The ASA Technical Questions and Answers is a free service offered to all users, but primarily intended for engineers, architects, owners and anyone else who may be specifying the shotcrete process and/or has need for a possible answer to a technical question.

User agreement: The answers provided to submitted questions are intended for guidance in planning and executing shotcrete applications. This information is intended only for the use of individuals who are competent to evaluate the significance and limitations of its content and recommendations, and who will accept responsibility for the application of the material it contains. The American Shotcrete Association provides this information based on the best knowledge available to them and disclaims any and all responsibility for the information provided. The American Shotcrete Association will not be liable for any loss or damage arising therefrom.

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    I would like to know the fire rating information on a shotcrete wall, 8 in. thick.

    Shotcrete is simply a placement method for concrete. Thus, fire resistance of any shotcreted concrete section can be evaluated by consulting ACI CODE-216.1- 14(19) Code Requirements for Determining Fire Resistance of Concrete and Masonry Construction Assemblies. There are many factors that affect the fire resistance so you will need to review the code to establish what’s appropriate for your structure.

    Acoustical Wave Wall

    Magnificent. A beautiful sight to see, the project CROM calls “The Wave Wall” stands tall in the new Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts, located in Orlando, Florida. CROM was one of the many contractors working in close proximity, under
    the direction of HKS Architects Inc. and the general contractor, Whiting Turner. The project included construction on two different structures: the Wave Wall and Egg Wall.

    Outstanding Architecture | New Construction Project

    Project Name:
    Highline Garabaldi Springs Rockscape Retaining Wall

    Location:
    British Columbia, Canada

    Shotcrete Contractor:
    Vancouver Shotcrete and Shoring Inc.

    Architect/Engineer:
    Fontera Geotechnical Engineers

    Material Supplier/Manufacturer:
    Cardinal Concrete

    Equipment Manufacturer:
    REED Concrete Pumps

    General Contractor:
    Polygon Highland Homes, LTD

    Project Owner:
    Polygon Highland Homes, LTD

    Outstanding Infrastructure Project

    Project Name:
    Eglinton Crosstown LRT Project at Mt Pleasant Station

    Location:
    Toronto, Canada

    Shotcrete Contractor:
    Torrent

    Architect/Engineer:
    SNC-Lavalin

    Material Supplier/Manufacturer:
    Innocon Ready Mix & Canada Building Materials

    Equipment Manufacturer:
    REED Concrete Pumps

    General Contractor:
    Crosslinx Transit Solutions

    Project Owner:
    Metrolinx & Infrastructures Ontario

    Shotcrete Consultant/Quality Inspections:
    WSP E&I Canada Ltd.

    Los Olas Corridor Improvements – Shade Canopy

    Shotcrete was essential to create the smooth flowing transitions, curves, and blends required in the construction of the Hale Park Skatepark in Wenatchee, WA. All of our skateparks, including Hale Park, are constructed of steel reinforced shotcrete with a minimum 28-day compressive strength of 4000 lb/in2 (28 MPa) – often breaking over 5000 lb/in2 (34 MPa) in just 7 days. Using proprietary techniques and products, developed over the years, we can form and sculpt shotcrete into virtually any shape imaginable. This gives us the ability to produce any skate feature requested or imagined by the project stakeholders.

    Can a gunite bridge surface be painted? And if so, what preparation/materials are recommended.

    Yes, shotcrete is a placement method for concrete, so any coating appropriate for concrete would be applicable specify new concrete should be a certain age before applying their coating. Generally, the concrete surface should be clean and dry before coating. The surface texture provided on the shotcrete can affect the coating application. A hard, smooth steel trowel finish will tend to be quite slick, and the coating may not bond as well as a floated or sponge finish. A light abrasive blast may be considered to roughen the surface and give more bond. If using a gun or rodded finish for the shotcrete, the coating will generally require quite a bit more material to be able to fill the depressions in the surface.

    Outstanding Architecture | New Construction Project

    Project Name:
    Acoustical Wave Wall

    Location:
    Orlando, FL

    Shotcrete Contractor:
    Crom, LLC

    Material Supplier/Manufacturer:
    A1-Block Corporation

    Equipment Manufacturer:
    Crom, LLC

    General Contractor:
    The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

    Project Owner:
    Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

    Design Architect:
    Barton Myers Associates, Inc.

    Executive Architect:
    HKS Architects, Inc.

    Structural/Mechanical/Electrical Engineer:
    TLC Engineering Solutions Arup Los Angeles

    Outstanding Infrastructure Project

    Project Name:
    Deep Cove Foreshore Development

    Location:
    British Columbia, Canada

    Shotcrete Contractor:
    Oceanrock Art Ltd.

    Architect/Engineer:
    Kontur Geotechnical

    Material Supplier/Manufacturer:
    Remple Bros Ready Mix

    Equipment Manufacturer:
    Putzmeister

    General Contractor:
    Capilano Builders

    Project Owner:
    Andre & Trudel Kroecher

    Honorable Mention Project

    Project Name:
    Bridle Ridge Subdivision

    Location:
    British Columbia, Canada

    Shotcrete Contractor:
    Vancouver Shotcrete and Shoring Inc.

    Architect/Engineer:
    GeoPacific Consultants

    Material Supplier/Manufacturer:
    Graeystone Ready Mix Inc

    Equipment Manufacturer:
    REED Concrete Pumps

    General Contractor:
    Morningstar Homes, LTD

    Project Owner:
    Morning Star Homes, LTD