Bringing Science to an Art: A Decade of Shotcrete Research at the University of British Columbia

Shotcrete, produced via the dry-mix or the wet-mix processes, is fast becoming a material of choice for repair, rehabilitation, slope stabilization and ground support. With substantial advances both in the materials technology and high yield shotcreting pumps, shotcrete is fast shunning its image as a weak, inefficient material of low quality. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the research carried out at the University of British Columbia in the last decade or so. The topics covered include process optimization, mechanical properties and durability. Fiber reinforcement has been a topic of particular interest and this is covered in a greater detail. The paper also highlights novel areas of applications.