The
two processes of shotcrete construction are the wet mix process and the dry mix
process, which uses the basis when water is added to the concrete mix or mortar.
During the dry mix process, you add water at the nozzle and Brisbane spray mixes concrete, while you add water in the mortar or concrete mix in the wet mix
process.
Shotcrete Dry Mix
Process
The
dry mix process refers to the mixing of wet aggregates and cement at the right
proportion before applying it to the shotcreting tool. The ingredients that are
thoroughly mixed are put on the device hopper. In the shotcreting process, the
mix is taken from the hopper to the nozzle under the action of compressed air
via the delivery hose of the equipment.
As
soon as the dry mix gets to the nozzle, the water under high pressure Brisbane spray mixes concrete through a perforated ring connected to the equipment. The water
wets the dry mix while spraying. Therefore, the required wet mortar mix or
concrete is spurted at higher velocity on the shotcrete surface.
For
the dry mix shotcrete, a placing operator or nozzle man controls the amount of
water being added. The water is controlled with the use of a valve found in the
device.
You
apply the dry mix shotcrete in areas where there are fewer placements and
limited vehicle access required.
Benefits Of Dry Mix
Process In Shotcrete
The
main advantages include:
·
Low
investment
·
The
spray mixes concrete content is controlled at the nozzle
·
Increased
bonding ability and strength
·
Less
waste is made during dry shotcrete
Shotcrete Wet Mix
Process
The
wet mix process refers to the mixing of all components to create mortar or
concrete with the right water content. The shotcrete mix is prepared before putting
it in the equipment. You can use a pneumatic –feed or a positive displacement
type for your delivery equipment.
The
process includes forcing the wet mix into the nozzle via the delivery hose using
compressed air. After that, the mix is shot at high velocity on the shotcrete
surface. With this, the nozzleman can control the amount and rate of compressed
air. However, the nozzleman does not have a direct control over the mortar
properties or concrete.
As
the wet mix prepared needs the right transportation facilities, it is conducted
in large area construction, wherein vehicle access is not a concern.
Benefits Of Wet Mix
Process In Shotcrete
·
It
requires less labor
·
Admixtures
can be added according to the design requirement
·
The
water content is controlled more accurately
·
The
spraying operation is easy as the mix is prepared in advance
·
The
process is more affordable
·
There
is less air consumed
The
freshly applied shotcrete is ready to be finished instantly. The finishing
process will give a smooth finish after using the spray mixes concrete, and the
surface will look like a formed finish, wherein it will be smooth but will also
have a wavy surface. Know that finishing overhead or vertical surfaces is
harder compared to finishing the surface of a floor.
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