Effect of fine aggregate on fluidity and mechanical properties of wet shotcrete

Abstract

Air-entrained wet shotcrete improves the pipeline transportation efficiency of concrete. The characteristics of the fine aggregate in the mix have different effects on the fluidity and mechanical properties of air-entrained wet shotcrete. The effects of four different properties of fine aggregates (mud content, sand ratio, water content and particle size) on the fluidity and mechanical properties of air-entrained wet shotcrete were studied, with particular attention paid to the sand ratio and mud content. The fluidity and mechanical properties of wet shotcrete were optimum when the sand ratio of the fine aggregate was 0.56 and the water content was 3%. The fine aggregate should have a reasonable particle size as far as possible. Montmorillonite in the mud inhibited the fluidity and mechanical properties, so mud content should be kept as low as possible. The results of this work provide a reference for the practical application of air-entrained wet shotcrete, so as to better deal with pipe blockage.