GeneralQ I would appreciate if you could comment on a city of Los Angeles shotcrete code that requires that shotcrete lifts not exceed 3 ft (1 m) and that 3 hours must pass before the second lift can be applied. First of all, if you waited 3 hours between lifts, you would have full-length cold joints along the whole length of the wall. You’d also have to wash out the pump after every lift or the concrete would harden in the pump and hoses. Second, you can’t leave a 4000 to 5000 psi (28 to 34 MPa) mixture sitting in the truck for 3 hours! Does it make any sense to you?
This provision has been an issue for shotcrete contractors in the region for many years. ASA and ACI Committee 506, Shotcrete, do not endorse the concept stated in the “Los Angeles Bulletin.” Unfortunately, this provision has shown up in other areas around the country.
A good shotcrete practice is to limit lift height to that which can be placed without sloughing or sagging and to place subsequent lifts at such a time that the previous lift is sufficiently firm to support the subsequent lift. ACI 506R-05, “Guide to Shotcrete,” Section 8.5.8, specifically addresses this point. The following is a link to ASA’s bookstore: https://shotcrete.org/bookstore
