What Is Shotcrete?

What is Shotcrete?

Shotcrete is a concrete placement process that utilizes high pressure and high volume air to place concrete at a very high velocity. The air pressure conveys the concrete at roughly 90 MPH (130 feet per second), propelling it onto the receiving surface. This velocity gives shotcrete its unique ability to:

• Bond tightly to existing concrete or other substrates. 
• Properly encapsulate reinforcement steel. 
• Form a monolithic bond with the underlying surface. 
• Achieve higher strengths due to compaction during placement..

Unlike traditional poured concrete that requires complete forms, shotcrete can be applied with minimal to no formwork. It can be installed vertically, horizontally, or even overhead, making it one of the most versatile concrete solutions available.

The Advantages of Shotcrete

Choosing shotcrete over traditional concrete offers several benefits:

• Design Flexibility

Shotcrete can be applied to free-form shapes, curved surfaces, and difficult-to-reach areas where conventional forming would be expensive or impossible. This is ideal for pools, retaining walls, tunnels, and architectural features. Finishes are created by hand by carving the shotcrete into simple or intricate shapes like building a sand castle, but cut off straight and plumb or using honed finishing techniques the installers can create almost any concrete finish you would see on a floor or wall.

• Speed and Efficiency

Because it can be applied without the concern for cold joints and does not require full formwork, shotcrete reduces labor and material costs. Shotcrete can be completed utilizing 50%-100% less form work and be completed at least 50% faster than conventional concrete placement.

• Superior Bonding

The high-velocity application compacts the concrete, increasing its density and strength. The process also drives the cement paste into microscopic pores of existing concrete allowing the crystals which make up the strength in concrete to grow between the new and old materials, creating a strong mechanical and chemical bond.

• Durability

Properly applied shotcrete results in a dense, low-permeability surface that resists weathering, chemical attack, and freeze-thaw damage, making it perfect for long-lasting structures.

SSG’s Expertise in Shotcrete

Our team includes highly trained and ACI-certified shotcreters who have mastered the art of precise shotcrete application. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and quality mix designs to deliver consistent results. Whether we’re constructing a pool shell, repairing a bridge abutment, or creating a custom retaining wall, our focus is always on safety, precision, and longevity.

Quality & Safety Standards

SSG follows strict quality control procedures, ensuring proper material selection, air pressure, and nozzle technique. Our crews comply with OSHA requirements and industry best practices to guarantee a safe job site and a superior finished product.

Applications for Shotcrete

We provide shotcrete services for a wide range of projects:

• Swimming Pools & Spas – Structurally sound pool shells with smooth finishes.
• Retaining Walls – Strong, reinforced solutions for soil stabilization.
• Architectural Structures – Custom shapes and textures for creative designs.
• Structural Repairs – Rehabilitation of bridges, tunnels, and culverts.
• Slope Stabilization – Erosion control for steep embankments and roadways.
• Shear walls – adding strength to old concrete or masonry structures to bring up to current code, add more floors, or increase the building’s PSF weight rating.

Why Choose SSG for Shotcrete?

SSG has decades of experience delivering concrete solutions across New England. Our attention to detail, cutting-edge equipment, and skilled workforce allow us to consistently exceed expectations. We provide:

• Design support
• Detailed pre-construction planning.
• Expert project management.
• Certified crews and industry-standard testing.
• On-time, on-budget delivery.

When you choose SSG, you’re choosing a team committed to strength, quality, and service.

Schedule Your Shotcrete Project

Ready to get started? Contact SSG to discuss your project needs and receive a consultation from our shotcrete specialists. We’ll walk you through the process, provide recommendations for your application, and ensure your structure is built to last.

Shotcrete FAQs

Is shotcrete stronger than traditional concrete?

Yes, due to the nature of the shotcrete application requiring more complex and accurate concrete mix designs and how shotcrete is applied at high velocity, it becomes denser and more compacted than most conventionally poured concrete. This results in improved bonding, higher compressive strength, and a more durable finished product when applied by trained professionals.

What projects are best suited for shotcrete?

Shotcrete is ideal for swimming pool shells, retaining walls, slope stabilization, tunnels, culverts, bridge repairs, single sided concrete placements and custom architectural surfaces. It is especially valuable for projects with complex shapes or hard-to-reach areas where formwork would be difficult or costly.

How long does shotcrete last?

When installed properly and maintained, shotcrete structures can last 50 years or more with the same or longer lifecycle of traditionally placed concrete. Its dense composition and excellent bonding make it highly resistant to weathering, cracking, and water penetration.

Does shotcrete require formwork?

No, not always. One of the advantages of shotcrete is that it can be applied directly to existing surfaces or minimal single-sided formwork. This reduces labor, saves time, and allows for greater design flexibility. For example, shotcrete can be applied directly against an earth form, fieldstone foundation, or existing concrete without requiring any form work.

How do you ensure quality and safety during application?

SSG uses ACI-certified shotcreters, precise mix designs, and controlled air pressure to ensure consistency and compaction. We follow OSHA safety standards and industry best practices to maintain a safe job site and deliver a structurally sound finished product. The ACI certified shotcreter course is specifically for the individuals who hold the nozzle and place the concrete, when going through the course everyone in the company that works with the crew sits in the class to ensure everyone understands why the shotcreter does what he does.