Shotcrete Additives: Structural Construction

Why Shotcrete Additives Are Essential for Structural Construction Projects

Shotcrete is often a fundamental element of structural construction projects. Often, concrete must be applied overhead or to complex shapes to support other facets of construction. In these cases, applying shotcrete (in other words, spraying the concrete out of a high-pressure hose) is the best approach. However, if not properly prepared, shotcrete can lose bonding and tensile strength, as well as other qualities such as thermal efficiency and fire retardation capacity. It’s vital to integrate the appropriate shotcrete admixtures before applying them to ensure the structural integrity of the construction project.

Shotcrete for Structural Construction

Shotcrete can be extremely useful when formed wall construction is not feasible. If a site’s wall foundation is below grade, an area of the site is difficult to access, or the site includes curved, complex, and/or overhead surfaces, structural shotcrete is an excellent solution. Additionally, structural shotcrete walls usually require less refinishing than common formed cement walls – an added benefit. Shotcrete is also ideal for load-bearing structures. It can be mixed to meet compressive and flexural strength requirements as needed. Moreover, shotcrete is useful for foundation work, such as leveling out old slabs and reducing their permeability. However, shotcrete admixtures should be added during the wet mix or dry mix process to ensure that shotcrete walls and other structures retain the appropriate strength, durability, and other properties.

Admixtures for Strength

Strength is one of the most important qualities shotcrete should have when used for structural construction projects. Shotcrete will need to bear weight and have high compressive and flexural strength. Several chemical admixtures can help enhance shotcrete’s strength and ensure strength retention during application while keeping shotcrete workable.

• Air-entraining admixtures help improve shotcrete’s frost resistance and incorporating air bubbles helps to improve workability.
• Accelerating admixtures reduce the necessary curing time while increasing how fast shotcrete gains strength after mixing.
• Water-reducing admixtures help ensure that the shotcrete does not clump and reduces the amount of water needed for workability.
• Retarding admixtures reduce the setting rate, allowing shotcrete to be shaped or carved for longer periods, especially in hot weather.

Additionally, mineral admixtures can help strength development and retention. Admixtures incorporating silica fume, fly ash, or metakaolin can be excellent strength and durability enhancers. Fiber admixtures, especially those containing carbon nanofibers, are also effective at improving shotcrete strength.

Admixtures for Durability

Certain admixtures also enhance the durability of shotcrete quite efficiently. Several admixtures can help reduce shotcrete permeability, shrinkage, and cracking. Moreover, admixtures can effectively reduce the risk of spalling, delaminating, and scaling. For example, by introducing tiny air bubbles into the cured shotcrete, air-entraining admixtures increase the shotcrete’s resistance to cracking and spalling due to freeze/thaw cycles. Further, admixtures can help mitigate the effects of corrosion on rebar and other metal structures. Admixtures can help enhance other important shotcrete properties, such as workability and coloration. To ensure that concrete components of structural construction projects have the necessary strength and durability, shotcrete additives should be incorporated into the mixing process.