Shotcrete is the method of applying concrete pneumatically through a high pressure nozzle.  It can save both time and money over typical cast-in-place concrete since Shotcrete walls are constructed faster as they need less forming and use less material.  Without tie holes (that need to be filled, leaving visible blemishes), it can be an aesthetically appealing alternative.

An exciting new field is developing that takes shotcrete to the next level.  Talented shotcrete craftsmen are using sculpted shotcrete as a canvas to create artistic walls that have all of the same structural integrity of a standard shotcrete wall.

The application of sculpted shotcrete is only limited by the imagination. It is a great way to either highlight a structure or blend it into the local landscape with its ability to easily apply color, stains, and textures.  Great looking projects are being done with shotcrete that is stained and textured to naturalize an area or to turn plain walls into beautiful murals.

Retaining walls are a great example of where shotcrete’s adaptability and wide range of finished surfaces are designing architectural solutions for stabilizing areas.  Rock sculpting and texturing is used to take a functional project and turn it into something that is very artistic and attractive.

When the City of Burien, WA, which sits below the Cascade Mountain range, needed to build a parking garage, they didn’t want a structure made up of stark concrete walls.  Their goal was to turn the building into a piece of art that highlighted the city’s most visible landmark, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding mountain ranges.  Conco worked to create sculpted shotcrete murals that depicted views of the Cascades, Olympics, and Mount Rainier on all four sides of the building.

For over 50 years, Conco has been providing premium concrete services and is one of the most trusted concrete contractors in Seattle.  We partner with clients on every project from the pre-construction stage right through to final completion to maximize efficiency and ensure goals and budgets are met.  Our concrete services include commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects.

The natural beauty of the Northern California coastline has sometimes wreaked havoc on the coastal communities of Moss Beach and Montara. During the rainy season, mud slides become a frequent occurrence often leading to the shutdown of Highway 1, the only artery leading north to San Francisco.

The resolution to this problem was to build a tunnel through the mountain that will bypass the parts of the coastline most prone to erosion. Public input from local residents reflected a high level of concern that the fix not detract from the natural beauty of the California coastline. Therefore, great attention was made to make sure the tunnel blended in with its surroundings.

Robert T. Hill & Associates, a well-respected artistic firm with 25 of years experience in concrete sculpture, teamed up with Conco on this high profile project. The task at hand was to reconstruct boulder formations out of concrete to blend into the natural formation that existed above the Portal at the south end of the tunnel.

The project was designed by Cal Trans in 2006, but not started until March 1, 2012. Applying shotcrete was extremely difficult as the grade was at 1 to 1 ½ slope. This required the use of man lifts and cranes and sometimes having crews tied off from the top and rappelling down from the top.

The tunnel is scheduled to open in late 2012 before the start of the next rainy season. As a testament to the work from Conco and Robert T. Hill & Associates, the work performed blends into the hillside making it virtually impossible to distinguish between the rocks made by nature and those made by man.

Shotcrete is a method of applying concrete pneumatically through a high pressure nozzle. Because it is installed at a high velocity, shotcrete tends to have better consolidation than conventional concrete, making for a denser finished product. The consistency of shotcrete is more easily controlled than cast-in-place concrete as it is impossible to place high water/cement (w/c) ratio shotcrete. As a result, characteristics of low w/c concrete are found in shotcrete, including increased durability and reduced shrinkage cracking.  Shotcrete is subject to the same design factors as conventional concrete; therefore, the strength characteristics desired in poured-in-place concrete can also be achieved in shotcrete walls.

Shotcrete offers not only excellent structural properties, but also provides economical advantages over typical cast-in-place concrete. With reduced forming, shotcrete walls can be constructed faster with less material, saving our client both time and money. The absence of tie holes (that need to be filled, leaving visible blemishes) and the ability to easily apply color, stains, and textures makes shotcrete an aesthetically appealing alternative.

Conco operates shotcrete crews in Washington, Northern California, and Southern California. All operators are ACI certified, have years of industry experience, and demonstrate excellent craftsmanship. Our professional estimators can assist you in comparing the time and cost differences of shotcrete walls versus conventional cast-in-place concrete for your specific project. Should you need assistance, please call Chad Watson at 925-685-6799.