One of the recent advancements in the world of concrete construction technology is Shotcrete. Shotcrete is a method of applying concrete through a high-pressure nozzle at a vertical or overhead surface to increase the density and compaction of the resulting structure. Shotcrete is a lot more economical than a cast-in-place concrete structure and uses lesser formworks. Companies like Pro Shotcrete see a steady increase in demand for these services in civil construction and at a residential scale. While Shotcrete is used primarily for seismic and fire damage repair of structural members, it also serves as fireproofing for structural steel.
Table of Contents
How Can Shotcrete be Used to Repair or Rebuild Basement Walls?
Shotcrete is concrete that is pneumatically applied and its application as a means to repair basement walls is second to none.
Deteriorating basement walls have a way of instilling fear into the minds of the building users of the building’s imminent collapse. With the costs of construction services skyrocketing, the idea of having to lift the entire building up to replace and rebuild the walls of the basement is terrifying.
The above factors make Shotcrete the best option to return your basements to a structurally sound state without having to empty your pockets for it.
First, a vertical framework for walls is placed in front of the existing, deteriorating walls of the basement. Next, concrete is shot through high-pressure nozzles at the framework and is simultaneously framed and levelled.
These new walls not only look neat and smooth, but they also are structurally sound and this eradicates the risk of collapsing of basement walls and the building itself.
We have already established that Shotcrete is a more economical option when compared to cast-in-place methods because of the reduced use of formwork in Shotcrete. Apart from that, Shotcrete also saves time and costs of excavation.
Things To Know Before Choosing Shotcrete To Repair Basement Walls:
While Shotcrete has clear advantages, there are also certain things to keep in mind before choosing Shotcrete.
- Since the Shotcrete walls are built in front of the existing walls, there is a loss of a certain amount of square footage of the basement area.
- Due to the same reason, it should be known that the original walls cannot be salvaged. They will stay hidden.
- As concrete is sprayed via a fire-hose-like nozzle, the procedure is an extremely loud one. It would be better to stay elsewhere whilst the process of shotcrete is underway in your basement.
What Kind Of Basements Can Shotcrete Be Used In?
Shotcrete can be used in any basement but finds its advantages exploited in basements whose walls lie too close to adjacent buildings or roads.
Traditional lay-back excavation for cast-in-place basement walls isn’t possible in the aforementioned cases. Hence, beam-and-lag shoring systems are used to shore the earth and reduce the area and costs of excavation. This type of shoring system cannot be used to implement cast-in-place concrete walls but are perfectly adequate for the construction of Shotcrete walls.
It should also be kept in mind that the choice of Shotcrete walls affects design decisions such as insulation, waterproofing, and perimeter drain.
A highly specialized method of concreting, Shotcrete walls are smooth, strong and a perfect alternative to cast-in-place concrete walls and can even be used to reinforce soil retaining structures and pools. Pro Shotcrete is one among the many professionals who offer their expertise in Shotcrete construction and ensure that the structures are perfectly installed safely and effectively.
Homeowners also don’t have to worry about losing out on the structural properties of conventional concrete walls because Shotcrete walls are still just concrete walls! The unconventional method of construction has no impact on its structural efficiency. Pro Shotcrete is a one-stop solution for these specific needs that require an expert eye.
