Over the years of my involvement with the American Shotcrete Association (ASA) and the shotcrete industry, I have seen the considerable impact women have made on the growth of the ASA and the broader shotcrete sector…
Shotcrete Makes for Smoother, Safer Skateboarding
Early skateparks may have been made out of wood, but as the sport grew in popularity, concrete became the recommended material, providing a smoother, safer, and more durable surface. Shotcrete, specifically, became the best placement option for concrete because…
Stay Strong and Pump On: A Training Blueprint for Longevity
Shotcreting is a physically demanding job! As a petite shotcreter standing 5 ft 5 in. (165 cm) at 122 lbs (55.3 kg), maintaining proper technique, peak physical fitness, and overall body balance are my top priorities … As a competitive bodybuilder with power yoga teaching credentials and experience working alongside top international coaches, I am excited to share my top exercise recommendations to help you stay pain- and injury-free throughout your career.
Contracts, Chemistry, and Communication: The Women Behind Spohn Ranch’s Shotcrete Precision
At Spohn Ranch, a design-build-fabricate firm specializing in concrete skateparks and pump tracks, that invisible architecture extends well beyond the nozzle. From contracts and mixture design to field execution, success depends on leaders who turn precision into culture. At the center are three women whose expertise anchors the company’s work worldwide: Kirsten Dermer, Olivia Rich, and Holly Schwartz. Their influence runs through every phase of construction…
A Few Words from Women in the Shotcrete Industry
Featuring survey responses from 17 different women in the shotcrete industry on topics ranging from getting started in the industry to overcoming challenges and more.
Traffic Repairs Using Low-Dust Shotcrete Material: Monitor-Merrimac Tunnel Project
Historically, the dust associated with dry-mix shotcreting caused hesitation in projects in urban or live traffic environments; however, recent innovations in low-dust materials have significantly changed planning considerations…
Shotcrete Hoses: Selection, Inspection, and Safe Installation
Hoses play a crucial role in efficient shotcrete placement for any job site. The operator and jobsite personnel are either near or in direct contact with many hoses, and as it is difficult to track hose wear using yardage figures, it’s very important to inspect every hose every time it is used. Three key considerations should be kept in mind when working with shotcrete hoses…
Shotcrete Placement for Initial Support: Climate Pledge Arena Tunnel Project
The Washington State Coliseum was an arena built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. More than half a century later, in 2019, a $1B construction program began to redevelop and expand the arena. The redeveloped building, with a new name — Climate Pledge Arena — retains the historical roof, but below the surface is another story…
Shotcrete as Final Liner — Design Considerations
The use of shotcrete placement (often called sprayed concrete) for the final permanent structural lining of underground structures and facilities continues to increase around the world. Where non-uniform shapes are required, shotcreting provides…