Interesting Facts About Shotcrete Equipment

By Cara Torres


Technology is making some breakthroughs in the construction industry. We are making more complex structures and it is taking lesser time to complete them with the many techniques employed. One of those known methods that has contributed marvelous things to the world of construction is the shotcrete equipment.

For starters, shotcrete is actually a construction technique that uses a concrete to be projected on any surface using a high velocity compressed air. Cement gun it was once called because of the ability to spray cement on any wall surface. It is vital for the miners and tunnel engineers because it reinforced the wall of the tunnel therefore preventing it from collapsing.

For starters, if you think this has been recently discovered it is not. It is actually a century old technique that brought us back in early 1900s wherein it was accidentally discovered by a American taxidermist named Carl Akeley. History says he use a technique where a device blow a dry plaster out of a hose with a compressed to the skin of an animal that he wants to preserve.

Later in 1911, the technique was registered under his name and got the first official name of cement gun. However, it was in 1950s that it makes a breakthrough to the world when a Austrian tunnel engineer discovered it has the potential to effectively reinforce tunnel walls and avoid any cave ins. It was at that time that the technique receives worldwide recognition and application named as new Austrian tunneling method.

In modern times, it provides support for underground projects such as mines and tunnels and some any constructions as well. It is important for the ramps, shaft stations, and crusher chambers because it provides support and make their openings sturdy. Many people mistakenly call it gunite because they got used to the term.

This method is divided into two types which sometimes people interchange with each other. The first one is the dry mix that involves any dry material in a hopper. Sometimes it is dampen by some small liquid to avoid any dusty particles. The rotating barrel is where the material is transferred and sprayed to any surface wall by using a delivery hose.

Whereas, the wet mix is thoroughly mixed with liquid. It is then placed on a concrete pump to be sprayed using a nozzle with an aid of a compressed air. This is better suited for high productions of mining and civil engineering project where deep shaft and long tunnel is being driven and where delivery trucks have ample space to operate.

The latest upgrade for this invention now is the highly advanced Robotic Shotcreting Machine. It is highly capable of spreading the mixture and compact in the same time. The powerful nozzle is capable of spreading the mixture evenly on the required surface. Any unskilled operators are capable because it is so easy to handle.

This technology is just one of the many engineering marvels in our generation. It has some humble beginnings in the hands of a taxidermist and now shotcrete equipment is saving lives and creating beautiful structures. The future of its advancement is full of endless possibilities.




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