GeneralQ I would like to better understand the limitations related to the height of install when it comes to gunite application. Since gunite is a dry concrete mixed with water at the nozzle of the applying apparatus, I have been told by others in the industry that the application is only intended for use on walls less than 4 or 5 ft tall. If that is the case, it is safe to assume that the gunite application strategy should not be used for below-grade vaults exceeding a height of 5 ft? I am looking for design literature specific to gunite.
Dry-mix shotcrete adds mixing water to the dry concrete materials as the concrete materials flow through and out the nozzle. Gunite is the original tradename for dry-mix shotcrete. Though you may not find design information using the old gunite name, you will find numerous current design references to dry-mix shotcrete. This includes ACI 506R-16, “Guide to Shotcrete”; ACI 506.2, “Specification for Shotcrete”; ACI 506.6T-17, “Visual Shotcrete Core Quality Evaluation Technote”; ACI 372, “Guide to Design and Construction of Circular Wire-and-Strand-Wrapped Prestressed Concrete Structures”; ACI 350-06, “Code Requirements for Environmental Engineering Concrete Structures”; ACI 350.5, “Specifications for Environmental Concrete Structures”; as well as seven ASTM standards that directly cover shotcrete. ACI 318-19, “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete,” has also added specific shotcrete provisions. Dry-mix shotcrete has been used for decades to build structural concrete walls over 50 ft (15 m) high in circular prestressed concrete tanks that withstand a full head of water pressure. This is substantially greater water pressure than your 5 ft vault wall would experience. There are no limitations in the dry-mix placement process that would preclude use in high walls. Both dry-mix and wet-mix shotcrete using quality materials, proper equipment, and experienced placement crews will produce in-place concrete of equal strength, durability, and low permeability. However, generally wet-mix shotcrete can offer placement rates up to four times higher than dry-mix. Thus, in thicker, longer walls, wet-mix shotcrete may be more cost effective because it can be placed faster.
