Shotcrete Procedures
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About Shotcrete
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Shotcrete refers to a construction process that uses a high-pressure air-powered system to blast or spray concrete onto specific surfaces. The concrete is mixed in a specialized system beforehand and then pumped through a hose held by trained worker known as a nozzleman. Shotcrete is used most often for large or varying surfaces that must be covered by layers of concrete. Shotcrete can be spread in layers of varying thickness. It can also stick to walls, ceilings and objects of many different shapes.
Shotcrete Uses
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The shotcrete process is usually carried out by a shotcrete contractor. These contractors specialize in different types of shotcrete application, and not all can do the same jobs. Some shotcrete is used to reinforce existing walls or add new supports so that additional structures can be built. This requires a knowledge of stress and correct application that not all contractors possess. Other types of shotcrete work are aesthetic, requiring detailed spraying that can be easily smoothed around curves or in particular patterns.
Other shotcrete procedures are used to fix or replace existing concrete that has worn down or developed flaws. The shotcrete naturally bonds to the concrete. It should never be used to cover up flaws, only to replace damaged concrete. The damaged sections must first be removed before using shotcrete. This also requires a specific technique, and not all contractors have this experience.
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Shotcrete Composition
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Although it is widely assumed that shotcrete behaves the same way as regular concrete and can take its place in many situations, many researchers disagree with this commonly held belief. On one side, shotcrete does not require the same amount of water to form and is usually sprayed on in denser layers, so in theory it should be able to hold more weight and not decay as easily. On the other side, it is believed that because shotcrete must be sprayed in layers, it has trouble forming a thorough bond with the same strength as regular concrete.
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