Shocrete is making the news again, this time not in the name of history and culture, but in the name of science. We’ve written a number of blogs on the contributions of shotcrete, but none have had so much to do with scientific research as this current one. Coming to us from Space.com, today we learn that shotcrete is helping scientists tackle some of the biggest questions, like “how do we know dark matter exists?” and “where does matter come from?” At Thorcon Shotcrete and Shoring, we love a good shotcrete story, so once again we’re putting one of our favorite substances in the scope of human history.
In the Sanford Lab, scientists have been using the natural power of rock to block cosmic interference which affects all matter on the surface of the planet. In something called the Davis Cavern, researchers can tackle some of physics’ toughest questions. An old gold and silver mine, the cavern has been built on and enlarged since it’s birth in 1879. How are they stabilizing and supporting the cave walls when they enlarge the caverns? Shotcrete, of course!
The Space.com article on the Davis Cavern brings a unique perspective to this research. They wonder in the introduction if, when watching the lunar landing earlier in science’s history, they would have enjoyed the experience as much “if the news anchor had simply described this incredible moment.” The author continues to say that they don’t believe they would, as “it was seeing the story unfold that made it magical, that pulled me into the story.” Shotcrete is a part of that picture when it comes to the Davis Cavern, just like it is for the Chauvet caves replica and countless foundations and walls all over America. Whether it’s lending a hand to art or science, shotcrete can be used to be foundationally sound as well as architecturally and aesthetically pleasing.
We offer both foundational and architectural shotcrete and gunite services in order to shore trenches and tunnels as well as many infrastructure repair projects. Our headquarters are near Denver, Colorado (in Littleton) and we serve customers across Colorado and within states in the surrounding area. Our services may not always continue the forward march of scientific research, but we can help people enjoy safe roads and buildings right here in our home region. To get started on your shotcrete or shoring project, get in touch with us today.