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ASA Conventions provide a unique opportunity to network with leaders in the industry and hear the latest advances in shotcrete technology!

3 Reasons to Sponsor:

1. Support the work of the Association as we seek to expand and advance global utilization of the shotcrete process for concrete placement.
2. Promote your company as a stakeholder in Quality Shotcrete applications.
3. Opportunity to EXHIBIT your company at the Convention as one of our tabletop exhibitors, co-located with included meals and breaks at the Convention

Sponsorship Options

Sponsorship – Big Shooter

$5,000.00 (no shipping)

Sponsorship – Gold

$2,500.00 (no shipping)

Sponsorship – Silver

$1,000.00 (no shipping)

Email your logo & preferred web link to [email protected]; Include in the subject line: 2025 Sponsor

*Those who wish to exhibit must register attendee separately (to staff your exhibit table) : Registration will open in October 2024, check here for updates: www.shotcrete.org/convention

Once you have made your selections, click the button below to finish the process.

RESORT INFORMATION

Resort Map

For an overview of Ojai Valley Inn, please see the property map here.

Health & Safety Information

For the complete list of Health and Sanitation Standards at Ojai Valley Inn, please see here. Procedures and guidelines will be updated and modified as new regulations are developed.

If you have any questions, please contact Concierge at (805) 646-111 extension 51.

Things to Do

• Restaurants
• Activities
• Golf
• Tennis
• Shopping
• Spa

Ojai Trolley Service

The Inn is pleased to offer the Ojai Trolley Service to guests. Reminiscent of a bygone and relaxed era, guests may take a leisurely trip downtown to enjoy eclectic shopping, wine tasting, art galleries and farm-to-table eateries.

Saturday and Sunday, the trolley picks up our guests every other hour.

SESSIONS

Fly Ash Supply Today and Tomorrow

Tom Adams

The demand for fly ash and other supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) has been growing for some time and is expected to continue to grow as the demand for increased durability of concrete structures grows. At the same time, the increased use of SCM is an important part of the efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete mixtures. This presentation will focus on today’s energy market realities and efforts to close the gap between supply and demand.

Underground Shotcrete in Remote Alpine Areas

Christoph Goss

One of the most challenging environments for shotcrete work is underground at high altitude in very remote areas. Access limits the size of equipment, compressors must be oversized, and material is difficult to get and mix. This presentation will use two case studies to illustrate these challenges and how they were addressed: Rio Grande Reservoir Outlet Rehabilitation and Gold King Mine 7 Level re-support. Both projects feature shotcrete used as ground support in tunnels and portals. The presentation will conclude with recommendations and lessons learned. 

Clear Vision: Integral Dust Reduction in Dry Mix Shotcrete Mixes

Thomas Brennan

Given its impact on construction site safety, dust exposure is a key consideration on almost any jobsite. Continued increases in OSHA regulations around allowable exposure to airborne particulates has impacted the tools and procedures required for dust-heavy construction work activities. Because concrete repair projects commonly involve dusty activities in confined spaces, additional planning and precaution must be taken to counteract dust generated from any applicable repair activities. Given all these considerations, manufacturers and installers of pre-packaged dry-mix shotcrete have been challenged with developing materials and methods for mitigating dust on a traditionally high-dust activity.

Plasma Tunnel Boring Shotcrete Lining

Troy Helming

Attendees will learn about how shotcrete can be used to quickly line tunnels of 2.5 meters to 10 meters in diameter. While the testing done thus far is preliminary, modified formulations of shotcrete allow for rapid curing by taking advantage of the inherent heat of up to 80 degrees Celsius in the tunnel walls after the hot plasma (temps in the plume of up to 6,000 degrees C) has bored the tunnel. 

Inspection and Selection of Shotcrete Delivery System

Michael Cetnar

In our discussion we will talk about choosing the proper hose, pipe, and clamps for your project.

1. How do we determine the proper delivery system to use?
2. We will discuss the advantage of heat treated parts vs non heat treated parts.
3. What are the differences between wire and fabric shotcrete hose?
4. Choosing the right clamps for your delivery system.
5. How do we inspect our delivery system?
6. What do we look for in hose inspection?

• What do we look for in pipe, elbow and reducer inspection?
• What tools should we use during these inspections?

1. What safety publications are out there that we need to be aware of? (ASME B30.27 and CSA Z151) 

Robotic Shotcrete Placement – Key Issues & Certification Panel

Oscar Duckworth, Christoph Goss & Frank Townsend

Questions & Discussions Session

Development of a New Dry-mix Shotcrete Nozzle Assembly

Marc Jolin

This presentation will introduce a new nozzle assembly design for dry-mix shotcrete developed at the Shotcrete Laboratory in Université Laval. Attendees will learn how basic placement mechanisms play a fundamental role in the formation of rebound and dust during placement. Following a clear description of the testing protocols for rebound losses and dust emissions, laboratory test results based on various mixture design will be presented for various features of the new nozzle assembly. The results show not only a marked rebound and dust reduction, but also demonstrate improved in-place compressive strengths.

Courthouse Commons Tunnel

Sam Lo Grasso

The Courthouse Commons Tunnel located in San Diego; California is a 327ft long tunnel that provides a safe means for transferring prisoners from the San Diego County Jail to new State Courthouse. The tunnel was constructed using an observational excavation method that utilized shotcrete for the initial ground support in conjunction with lattice girders, canopy tubes and spiles. The final lining was cast in place concrete designed for seismic conditions. This presentation will focus on the design and application of the shotcrete in the encountered ground conditions and the challenges that were overcome to achieve a successful project outcome.

Gaining Market Acceptance & Approvals for Structural Shotcrete

Ross King

1. Present a few examples of projects from different sectors where we used Innovative Structural Shotcrete solutions and were accepted and approved.
2. Discuss the incentives and advantages we used to push for Structural Shotcrete as an alternate with the client, prior to even being considered for consultant approval.
3. Strategies used to convince the designers and make them more comfortable with the process, and the finished product.
4. Discuss the barriers to acceptance that are thrown at the Shotcrete process from many different directions by different parties.
5. Where I see the future trends, and the potential to use these approvals and successes to further grow the Structural Shotcrete market.

Construction of Thick, Heavily Reinforced Underground Station Walls Using Low Heat of Hydration 70% Slag Shotcrete at Mount Pleasant Station on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT Project in Toronto, Canada

Shaun Radomski

Mount Pleasant Station on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT Line in Toronto used a low heat of hydration 70%

slag shotcrete for construction of 1.5 m thick, heavily reinforced underground station walls. This

presentation provides details of this work, including:

1. Structural wall design
2. Shotcrete performance requirements;
3. Qualification of mixture design and nozzlemen in shooting full-scale mockups;
4. Shotcrete equipment set-up and staging;
5. Shotcrete construction sequencing, productivity and challenges to overcome while shooting the work;
6. Shotcrete Supply, pumping, application, finishing, curing
7. Rigorous quality inspections, compressive strength tests and thermal monitoring records; and
8. Completed station walls.

Shotcrete vs Low Velocity Sprayed Mortar (LVSM): What are the differences?

Christine Poulin & Marc Jolin

Shotcrete is a well-accepted method for the placement of concrete, and it offers specific advantages in the repair industry where the high material velocity allows for placement of a well compacted concrete layer, even in the presence of reinforcing bars. Some job sites have however seen the use of low velocity sprayed mortar (LVSM) for concrete repairs, and the very limited technical information available on the performance of repair systems using LVSM led to a research project to evaluate its capacity to achieve good adhesion with the substrate and proper reinforcing bar encapsulation. The objective of the presentation is therefore to present and discuss the differences between LVSM and shotcrete based on sound technical results collected during a master’s project conducted in the Shotcrete Laboratory at Université Laval. 

Innovative Tunnel Solutions for Underground Infrastructure Projects

David Rheault

Public transit infrastructure expansions are notoriously challenging. While many projects envision Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) and open-cut excavations, other construction approaches become preferable as owners begin to appreciate the total cost of construction. The Sequential Excavation Method (SEM) has provided efficiency and flexibility in constructing underground stations and connection tunnels throughout North America. Eglinton Crosstown LRT and Highway 401 Rail Tunnel projects in Toronto, Canada will be highlighted with particular attention to the benefits of fiber-reinforced shotcrete linings with advanced numerical modeling, testing, and construction aspects. The SEM designs successfully optimized shotcrete performance and eliminated conventional bar reinforcement needs.

Adventure Heights – All Abilities Park

Robert Cavaliero, Eden Innovations LLC

Summit GeoStructures constructed a massive water feature for the new Adventure Heights All-Abilities Park in Spanish Fork, UT.  Designed by In Site Design, with input from several local families with kids with special needs, the goal of this park is to have something for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Known for their ability to replicate natural settings using shotcrete, Summit GeoStructures was asked to design-build an incredible mountain with beautiful waterfalls, an accessible river, waterfall pond, splash pad and faux rock tunnel, grotto, seating areas and planters.  Except for the footings and the suspended slabs, the entire structure was built using shotcrete and single-sided formwork techniques.  The use of shotcrete construction with single sided formwork allowed Summit to accelerate installation to meet the very tight construction schedule on this project.

Summit GeoStructures uses new innovations to provide quality products for their customers.  For Adventure Heights, EdenCrete’s nanotechnology was combined with Xypex to improve the fresh properties, density, strength, and permeability/waterproofing, and durability of all the shotcrete and concrete on this project.  This will allow for many years of activity before maintenance is required for the mountain and water feature, helping to save money throughout the life of the park.

The finished project pictures are incredible and show children of all ages playing together, regardless of their ability, in this massive shotcrete structure.

Carbon Nanotube Admixture – Improvements to Shotcrete

Robert Cavaliero, Eden Innovations LLC

The use of nanotechnology in cement based materials is growing rapidly.  The shotcrete industry stands to benefit from the use of carbon nanotube (CNT) technology because of improvements provided to the fresh and hardened properties of the mix. CNTs improve shotcrete by enhancing the paste rheology and increasing creaminess, reducing waste and dust from rebound, improving adhesion to help stack and carve, and improving air quality for surrounding trades. Shotcrete with CNTs moves through the pump and hose to eliminate obstructions/segregation and to reduce wear and tear on the pump. This combination of benefits improves the application of shotcrete for the contractor.  In hardened shotcrete, the permeability is reduced while strength and durability are increased against abrasion, cracking, etc, providing a better product for the customer regardless of application.

The presentation will provide a brief background on the science behind CNT admixture technology, before exploring a variety of shotcrete projects and contractors who employ nanotechnology to improve their business, and ultimately provide a better finished product for the customer.

The Critical Visual Indicators to Quality Shotcrete Placement that Workers and Inspectors Should Immediately Recognize (But Often Miss)

Oscar Duckworth

Are you ABSOLUTELY SURE that you are properly placing Shotcrete? Does using well chosen materials and strict adherence to the specifications assure quality work? With Shotcrete, numerous steps that are unique to the process are required to achieve acceptable compaction and consolidation. Within these steps, critical visual indicators provide those who know what to look for valuable evidence that these steps are being properly implemented. Shotcrete workers and Inspectors ability to recognize these critical visual indicators is an essential, but often overlooked element to quality placement.

“What? Me Worry?” Things I Wish I Knew Years Ago

Oscar Duckworth

I’m lucky to have survived my first year in the Shotcrete business…What initially appeared as how working with Shotcrete could be the financial opportunity of a lifetime was quickly replaced by how to become an unpaid expert on surviving every imaginable problem that could ever occur with the

process. For me, two specific events became the “breakthrough moments” in my career. Join a lively conversation with several Shotcrete Industry leaders as we share pivotal (and some embarrassing) events that helped each of us move from misery to mastery of this complicated, but fascinating craft.

Use of Steel Fiber Reinforced Sprayed Concrete in the Final Lining of Conventionally Excavated Tunnels

William Geers, Bekaert Corporation

Traditionally, conventionally excavated tunnels consist of a “double shell” type lining.  The initial shell is a FRSC (fiber reinforced sprayed concrete) “temporary” lining that stabilizes the opening after excavation and contain short to medium-term loads. Following installation of a water proofing membrane a traditionally reinforced final cast in-place concrete lining is installed to contain long-term loads and provide durability. This presentation introduces an alternative SFRPSCL (Steel Fiber Reinforced Permanent Spray Concrete Lining) system that is a “single shell” of sprayed concrete.

Automation of Shotcrete Placement

Julien Schaeffer, Université Laval

Marc Jolin, Université Laval

The work conducted over the last 2 years using our recently acquired robotic arm will be presented along with example of practical applications and insights on how automation could improved shotcrete quality.

Understanding Rebound and Placement

Sophie-Isabelle Dionne-Jacques, Université Laval

Marc Jolin, Université Laval

The work of many graduate students has led to what is believed to be a clear understanding of rebound mechanisms. This presentation will focus on the placement phase of shotcrete (wet and dry) and highlight the most important factors affecting rebound and placement quality.  In parallel, a critical analysis will be made of the equipment (mainly nozzle) and their effect on rebound.

ASA’s Introduction to Shotcrete

Charles Hanskat, P.E. (FL), F.ACI, F.ASCE, ASA Executive Director

ASA has been providing a free 1-hour “Introduction to Shotcrete” seminar to engineers, architects, DOTs, government agencies and other specifiers upon request for over a decade. Over that time the in-person seminar has reached many hundreds of specifiers in North America and through webinars around the world. Though originally developed by the ASA Education and Marketing Committees the presentation has been significantly updated over time. A few years ago, we added a benefit to ASA corporate members allowing them to once a year offer the seminar to a firm, agency or specifying group in their area.  Sustaining Corporate members can request 2 seminars a year. The “introduction to Shotcrete” seminar topics includes:

1. Advantages and benefits using the shotcrete process in a wide variety of applications
2. Dry-mix and wet-mix processes
3. Specifications, material considerations, placement techniques, and performance guidelines
4. Structural considerations for shotcrete placement
5. Pre-construction, jobsite conditions, curing methods

This is an opportunity to see first-hand what the seminar includes, and how it is presented to specifiers. We also hope it’s an opportunity for you to provide feedback on areas that could be added or improved.

The Process of Double Nozzleing

Derek Pay, Oceanside Construction

Double nozzling is an option that can greatly improve your production and flexibility. This seminar will look at what is involved and when it would be most beneficial, the how, why, when, and safety measures involved.   This will be a practical approach to the system, from both the business and operator perspective.

The Art of Rocks

Dan Pitts, OceanRock Art ltd

Ryan Oakes, Revolution Gunite

The Art of Rocks seminar looks into the process covering:

• Differences & advantages between sculpting Dry & Wet process shotcrete,
• difference between production carving (soil nail walls) and ultra realistic sculpting
• sculpting shotcrete and texturing for color

Shotcrete Art – Concrete Considerations

Dan Pitts, OceanRock Art ltd

Ryan Oakes, Revolution Gunite

Shotcrete Art – Concrete Considerations (Pools, Spas and Water Features) Practically, rock carving is an artform that doesn’t take place just after concrete is placed. This seminar will look at the factors which leads into and contributes towards the final masterpiece, covering topics such as:

• nozzleman position and shooting angles
• tools and techniques for different mix designs and final outcome
• Daily Things to do before shooting

Shotcrete Challenges in 2022 – a panel discussion

Bill Drakeley (Drakeley Pools)

Frank Townsend (Patriot Shotcrete)

Marcus von der Hofen (Coastal Gunite Construction Co)

Moderated by Charles Hanskat (ASA)

The last two years has seen the pool market explode, widespread shortages in labor and materials supply, and COVID related restrictions rifle through your projects. Come hear some seasoned leaders in the shotcrete industry discuss the challenges they face and how they navigated through these “unprecedented times.”  If you have an area of concern you’d like to see addressed, email them to [email protected] and we’ll try to fit it into the agenda.

Each quarterly issue has a central theme; however, other topics are also featured in each issue within the various Standing Columns listed below. Subject matter includes all application areas, techniques, concerns, and innovations related to shotcrete. With rare exceptions, specific product names are typically not.

Submit materials or questions to:

Cara Baker, Managing Editor | Email
Phone: (248) 973-7832

Member Benefits

Sustaining & Corporate Members enjoy the exclusive, ongoing opportunity to be featured in several regular columns: