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Shotcrete (Reinforcemnt, Placement & Reporting)
Shotcrete (Reinforcemnt, Placement & Reporting)
Reinforcement Verification (Periodic Inspection & Continuous in LA City)
Prior to Shooting: While the shooting itself is continuous, the inspection of the steel reinforcement prior to placement is critical:
Verifying the size, location, and proper spacing of the reinforcing steel (rebar).
Ensuring the minimum clearances between parallel bars and the specified non-contact lap splice methods are maintained.
Confirming that all embedded items, conduits, and forms are clean, properly secured, and correctly located.
Continuous Inspection During Placement
Application Technique: The inspector is continuously present to observe the nozzleman's technique, ensuring the material is being applied correctly to minimize rebound (loose material) and fully encase the reinforcing steel.
Rebound Removal: Verifying that all rebound is immediately and completely removed from surfaces before new shotcrete layers are placed. Rebound is unusable material and must not be left in place.
Layer Thickness: Monitoring the thickness of each layer being applied, especially on vertical surfaces, to prevent sloughing (sagging).
Equipment Check: Periodically checking the pressures of the air and water at the nozzle (for dry-mix) or delivery pressure (for wet-mix) to ensure they are within specification.
Post-Placement and Reporting
Finishing and Curing: Inspecting the surface finish and verifying that the specified curing procedures (e.g., maintaining moisture and temperature) are being followed.
Material Testing: Fabricating test specimens from the production shotcrete (typically cored samples from the structure or test panels) and ensuring they are sent to a lab for compressive strength testing.
Discrepancies and Reporting: Immediately notifying the contractor and the Engineer of Record of any deficiencies (like sags, laminations, or sand pockets) and documenting all observations and resolutions in their daily and final reports.
The requirement for continuous inspection during shotcrete placement is one of the most stringent in the building code, highlighting its complexity and the necessity of ensuring proper application in real time.
Pre Construction Test panel
Pre Construction Test panel
A preconstruction test panel is a sample panel of shotcrete (sprayed concrete) created before a project begins to test and approve the equipment, crew, materials, and procedures. It serves to demonstrate that the team can achieve the project's required quality, durability, and aesthetic standards, and is particularly important for complex or difficult shotcrete applications. These panels are used to verify things like concrete strength, proper placement behind reinforcement, and the final surface finish.
Pre-Construction Requirements
Nozzleman Qualification: The inspector must verify that the nozzleman (the person operating the shotcrete nozzle) is qualified and/or certified ACI-certified for the specific application (wet-mix vs. dry-mix).
Test Panel Inspection: Before construction begins, a preconstruction test panel is typically required. The inspector must:
Witness the construction and shooting of the test panel.
Ensure the panel represents the thickest and most congested reinforcement area of the project.
Oversee the coring of the panel for visual examination (checking for voids, sand pockets, or laminations) and compressive strength testing.
Most Congested Reinforcment of the project
Most Congested Reinforcment of the project
Each Nozzelman Shoots a portion of the pre construction Test panel
Each Nozzelman Shoots a portion of the pre construction Test panel
Engineer will direct where to core the the panel to verify quality work. The cores will be graded
Engineer will direct where to core the the panel to verify quality work. The cores will be graded
Swimming Pool (Shotcrete / Gunite)
Swimming Pool (Shotcrete / Gunite)
The Special Inspector (or Registered Deputy Inspector, typically certified in Gunite/Shotcrete in California jurisdictions like Los Angeles or Orange County) performs continuous inspection of the single most critical structural component: the pool shell.
Special Inspector's Duties
Pre-Shoot VerificationConfirms the Regular Building Inspector has already approved the placement of the reinforcing steel (rebar).
Material Quality Check
Verifies the Shotcrete/Gunite mix design and ensures the nozzleman is certified.
Continuous Application
Stays on site during the entire spraying process to ensure proper technique, adequate material thickness, and complete encapsulation of the rebar.
Strength Testing Takes test panels (samples) on site for compression testing to confirm the material meets the specified structural strength.
Pool Rebar
Pool Remodel / Epoxy
Shotcrete Application
Finished Product
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