Our general contracting firm is working on a project with a very tight schedule and significant penalties for missing the completion date. It has been suggested that we consider using shotcrete for the below-grade foundation walls. We have been told that we can save significant time by using shotcrete instead of cast-in-place construction. These walls are heavily reinforced. Has this been done successfully elsewhere?

Yes. Heavily-reinforced shotcrete has been used in California for over 50 years in response to the need to retrofit structures to resist earthquake damage. The shotcrete contractor must demonstrate his ability to shoot test panels with the same reinforcement as designed into the project. By using an experienced and qualified shotcrete contractor, it is possible to achieve cost savings of almost 30% and time savings approaching 50%.