What is Shotcrete?
Shotcrete, originally termed gunite, is a process of pneumatically spraying a low moisture concrete to form structures. Shotcrete can be sprayed alone but is typically combined with steel rods or meshes to create a reinforced structure.
Due to the method of application, shotcrete is useful in a bunch of different situations where standard concrete would be difficult. One frequent application of shotcrete is to stabilize slopes and walls with the help of steel reinforcements. Almost any shape or structure can be made with shotcrete. These structures include stairs, swimming pools, arches, roofs, and much more. One benefit of spraying concrete is that it is very sculptable. This opens the door for sculpting convincing rock patterns and boulder scapes.
A Brief History
In 1907 an American Taxidermist by the name of Carl Akeley devised the method to repair museum in Chicago. He shot dry cement through a hose with compressed air and then sprayed it with a water nozzle at the point of release. He was awarded a patent for the "Cement Gun" which sprayed "Gunite". Now, this method is known as Dry Mix shotcrete. Some still refer to dry mix as gunite, although the methods have improved.
Shotcrete
Shotcrete is a new leader in functional and creative construction for endless possibilities.
Rock and Soil Stabilization
Rock and Soil Stabilization through a design-build approach can deliver the essential shoring requirements for your project.
Infrastructure Repair
Offering economical solutions to pipelines, bridges and roads that are low impact to the public.
Renewable Energy
Focusing on foundation elements for Solar, Wind, and Water that has evolved into site specific design-build applications.
Architectural Shotcrete
After the engineering and construction of walls, many owners go a step further in the appearance of the wall. Sculpted Shotcrete is one of many choices.
Dry vs Wet
Today there are two ways of spraying shotcrete; It can be sprayed dry or wet. The dry mix, as was originally invented, is where dry cement comes out of the hose and is mixed with the water at the nozzle. The wet method is the other way around, where wet cement comes out of a hose and compressed air is applied at the nozzle to remove moisture. In both cases, a skilled nozzle man will control the humidity of the cement mix for the application.
Our shotcrete
As a Colorado company, we've used shotcrete in numerous configurations all across the state and other states too. We've done sculpted walls that look like rocks. We've completed structural work and repairs for the Department of Transportation. We've even finished some smaller jobs such as basement walls and swimming pools. Our engineers are capable of designing reliable structures and our nozzle men can execute a quality finished product. See our gallery for examples of our work.
We provide Colorado and the encompassing area with our excellent standard of service. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about shotcrete and its uses.
Need a Quote?
Thorcon Shotcrete and Shoring is a reputable, Colorado-based Geotechnical Contractor. Our technical team specializes in slope stabilization and design-build projects that include Micro-Piles, Shotcrete/Gunite, Rock Bolts and Ground Anchors.
We provide Colorado and the surrounding states with our high standard of service. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about your shotcrete needs.