What is the difference between Concrete & Shotcrete ? - Part 4

What is the difference between Concrete & Shotcrete ? - Part 4
 

What is the difference between Concrete & Shotcrete ?

Just as in concrete mix designs, the water-to-cementitious materials ratio remains the single most important parameter influencing the compressive strength, shrinkage and overall durability of the final product. Application technique is also crucial and less forgiving than ordinary ready-mix. Good “shooting” technique can mean the difference between a dense high-strength material or one that looks good on the finished surface but actually has underlying sand pockets, voids and poorly encased reinforcing steel. Poor application technique increases the probability of cracking and its negative ramifications.The shotcrete process is more versatile than conventional concrete placement. If the shooting surface is sound, clean and accessible, shotcrete can be applied in very difficult or complex shapes or sections where conventional concrete formwork would prove difficult or impossible as well as cost prohibitive. Shotcrete is especially applicable for unique shapes desired in complex shapes, swimming pools and other unique features of aquatic parks. It can also be an excellent overlay and repair material for existing structures because of its potential to achieve good bond strength and low permeability.

What is the difference between Concrete & Shotcrete ?

The nuances and differences between concrete and shotcrete are too numerous to cover in a short article. Selecting a concrete placement method, whether it be conventional concrete, wet-mix or dry-mix process shotcrete, can be a challenging task, since there are positive aspects of each for almost every application. While it is true that one approach may be more applicable, adaptable or economical than another, the final concrete placement selection for the project should be based on project design, material performance criteria and overall budget.


The other 3 Parts of the topic :

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3