When you start a construction project, you have to decide which materials should be used. Regardless of what you’re building, you want it to be safe and last for decades to come, and concrete is a common way to achieve that. A variation of concrete, called shotcrete, is also becoming a popular construction material. So, below are the main differences between shotcrete and concrete along with how each can benefit your project.

How to Differentiate Between Shotcrete & Concrete

What Are Concrete & Shotcrete?

Concrete is a building material that comes in a number of options, including lightweight, heavyweight, porous, and fiber-reinforced, to fit a range of construction needs. It consists of fine rocks mixed with water and paste that hardens.

Shotcrete is a specific type of concrete that can either be dry-mix or wet-mix. It’s become known for its unique application process that differs from traditional concrete.

How Does the Application of Shotcrete Differ From Concrete?

The main difference between shotcrete and concrete occurs during its placement. Concrete is applied using a mixing truck, which readies the mixture and pours it onto the ground. The fresh concrete is then vibrated to flush out air and to make sure its compact.

Conversely, shotcrete is placed using a cement gun. The gun applies the mixture at a high velocity, which gives the end product high strength, high durability, and low permeability.

What Are the Advantages of Shotcrete & Concrete?

Concrete is more advantageous to use for a larger area, such as the foundation of a building. The mixture is poured into any framed area and left to harden. When compared with steel, wood, and other building materials, concrete is more water-resistant and less susceptible to deterioration over time. Additionally, it can last in high temperatures without compromising its structure, so its often used to fireproof steel.

Due to the cement gun used to apply shotcrete, it has additional benefits over traditional concrete. Since it does not need to be mixed or compacted like concrete, construction companies benefit from saved time. It can also save on labor costs. The gun also enables shotcrete to bond to materials better than poured concrete, making it ideal to use on complicated shapes and spaces that are difficult to reach. 

Located in West Chester, OH, as well as Louisville and Lexington, KY, The Dwyer Company is a geotechnical and structural specialty service firm that specializes in shotcrete and concrete. They’re proud to be one of the largest foundation repair, waterproofing, soil stabilization, and concrete lifting companies in the country. Give them a call at (859) 231-0998 for their Lexington, KY, location; (502) 489-5438 for the Louisville, KY, location; or reach the West Chester, OH, staff at (513) 777-0998 to schedule your free estimate today. Or, visit their website to learn more about their shotcrete application.