Shotcreting with the right electric portable compressor
What is shotcreting?
Shotcreting is a shot of concrete from a hose nozzle which is pneumatically projected at high velocity onto a surface such as vertical or overhead tunnel walls.
Shotcreting procress
Phase 1:
- Shotcrete is sprayed on rock surface with high velocity (20 to 100 m/s)
- A thin layer of cement and fine sand particles is formed which penetrates pores, cracks, joints in rock mass
- Provides a foundation for further build up
- Nearly 100% of coarse aggregates rebound
Phase 2:
- As impact of spray continues, fines are squeezed into pores, cracks and joints
- Shotcrete starts sticking on thin layer of membrane
- Rebound reduces substantially
Shotcreting applications
- Tunnelling (Road, Rail, Hydraulic others)
- Mining projects
- Hydropower Installations
- Slope stabilization
- Canal lining / Shafts
- Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Structures
- Fire and corrosion protection
Why is compressed air required for shotcreting?
With the right electric compressor choice, consistent air flow and pressure ensure good compaction of concrete.
Reasons why Chicago Pneumatic portable electric compressors are a great fit for shotcreting:
- Reduces the rebounding so that the concrete sprayed on the surface is even
- Uninterrupted air flow and pressure for low concrete wastage