Shotcrete market set to increase at a CAGR of 7.8% through to 2018

The shotcrete market has been forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% over the next five years, increasing from a value of around $4.2 billion at the end of 2012, to hit a value of $6.5 billion by 2018.

Shotcrete is concrete (or sometimes mortar) conveyed through a hose and pneumatically projected at high velocity onto a surface, as a construction technique.

Shotcrete undergoes placement and compaction at the same time due to the force with which it is projected from the nozzle. It can be impacted onto any type or shape of surface, including vertical or overhead areas.

Sprayed concrete can be classified into dry-mix (Gunite) and wet-mix (shotcrete) on the basis of its processing. Both dry and wet mixes have their specific benefits. Shotcrete is a cost effective method for placing concrete as there is no need for formwork. Nowadays, 'shotcrete' is the general word used to determine both wet and dry processes.

Various raw materials used in shotcrete mix design include cement, aggregates, additives (fly-ash, silica-fume), fibers, admixtures (accelerator, plasticizer, and retarder), and water. In the dry-mix process, water will be added at the nozzle while spraying. The water flow can be controlled manually by nozzleman based on the surface of application. In the wet-mix process, ready-mix concrete is used where air is added at the nozzle for stream control.

The major applications of shotcrete are tunnel linings, mining operations, rehabilitation works, refractory systems, and others. The demand for sprayed concrete is influenced by its versatile and innovative characteristics as it can be projected onto any shape of surface along with vertical and overhead areas.

However, it has logistical, environmental, health and cost disadvantages, and the resulting concrete is not strong enough to serve as a permanent load-bearing lining.

The shotcrete market is moderately fragmented, with BASF SE, Sika AG, Heidelberg Cement AG, The Euclid Chemical Company, and Cemex S.A.B. De C.V. constituting 60% of the market share in production and supply. The companies in the shotcrete market need to compete with each other with respect to low prices and wide product range in order to meet the market requirements.

For more information on the shotcrete market, see the latest research: Shotcrete Market

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