Over the last twenty years we have witnessed a revolution in ground stabilization in both underground & above-ground applications thanks largely to the widespread adoption of shotcrete as a medium for support. Shotcrete technology continues to evolve & improve as its utilization increases. From relatively obscure & sporadic beginnings it has now become central to ground stabilization in mines & tunnels throughout advanced nations in the world & is increasingly being used in developing nations. The reasons for this success are clear. Shotcrete offers unrivaled scope for adaptation to varying ground conditions when used for stabilization & allows flexibility with respect to geometry when used in other applications. The absence of form work & the fact that it conforms to irregular substrates helps to reduce costs & it can be installed very rapidly. In many situations shotcrete will prove the most economical means of stabilization or construction & it is more durable than most alternatives. The combination of these factors has made shotcrete the material of first choice in most underground support applications & in an increasing number of above-ground applications. As utilization spreads new & innovative approaches to construction with this material continue to arise. The engineering basis for analysis & design of shotcrete linings & structures has also enhanced. This volume
Includes:: a selection of papers describing recent developments in the evolving field of shotcrete technology written by a wide range of authors from around the world. The subjects range from mining-related ground control requirements testing & performance characterization & durability to nozzleman education & accreditation requirements. The result is a reference providing a useful compendium of recent developments which should appeal to shotcrete technologists & practitioners alike.