Shear Walls, Moment Frames and Foundations
One Sided Concrete applications where only one side of the form work would be installed, shotcrete could eliminate 95% - 100% of the required form work, only leaving construction joints and perimeters to be framed. Also, there is no requirement to engineer the forms that are used as there are no internal pressures from the fresh concrete. When using shotcrete on double sided walls, only a rigid back form or stay form can be used.
Support of Excavation, Stabilization and Slope Protection
Typically these act as temporary support during the construction process, adding a layer of protection to workers and are typically buried or covered by the structural applications.
Concrete Repair
Shotcrete for concrete repairs is by far the most efficient, economical and effective repair process there is, especially compared to form and pour or form and pump applications. Properly prepared surfaces, water saturation (SSD) and application techniques are all important for all repair types, however, shotcrete eliminates the need for bonding agents and form work, and typically out performs the requirements in the specifications.
Tidal Work
Working with the tide is extremely difficult as the window of availability is very short and changes every day. Using shotcrete, again eliminates the form work, and allows for the concrete to be applied immediately after the rebar is placed. Special equipment is used to inject a chemical into the concrete directly before it is shot into place. This chemical accelerates the curing process of the cement paste allowing the concrete to reach initial set before the tide comes in.
Mock Ups and Testing
A mock up tests the ability of the craftsmen installing the products without risking any production work. They are built from a snap shot of the project for destructive testing which allows inspectors to check the competencies of the contractor and crew, compression strength of the concrete and nozzleman ability. The panels are cored or saw cut through to show the encapsulated rebar and to inspect for defects or voids in the sample. Most times, the mock ups demonstrate the surface finish that will be applied.
