Updated fiber-reinforced shotcrete testing standard – Faster, easier, and better
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Shotcrete has become the backbone of ground support in tunnels and mines, representing the largest global application of this technology. Traditionally, macro-synthetic and steel fiber-reinforced shotcrete served as temporary support, later covered by waterproofing membranes and cast-in-place concrete linings — a method known as the Double-Shell System.
Over the past 30 years, advancements in sprayed concrete technology have revolutionized tunnel construction. The Single Shell Method, using Permanent Sprayed Concrete Linings (PSCL), replaces traditional cast-in-place linings. High-performance steel fibers eliminate the need for conventional reinforcement, reducing:
This results in cost savings, durability, and a lower carbon footprint.
A study published in Tunnel Business Magazine (June 2024) entitled “CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION FOR MAJOR TRANSIT PROJECTS” by Verya Nasri, Medhi Bakhshi, and Pegah Jarast, of AECOM, New York, NY evaluated the environmental impact of switching from the double-shell method to SFRPSCL.
Key findings:
This demonstrates that SFRPSCL is not just sustainable, it's economically superior.
Traditional shotcrete design relies on empirical tools like the Q-system and Barton Chart. However, modern applications demand structural performance. Testing methods include:
These tests measure energy absorption and residual tensile strength, essential for structural design.
To simplify testing, a new method was developed: the 3-Point Bending Test (PBT) on a notched EN-type square panel. This combines the benefits of beam and panel tests, offering:
This test provides the residual flexural strength values needed for structural design, making it ideal for SFRPSCL applications.
The adoption of SFRPSCL is accelerating, driven by:
Designers, contractors, and owners are encouraged to specify permanent steel fiber-reinforced shotcrete linings to build a more sustainable future.
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