Shotcreting, also known as shotcrete, is a process of spraying concrete or mortar onto a surface using compressed air. The material is pneumatically projected at high velocity onto a prepared surface, where it adheres and forms a strong, durable coating.
Shotcreting is commonly used in construction for a variety of purposes, such as:
Repair and reinforcement of existing structures: Shotcrete is often used to repair and reinforce structures that have been damaged by weather, earthquakes, or other causes.
Building new structures: Shotcrete is sometimes used as a primary building material for new structures, particularly for buildings with complex or curved shapes.
Tunnelling and mining: Shotcrete is commonly used in tunnelling and mining operations to support and stabilise the surrounding rock.
Swimming pools: Shotcrete is a popular choice for constructing swimming pools because it can be shaped to fit any design and is highly resistant to water damage.
There are two types of shotcrete: dry mix and wet mix. Dry mix shotcrete involves mixing the dry ingredients of concrete or mortar with water at the nozzle, while wet mix shotcrete involves pre-mixing the ingredients and pumping the mixture to the nozzle.
Additionally, shotcrete can be reinforced with various materials such as steel bars, fibers, or meshes to enhance its structural properties. The reinforcement is added to the shotcrete mix,and it helps to distribute the load across the surface, prevent cracking and increase its resistance to tensile and shear forces.
Shotcrete can be applied using either dry or wet mix techniques, depending on the desired application and project requirements. In dry mix shotcreting, the dry ingredients are mixed with water at the nozzle, while in wet mix shotcreting, the ingredients are pre-mixed before being pumped to the nozzle.