Individuals who don’t have a lot of experience with construction projects are usually confused about selecting the best concrete application methods. The two primarily used methods are shotcrete and cast-in, but not knowing which one is better can be frustrating. Moreover, every contractor has his/her own preference. Hence asking your contractor will only lead to confusion.
The major difference between the two is the method of placement. However, in the end, both methods can give excellent results with the solid application of concrete. In this blog post we have compared these two methods to help you make an informed decision.
What Is The Shotcrete Method?
Shotcrete is a relatively new method for applying concrete to designated places much faster than any traditional method. It uses a nozzle to project concrete at a high velocity on a vertical or overhead surface. The result is a much stronger bond of concrete with substrate that lasts for years.
In the shotcrete method, the applicator either uses a dry-mix or a wet-mix. The difference between these two methods is that the dry-mix adds water at the nozzle while the wet-mix adds water to the mixture before it reaches the delivery hose. Many construction companies are opting for the shotcrete method due to its efficiency.
Pros And Cons Of The Shotcrete Method
The shotcrete method has many benefits which is why it is becoming a popular choice in the construction industry. The shotcrete method is effective at fast concrete application. The material comes out of the nozzle at high velocity. It is also helpful for concrete application on complex structures and hard-to-reach places such as under bridges and corners.
Its fast application makes the shotcrete method a cost-effective choice for the construction industry. In addition, there is no need for over-excavation or backfilling in this process.
Another great advantage of this method is that it offers a great bond with most substrates. It provides high compressive strength of 6000 psi to 7500 psi. It also takes much less time to form a solid concrete layer, and the construction project can be accomplished faster.
You are advised not to perform a shotcrete cast at home without professional help. It is better to hire a professional shotcrete company to carry out the task.
What Is The Cast-In-Place Concrete Method?
The cast-in-place concrete method, also called the poured-in-place concrete method, is a method that involves pouring the concrete mixture onto the required place. It is a technique taken in situ or the concrete component’s position. The concrete is transported to the desired place using a concrete mixing truck that puts the concrete into the desired location or the dumper.
Pros And Cons Of Cast-In-Place Concrete
Cast-in-place also has a high compressive strength of 4000 psi to 5000 psi. However, it is less than the shotcrete method. It requires additional excavation so that the concrete can be dumped into one place. The cast-in-place method is more common than shotcrete, but it takes more time to complete a project because of the lower compressive strength value.
When the cast-in-place concrete method is done correctly, it results in a very uniform surface, and little surface preparation is required for the epoxy-based pool paint. However, the whole process can result in greater project costs.
Final Thoughts
Both concrete application methods have pros and cons. However, the shotcrete method is preferable because of its fast and efficient concrete application, even in hard-to-reach places. Moreover, it is a more cost-effective solution.
About SprayForce Concrete Services Ltd
Spray Force Concrete is a professional shotcrete company having expertise in different types of construction projects. We are currently serving in Calgary and other surrounding areas. Get in touch with us for more information about our services.