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The cost of the shotcrete is around $180 to $190 per cubic yard. This cost includes the material
and forming of the concrete while the labor is separate. Remember all this might change
depending on the size, depth and type of structure being completed.
Gunite Applications
Slope stabilization
Dome Construction
Tunneling
Retention walls
Water tanks and pools
Artificial ponds
Ditches and Channels
As structural reinforcement
Mining applications
Dikes and dams
The dry shotcrete method is used when ingredients are placed into a hopper and then pushed out
pneumatically through a hose to the nozzle. The nozzle man or the certified operator then
controls the addition of water at the nozzle that would eventually be combined once the material
hits the surface. If you are using dry shotcrete, then you will have the benefit of adjusting the
water content being put into the mix instantaneously allowing for a better placement process
without the needs of adding accelerators. It is the recommended method when the process
involves frequent stops during the application process.
Wet-mix shotcrete is the type of application that normally uses prepared concrete or ready-mixed
concrete. Compressed air is then applied at the nozzle to propel the wet mixture over the
receiving surface. This is the most common used process as it produces less rebound and dust
compared to a dry-mix process. The greatest advantage of the wet-mix process is that larger
volumes can be placed in less time.
Here are some good tips and general information that you would like to know before applying
shotcrete.
Shotcrete could be used to repair concrete areas without the need to have a bonding agent
applied over the surface being repaired. However, be sure to remove all loose material and
clean the surface before applying.
Gunite needs to be cured too. Moist curing is the preferred method of curing or it also can be
done by using membrane curing compounds.
Shotcrete success depends largely on the skill and actions of the nozzle man. For this reason, it is
important to require that the nozzle is ACI certified for the application.
Shotcrete needs to be maintained too. Remember to apply a good surface sealer and remove
any material that might lead to surface deterioration.
There are different textures that can be applied to the finish surface of the shotcrete.
The same steel reinforcement requirements could be used on cast-in-place concrete, precast
concrete or shotcrete.
Typical shrinkage varies in the range of 0.06 to 0.10 percent after 28 days drying. It is typically
slightly higher than similar strength concrete
Shotcrete needs to be protected from rain until it obtains its final set, usually 4 or 5 hours.
Following the final set, it should be wet cured for at least 4 days, preferably 7 days if possible.
The fire-rating of a concrete wall constructed by shotcrete or regular concrete will be the same.
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