerging research and product development, allowing them to better serve both existing and future customers. The RCC Pavement Council represents the most knowledgeable and experienced group of companies associated with roller compacted concrete pavements today. Learn more about joining the council here.

We've Moved - Find us on LinkedIn

Exciting news! The RCC Pavement Council is leveling up on LinkedIn! We’ve officially transitioned from a personal page to a dedicated business page. Follow us at RCC Pavement Council on LinkedIn for the latest updates and industry insights.

 

Why the switch? Our new LinkedIn page allows us to connect directly with you, our valued community of RCC enthusiasts and industry professionals. This page is your hub for all things RCC.

 

Join us on this exciting journey! Follow our new LinkedIn page, like our posts and share when you can to help spread the word about RCC.

 
 

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