Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

CPD Construction Products currently manufactures a product known as Rapidcrete HD, which is a fast setting,*high strength topping and patching material consisting of specialty pre-blended, high strength, and abrasion*resistant aggregate and rapid setting cement. The problem with this concrete is that, in the underground mining*industry, time is at a premium and production is limited when workers have to mix and pour concrete for mine*tunnel floors. Delivering Rapidcrete HD as sprayable concerete, also known as shotcrete, could provide CPD and*its industry partners with a time-saving solution.*In the mining industry, shotcrete is used as a primary means of ground support by spraying it onto the back and*walls of an underground tunnel; known in the industry as drifts. The force of the spray knocks the air out of the*mixture, making it denser than conventionally poured concrete. Moreover, it is arguable that shotcrete is probably*the most effective method to install concrete that is not only structurally superior but limitless in shape, size and*use.*The challenge confronting CPD is that, while this new aggregate works well when traditionally poured for concrete*floors in factories, warehouses, loading dock areas, cold storage rooms, and approach pads and drifts in the*mining industry, it is unclear how it will work when sprayed on a surface at high velocity. If Rapidcrete HD is*proven viable as a shotcrete product it would open up significant opportunities for CPD in the mining industry.