InternationalQ We are constructing a new custom roundabout with water running through the bridges on the Coast of Zintan, Tripoli, Libya, using a three-dimensional (3-D) panel system. It’s basically a system with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) panel with a wire mesh and shotcrete on both sides. Because of the heat, sea salt, and high humidity of the region, we are looking for a mixture formula for a waterproof shotcrete for the exterior coating with the right aggregate size to help prevent moisture migration to the interior and prevent cracks. Do you have any recommendations for the shotcrete?
If looking for a low-permeability concrete mixture for shotcrete placement, you should consider using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as silica fume, fly ash, or slag to reduce the permeability. You should also be sure to require a minimum 4000 psi 28-day compressive strength to assure good paste content and the ability to fully encase your reinforcement. The addition of microfibers and early wetting of the finished shotcrete surface will help to reduce the potential for early-age plastic shrinkage cracking. Proper curing for at least 7 days is also important to help increase strength gain and reduce the potential for drying shrinkage cracking. You can consult our Buyer’s Guide to locate our corporate members, who may consult with you on the mixture design. However, please be aware that many of the panel systems with an EPS core don’t use high-velocity (60 to 80 mph) shotcrete for consolidation and compaction of the sprayed concrete, but use a low-velocity sprayed mortar (LVSM). Because LVSM doesn’t have the compaction of shotcrete impact, it depends on a more sophisticated and expensive cementitious mixture, often with a latex or other admixture to improve adhesion and reduce permeability. You’ll need to consult with the material supplier of the LVSM product to verify the permeability of their in-place product.
