Shotcrete
Concrete pneumatically sprayed at high velocity onto surfaces, used for pools and repairs
Shotcrete is concrete pneumatically sprayed at high velocity onto surfaces. Used for swimming pools, tunnel linings, slope stabilization, and repairs, shotcrete provides excellent bond, access to irregular surfaces, and immediate structural support. The high-velocity impact consolidates concrete without vibration.
Why It Matters
Shotcrete accesses surfaces where forms would be difficult or impossible: vertical walls, overhead, irregular rock surfaces. In-ground pools are commonly shotcreted—spraying creates the shell in one operation without complex formwork. Repairs bond better with shotcrete than conventional placement. Tunnels and mines use shotcrete for immediate ground support.
Specialized equipment and skilled operators are required. Not a DIY method. Cost is typically higher than formed concrete but lower than complex formwork alternatives.
Technical Details
Application methods:
- Dry-mix: Cement and aggregate mixed dry, water added at nozzle, dustier, more rebound
- Wet-mix: Complete mix pumped, less dust, less rebound, better quality, more common
Typical uses:
- Swimming pools (most common residential)
- Repairs and overlays
- Slope stabilization
- Tunnel linings
- Vertical and overhead surfaces
Advantages:
- Excellent bond to substrate
- Access difficult geometries
- No formwork required
- Immediate structural support
- Consolidation from velocity
Quality control:
- Nozzleman skill critical
- Test panels for strength
- Thickness gauges
- Proper rebound removal
- Core testing
Related Terms
- Placement - Shotcrete is specialized placement method
- Consolidation - Impact consolidates shotcrete
- Finishing - Limited finishing after shotcreting
Learn More
- Types of Concrete - Specialized concrete applications
- How to Repair Cracks - Shotcrete for repairs
- Concrete Calculator - Estimate volumes