Often times the terminology "shotcrete" is mis-represented. There is good reason for that. Because technically both shotcrete and gunite fall under the same classification called shotcrete.Often times the terminology "shotcrete" is mis-represented. There is good reason for that. Because technically both shotcrete and gunite fall under the same classification called shotcrete.
The term generally refers to the basic application of either gunite (sand & cement) or shotcrete (sand, cement & larger stone aggregates), being applied pneumatically, transferred or conveyed through a hose and applied by pressure.
Although in some cases the PSI rating of gunite can be higher than that of concrete in the North Carolina soils & substrates concrete has performed better, has better tensil strength and better structural properties in my experience. The gunite procedure is more prone to failures in my opinion. The only real advantage to gunite is that it's cheaper!