Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Roller compacted concrete (RCC) is increasingly being used in cattle feeding operations as a pen floor liner. While the physical properties and durability of RCC is known to be comparable to conventional concrete under particular formulations and application conditions, there is uncertainty as to whether the RCC that is being applied to cattle feeding operations is of sufficient quality to ensure that it conforms to regulatory standards under the Agricultural Operations Practices Act (AOPA), designed to protect groundwater resources in Alberta.
This research aims to evaluate the physical properties and durability of RCC installed in Alberta feedlots by optimizing and testing the mixtures in field trials at research sites across Alberta and Saskatchewan.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
If RCC can be demonstrated to economically conform to the NRCB and AGI technical guidelines for concrete materials used in feedlot settings, there would be several advantages realized by the industry:
Advice would be provided to the cattle industry and RCC contractors on the optimal blend, construction, and curing conditions required to maximize the physical durability of RCC in Alberta feedlots, realizing greater value out of investments into RCC as a pen liner
Technical guidelines would be prepared that establish the minimum standard for RCC design and installation to be considered as compliant with AOPA requirements.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Results will be published via an assessment report, technical guidance documents, as well as a plan to inform broader audiences of confined feeding operators and existing/potential RCC contractors.