Shotcrete, also known as gunite, is what is called spray concrete. It’s called spray concrete because it’s applied using a high-velocity hose. Gunite is specially formulated to be sticky and resistant to flow, making it ideal for use on ceilings and structures with sloping and vertical surfaces, such as swimming pools.
The terms shotcrete and gunite are often used interchangeably. The main difference between the two is the application process. Shotcrete is a wet mix process, gunite is a dry mix process.
ADVANTAGES OF SHOTCRETE
Shotcrete offers many advantages over traditional concrete:
- Adhesion – Shotcrete bonds well to receiving surfaces.
- Durability – Shotcrete is very durable and highly resistant to chemical degradation.
- Low permeability – Shotcrete has low permeability and porosity, making it an ideal choice for swimming pools and other water features.
- No formwork – Shotcrete doesn’t require formwork, making the process faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods.
- Versatile shaping – Shotcrete can be used to create curved, vertical, and dense surfaces, allowing for more creative shaping and finishing options.
- Application – Shotcrete can be applied over a period of days without without risking structural flaws.
In addition to swimming pools, gunite is used for many construction projects, including:
- Artificial ponds
- Ditches and channels
- Dikes and dams
- Retention walls
- Tunnels and tunneling
- Slope stabilization
- Structural reinforcement
- Water tanks
- Domes
- Hard rock mining
SHOTCRETE AND GUNITE HOSES
The main differences between shotcrete and gunite hoses are related to the type of material they transport, the method of application, the hose’s durability and design, and their typical usage contexts. Shotcrete hoses are built to handle heavier, wet concrete under pressure, while gunite hoses are designed for a dry mix that is mixed with water at the point of application.
SHOTCRETE HOSES ARE DESIGNED TO HANDLE WET MIX CEMENT
The shotcrete application process uses a wet mix of concrete that is pumped through the hose and sprayed onto the surface. The hose must be capable of handling a continuous flow of wet concrete, requiring more durability and pressure resistance. They are heavier and thicker due to the need to handle wet concrete under high pressure and are reinforced with multiple layers to resist wear from the abrasive concrete mix.
GUNITE HOSES ARE DESIGNED TO HANDLE DRY MIX CEMENT
During the gunite application process, a dry mix of sand and cement is blown through a hose using compressed air, and water is added at the nozzle to create the concrete mixture. The hose is lighter and more flexible compared to shotcrete hoses because it doesn’t need to handle wet, heavy material. Gunite hoses are often used in applications where more precise control over the concrete mix is needed, such as in smaller pool construction or repair work.
ASJ IS YOUR SOURCE FOR HIGH-QUALITY SHOTCRETE AND GUNITE HOSES
ASJ Industrial Hoses & Fittings has been a leading provider of high-quality shotcrete and gunite hoses and accessories since 1982. Our products are used by construction companies across North America. Whether you know the exact type of concrete hose you are looking for, or you need assistance choosing the right products, we are here to help.
ASJ maintains a large inventory of stock at our 24,000-square-foot facility in Corona, CA, so most parts are available for immediate shipment or pickup. If you have questions about your options, want a quote, or need more information, we invite you to Call us now at (951) 735-1351.
Phone: