Shotcrete is a modern construction technique that consists of concrete or mortar that is projected at top speed through a hose and nozzle via compressed air. It forms the structural basis for many building projects. It is a relatively dry mixture but after projection, on impact, it is remarkably similar in strength to traditional normal and high strength concrete. The shotcrete process in construction is similar to that of regular concrete, requiring the same mixture of cement, water and other admixtures and the same structural reinforcements as conventional concrete such as prestressing steel and welded wire fabric. How shotcrete differs from conventional or traditional concrete is that it is more economical, saves time and yields a product that is more esthetically pleasing.
Shotcrete has been in existence for over 100 years. First developed in 1911, shotcrete has been used in a variety of building projects from residential to commercial. It has many advantages over regular concrete in that it can be used wet or dry, and can be applied to both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It is ideal for surface work and thin concrete structures. It has been used successfully in tunnels, dams, swimming pools, fire proofing structural steel and many other applications.
It was originally believed that shotcrete could only be used for less demanding applications such as tunnels and overlays and limited to structures with #5 reinforcing bars or smaller. Now, contractors use shotcrete in all applications, for example in below-grade basements and shear walls, including those with #18 vertical bars #6 hoops and ties at 4-inches-on-center.
Shotcrete technology has improved dramatically as contractors and developers have come to recognize what works and what applications are best suited to shotcrete placement. As a result, shotcrete use has been expanded to include development in areas with seismic activity, in rehabilitation projects and new construction projects which require strong structural reinforcement. Shotcrete is placed under rigorous testing according to engineers and industry standards and has been approved for use in large scale construction development.
Now, clients ask specifically for shotcrete as they have come to realize the vast benefits and advantages of shotcrete over traditional cast-in-place concrete.
As building technology has improved, so has the quality and demand for shotcrete and companies that provide such services.
Shotcrete has been in existence for over 100 years. First developed in 1911, shotcrete has been used in a variety of building projects from residential to commercial. It has many advantages over regular concrete in that it can be used wet or dry, and can be applied to both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It is ideal for surface work and thin concrete structures. It has been used successfully in tunnels, dams, swimming pools, fire proofing structural steel and many other applications.
It was originally believed that shotcrete could only be used for less demanding applications such as tunnels and overlays and limited to structures with #5 reinforcing bars or smaller. Now, contractors use shotcrete in all applications, for example in below-grade basements and shear walls, including those with #18 vertical bars #6 hoops and ties at 4-inches-on-center.
Shotcrete technology has improved dramatically as contractors and developers have come to recognize what works and what applications are best suited to shotcrete placement. As a result, shotcrete use has been expanded to include development in areas with seismic activity, in rehabilitation projects and new construction projects which require strong structural reinforcement. Shotcrete is placed under rigorous testing according to engineers and industry standards and has been approved for use in large scale construction development.
Now, clients ask specifically for shotcrete as they have come to realize the vast benefits and advantages of shotcrete over traditional cast-in-place concrete.
As building technology has improved, so has the quality and demand for shotcrete and companies that provide such services.
If you are looking for shotcrete solutions, look for:
● a qualified contractor who uses well-established procedures, experienced nozzlemen and a capable crew
● extensive pre-construction testing to ensure that shotcrete is right for your project
● use of test panels especially those that simulate job conditions requiring heavy-duty structural reinforcement.
● separate panels for each nozzleman and concrete mixture to be gunned to ensure the correct plasticity for encasing steel beams
● separate panels for each shooting direction in order to demonstrate and maintain high quality standards
These are just some basic facts about shotcrete technology. A quick internet search such as "shotcrete services California" should yield more in depth information and help make you a more informed client.
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