What is shotcrete?
Shotcrete is an alternative method of placing concrete. The conventional method of concrete placement involves building two-sided forms, pouring the concrete, vibrating the concrete, and leaving the concrete to set for minimum 24 hours before removing or stripping the forms.
With shotcrete placement, concrete is pumped through a material line similar to a fire hose, and it is sprayed either directly on the earth or on a one-sided form.
Shotcrete is typically used to form vertical walls, columns, pools, and can also be used in overhead applications. The concrete used for shotcrete typically has less water, and due to the high pressure of spraying the concrete, most of the air entrained in the concrete is knocked out. A low water to cement ratio, combined with low air entrainment, means stronger concrete.