The final surface of shotcrete can have many types of finishes: Normal gun finish, screeded surface, wood float, sponge finish, steel trowels, patterned finish (blockwork, masonry), simulated “mock rock” and simulated pre-cast panels.

For the achievable surface finish of shotcrete is dependent on the skill of the labour and funds available to do the job, plus the mix design which is different for decorative shotcrete compared to structural shotcrete.

For a high value surface finish is usually applied in locations which are highly visible to the public and are usually implemented for aesthetic purposes.

The public generally does not recognize shotcrete that has been subjected to special surface finishing because it looks like commonly cast-concrete or other types of surface such as native rock.

Surface cracking and durability issues should be considered in the process of designing the shotcrete for surface finish.

LINK: Concrete Institute of Australia - Shotcreting in Australia