StructuralQ We have a project in the Los Angeles, CA, area that we have designed as poured-in-place concrete. The contractor would like to shotcrete all basement walls. However, we have columns that are integrated with the wall. A City of Los Angeles technical bulletin does not address shotcrete columns in a wall where the bar spacing varies from the wall. Do you have any experience with this issue and is there a way to shotcrete both the wall and the column?
There have been many prior projects in the city of Los Angeles where columns and pilasters are incorporated into perimeter basement walls. This would likely require a preconstruction mockup panel and might require a waiver from the City Engineering Department. It is extremely important to ensure that the work is done by a qualified and experienced shotcrete specialty contractor who has documented experience doing similar work.