Design of shotcrete rock reinforcement in hard rock according to Eurocode

Abstract

Shotcrete was invented in the 1900’s and first used in rock spaces in the 1930’s. The design of shotcrete is currently (2011) mainly based on empirical rules. This paper explores the feasibility of designing shotcrete structures according to the methods allowed in the Eurocodes. The shotcrete material parameters are derived according to the Eurocode and presented for shotcrete grades up to C50/60. The EFNARC panel test (EN 14488-5) and ASTM round panel test (C1550) are used in conjunction with the Yield Line Theory (YLT) to produce the cracking limit of the bending resistance. The shotcrete failure process and failure modes are described. Linear elastic theory is used to calculate the crack initiation capacity. The means on how to calculate the shotcrete capacity for the most common failure modes are presented. Finally, notes on how to apply these results into practical design work are given.