The Safer Alternative.
Historically shotcrete application in shafts worldwide has been conducted by hand placement where the nozzleman is lowered into the shaft and sprays the shotcrete from a stage or platform. Working in open holes is a high risk activity and exposes workers to a variety of hazards. By reducing or eliminating the exposure of employees working in or around vertical excavations we reduce the likelihood workplace injuries. The implementation of remote shaft lining has eliminated the need for personnel to work in shafts. So what is Remote Shaft Lining?
Remote shaft lining is the process of applying shotcrete to a rock surface using a “ robot” or placement head. The shotcrete is pumped from an area near the shaft collar and conveyed through rubber concrete hoses to the spray head. In order to reach significant depths dry mix shotcrete or gunite is used and water is mixed at the nozzle to create a wet blend which is sprayed onto the shaft surface. 30mm fibres are added to the dry mix during batching and provides extra strength to the shotcrete. The entire process is monitored from the operator control room which is located adjacent to the shaft collar. The control room houses the computer controls which operate robot functions including nozzle rotation, nozzle speed, water control and camera function. Four cameras are positioned in the robot and feed footage back to the surface via wireless broadband. Our custom designed an Australian made shaft lining unit has the following capability.
- Shaft support from 1.8m to 8.0m in diameter
- Shotcrete application from 25mm thickness
- Application in shafts up to 450m deep
- Video recording pre and post application
- Remote controlled robot positioning in collar
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