A feedlot pavement plan needs to reflect how cattle, feed trucks, loaders and service equipment move through the site. Roller compacted concrete may be considered for selected feedlot areas where a durable paved surface is needed, but each area should be evaluated for its use, drainage and connection to the rest of the facility.
Map traffic before choosing pavement limits
Mark feed delivery routes, cattle alleys, pen approaches, processing areas, silage traffic and equipment staging. Identify places where vehicles turn, stop or cross paths. The map helps the project team define which areas need pavement, how transitions should be handled and whether construction can be staged without interrupting essential routes.
Plan water and cleanout movement
Show the direction of runoff, existing ditches, inlets, containment features and low points. Consider how wash water and stormwater are managed under applicable site plans and local requirements. Surface grades should support the facility's water-management approach while avoiding unintended flow toward buildings, neighboring land or sensitive areas.
Also account for manure removal and routine maintenance. Equipment width, turning room, access to edges and the location of joints or transitions can affect how crews work. The owner and designer should review these operations together before setting final pavement limits.
Coordinate the pavement design with the whole facility
Provide the pavement designer with available soil information, expected vehicle types and loads, construction access, utility locations and plans for future expansion. Subgrade preparation, base conditions, drainage, pavement thickness and joints should be designed for the specific site rather than selected from a generic detail.
Useful questions for a feedlot project
- Which routes are used by feed trucks, loaders and cattle-handling equipment?
- Where do vehicles turn, queue or carry concentrated loads?
- How will runoff, cleanout and access around pavement edges be managed?
- Can work be phased while keeping feed and livestock routes operational?
- What expansion or utility work should be planned before paving?
See Rock Solid RCC's feedlot concrete paving information, browse the project photographs, or share your site needs with the team.
Technical background: For general RCC pavement uses and construction background, see the FHWA Technical Brief on Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement. Feedlot layout and runoff planning remain project-specific.