StructuralQ I have reviewed ACI 506R, “Guide to Shotcrete,” and 506.5R, “Guide for Specifying Underground Shotcrete,” but was unable to find specific criteria pertaining to shotcrete protection for reinforcing steel. Would the clear cover then be based on ACI 318 Section 7.7.1 for cast-in-place concrete? For underground structures, would 3 in. (76.2 mm) of clear cover from ground be required?
Shotcrete is concrete, and therefore if designing structures based on the ACI 318 Code, cover for conventional reinforcing steel should be those suggested in ACI 318 for concrete against ground. If the shotcrete is a “temporary” support, with further placement of “final” support, then these requirements do not apply.
