Aug 16, 2013

Interesting Facts About Shotcrete Equipment

By Cara Torres


Technology is making some breakthroughs in the construction industry. We are making more complex structures and it is taking lesser time to complete them with the many techniques employed. One of those known methods that has contributed marvelous things to the world of construction is the shotcrete equipment.

For starters, shotcrete is actually a construction technique that uses a concrete to be projected on any surface using a high velocity compressed air. Cement gun it was once called because of the ability to spray cement on any wall surface. It is vital for the miners and tunnel engineers because it reinforced the wall of the tunnel therefore preventing it from collapsing.

Carl Akeley invented it in the early 1900s and it was used to fill plaster models of animals. He used the technique of blowing dry material out of a hose with an air, then a water injected at the nozzle as it was released. He was motivated to make because he was satisfied with the how the carcass of the animals preserved in the museum.

In 1911, Akeley was granted a patent for his invention, the cement gun is the equipment used, and gunite is the material that was produced. Forty years has pass when a Austrian engineer discovered the potential of such technology as an effective reinforcement to tunnel walls, providing protection against cave ins. It formed a new technique of a safer soft earth tunnel construction that is now known as new Austrian tunneling method.

Nowadays, it is commonly used as providing underground support for mining, tunnel excavation and constructions. It is also widely known to provide support in permanent opening such as ramps, shaft stations and some crusher chambers. Do not be confused if some people call it gunite because it is popularly known with that name as well.

This method is divided into two types which sometimes people interchange with each other. The first one is the dry mix that involves any dry material in a hopper. Sometimes it is dampen by some small liquid to avoid any dusty particles. The rotating barrel is where the material is transferred and sprayed to any surface wall by using a delivery hose.

Whereas, the wet mix is thoroughly mixed with liquid. It is then placed on a concrete pump to be sprayed using a nozzle with an aid of a compressed air. This is better suited for high productions of mining and civil engineering project where deep shaft and long tunnel is being driven and where delivery trucks have ample space to operate.

The latest upgrade for this invention now is the highly advanced Robotic Shotcreting Machine. It is highly capable of spreading the mixture and compact in the same time. The powerful nozzle is capable of spreading the mixture evenly on the required surface. Any unskilled operators are capable because it is so easy to handle.

Who would have thought that what started out as a simple invention can become a critical achievement in the progress of construction industry. Shotcrete equipment is a prime example that started from humble beginnings to greatness. Such technology has a boundless potential in the future.




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