Guniting is a term often used interchangeably in construction jobs with the application of shotcrete, but what exactly is the difference? In order to understand guniting, one must first recognize the similarities and differences between the two.
Gunite and shotcrete both make use of a spray gun to apply a mixture of mortar or concrete to a surface. The concrete mixture is loaded into a hopper, where it is then delivered to a nozzle via pressurized air. Shotcrete, however, can be applied using a hopper loaded with either a wet or dry mix, whereas gunite is applied using only a dry mix. Thus, the term guniting is synonymous with the “dry mix shotcrete process.”
As previously discussed, the process of guniting consists of compressed air aiding in the delivery of a dry mixture from a hopper to a spray nozzle. Towards the mouth of the nozzle, a valve controls the addition of water to the concrete mixture. This valve, which the user controls, allows the operator to regulate the amount of water being added to the dry concrete mix, making it a suitable application method for a wide variety of construction jobs.
Given the nature of the spray-on application, gunite is very useful during construction jobs where it might otherwise be difficult to pour concrete. It is frequently used in the construction of retaining walls, swimming pools, and tunnels and to repair cracked or damaged concrete.
For a typical construction job, the cement-to-sand ratio for the dry gunite mixture is 1:3. With the addition of water and after a seven-day dry time, this ratio will yield a strength of 70 MPA.Due to the extensive knowledge and experience required to maintain the correct concrete-to-water ratio, the application of gunite requires very skilled laborers. For more information and to learn about any additional services provided, please visit Kilgore Companies’ website at kilgoreCompanies.com.