Two Essential Equipment for Slope Support Shotcreting

Slope protection, foundation pit protection, and tunnel shotcreting require a shotcrete machine and air compressor. Shotcrete machines generally come in dry, damp, and wet sizes. These machines typically require air compressors with a capacity of 13-24 cubic meters.

Dry-type wet shotcretes are easy to understand. Dry material is fed through a shotcrete pipe to the nozzle, where it is sprayed to achieve the desired effect.

Damp shotcretes can spray both dry and slightly wet materials. The principle of spraying dry materials is the same as with dry shotcretes. For wet materials, the water pipe at the nozzle base must be replaced with an accelerator pipe to achieve the desired effect.

Wet shotcretes are currently recommended for environmental reasons. They offer low rebound, minimal pollution, and excellent shotcrete performance. However, they are significantly more expensive than dry and damp shotcretes.

Dry and wet spraying machines can reach over 100 meters with a 13.8 kg air compressor. However, wet spraying machines can only reach 60-80 meters due to material limitations. Of course, using a larger air compressor can help increase this distance.

Air compressors for spraying machines are generally available in fixed or mobile types. This type of air compressor is an electric screw compressor. 13.8 kg, 16.8 kg, and 24.8 kg capacities are commonly used.

Because air compressors are expensive, it's advisable to rent one locally for smaller projects.