Shotcrete (Wet Mix)
Wet-mix shotcrete is pre-batched with water and pumped to the nozzle where compressed air propels it onto surfaces. This method delivers consistent mix quality, high production rates, and minimal dust—preferred for structural applications and high-volume projects.
Understanding Shotcrete (Wet Mix)
Wet-mix shotcrete is pre-batched with water and pumped to the nozzle where compressed air propels it onto surfaces. This method delivers consistent mix quality, high production rates, and minimal dust—preferred for structural applications and high-volume projects.
Our ACI-certified nozzlemen deliver structural-grade shotcrete for soil nail walls, retaining structures, tunnel linings, and slope protection.
This technique is used in our services for:
Shotcrete Typical Applications
How It Works
Our proven methodology ensures consistent, high-quality results for every installation.
Surface Preparation
Clean and scale loose material; dampen surface for bond.
Reinforcement Installation
Install welded wire mesh, rebar, or fiber reinforcement as specified.
Shotcrete Application
Pump pre-mixed concrete to nozzle; apply in lifts with proper technique.
Finishing & Curing
Trowel or texture surface as required; install weep drains; apply curing.
Key Advantages
Production Speed
Wet-mix systems deliver 15-30+ cubic yards per hour, making large-scale projects efficient and economical.
Consistent Quality
Plant-batched concrete with controlled water-cement ratio ensures consistent strength and workability.
Reduced Waste
Lower rebound rates (10-20%) compared to dry-mix (20-40%) reduce material waste and cleanup.
Cleaner Application
Wet material generates minimal dust, improving working conditions and reducing containment requirements.
Structural Performance
Consistent mix quality and proper consolidation deliver reliable structural performance meeting design specifications.
Technical Considerations
Soil/Rock Conditions
Surface must be clean, sound, and dampened. Loose material scaled; reinforcement secured with adequate cover.
Groundwater
Weep drains installed through facing for groundwater relief. Active water may require diversion or quick-set additives.
Load Capacity
Structural capacity per ACI 506 design. Thickness and reinforcement determined by loading and exposure conditions.
Spacing
Continuous facing. Construction and expansion joints per project specifications.
Installation Method
Pre-mixed concrete pumped through hose to nozzle. Compressed air at nozzle provides velocity for application and compaction.
Equipment Used
- Wet-mix shotcrete pump
- Concrete delivery trucks
- Air compressor
- Delivery hose and nozzle
- Test panel forms and coring equipment
Limitations
- Requires continuous material supply
- Equipment more complex than dry-mix
- Material waste if work interrupted
- Cold weather requires protection
Technical Specifications
System Variations
Standard Wet Mix
Conventional concrete mix pumped for general shotcrete applications.
Best For:
- Slope facing
- Retaining walls
- Channel lining
High-Strength Mix
Engineered mix designs achieving 6,000-8,000+ psi for structural applications.
Best For:
- Structural walls
- Tunnel linings
- Bridge elements
Fiber-Reinforced Wet Mix
Steel or synthetic fibers for enhanced crack control and impact resistance.
Best For:
- Tunnel support
- Slope protection
- Impact-prone areas
Accelerated Wet Mix
Set accelerators for rapid strength gain in critical applications.
Best For:
- Tunnel crowns
- Water infiltration
- Fast-track construction
Integration With Other Systems
Soil Nailing
Wet-mix shotcrete provides structural facing for soil nail walls, distributing loads and protecting reinforcement.
Learn More
Weep Drains
Drainage installed through shotcrete facing prevents hydrostatic pressure buildup.
Learn More
Rock Bolting
Shotcrete distributes bolt loads and provides surface protection in rock stabilization.
Learn MoreWire Mesh Reinforcement
Welded wire mesh embedded in shotcrete provides distributed reinforcement for crack control.
Example Project Types
- Soil nail wall facing
- Highway cut slope protection
- Tunnel primary lining
- Retaining wall construction
- Channel and spillway protection
- Dam facing repair
- Bridge abutment construction
Our Work in Action
Why Choose Rock Supremacy for Wet-Mix Shotcrete
ACI-Certified Crews
Our nozzlemen maintain current ACI certifications, ensuring quality application meeting specifications.
High-Production Capability
Multiple pump units and experienced crews deliver high volumes efficiently on schedule.
Quality Assurance
Comprehensive QC program with test panels, strength testing, and documentation.
Integrated Services
We provide complete wall systems—soil nails, drainage, reinforcement, and shotcrete facing.
Difficult Access
Pump reach and hose lengths allow application in areas where concrete trucks cannot access.
Our Work
See how we've applied this technique and others to solve real-world geotechnical challenges.
Moffat Tunnel Portal Rehabilitation
Structural rehabilitation of the historic Moffat Tunnel portal including rock bolting, shotcrete, and drainage improvements.
Pacific Coast Highway Protection
Emergency scaling and installation of 500 rock bolts to secure a failing bluff face threatening Highway 1.
Roseville Rail Yard Tunnel Repair
Emergency structural repair of a failing rail tunnel crown in one of the West Coast's busiest rail yards.
Shotcrete (Wet Mix) FAQ
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Related Techniques
Explore other engineering methods we use to deliver comprehensive geotechnical solutions.
Shotcrete (Dry Mix)
Dry-mix shotcrete conveys dry material by air and hydrates at the nozzle, providing a versatile concrete application method ideal for remote sites, repair work, and intermittent applications where portable equipment and adjustable water content are advantages.
Soil Nailing
Steel bars driven into soil to reinforce and stabilize loose ground or slope faces.
Structural Shotcrete
Structural shotcrete is high-strength, reinforced concrete applied pneumatically to create durable retaining walls, tunnel linings, and slope support systems. Engineered to carry significant loads, it provides monolithic construction that conforms to irregular surfaces.
Weep Drains
Weep drains provide surface-level drainage relief by allowing water trapped behind shotcrete, retaining walls, or stabilized slopes to escape. These drains prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup, which can compromise structural stability.