Just an update should anybody else run into this issue, I can’t hire ANYBODY to evalute this situation, I called 20+ engineering firms in the PHX area, places in CA, called the American Shotcrete Association for a referral, nothing.
So either nobody wants to deal with it which is odd as I am trying to “Hire” a consultant, or this is not an issue, or I am the only person who has ever dealt with this?
My only suggestion would be to hire a Shotcrete subcontractor who is ASA certified, of course good luck with that unless you do owner builder and can hire your own, then good luck since it not commercial work, not many do residential work, I asked.
What I have learned is what may have caused this was the temp differential between the mix and the ambient temp, I read this could cause plastic shrinkage cracks. The mix was 3000 psi, 3” slump with fiber added, and hot water. The air temp was 42F, not sure if that was the issue or the 55 min delay between load 1 and load 2?
I was able to speak with the engineer who did the design for the pool builder, he said it’s a workmanship issue, he is suggesting that we grind down a 1 square foot area 1/8” and see if the cracks are still there, if they are he said he suggests a core sample. If they are not he suggests we have all the area with these surface cracks to be ground down 1/8” as he said it could reflect into the plaster.
The PB said they need to get the shotcrete sub and engineer out here in person. I am going to press this issue hard, the builder, California Pools and Landscape keeps saying normal and we have a lifetime warranty, I keep telling them great, but I dont want to drain the pool in a year or two and tear all the plaster out and do what should have been down now.
Such a nightmare, again, posting for the benefit of others, since I am pretty much at their mercy. I spoke with a CD attorney who said there is nothing they can do until there is a problem. I might have to file a complaint with the AZ ROC, perhaps they can look into this? Either way I continue to water cure it hoping it will help with strength, the ASA recommended watering 3-5x for a minimum of 7 days and then 1-2 a day until day 28, and then 1-2 times per week until plaster. The PB are going to start decking in a week or so, I think we have to wait 28 days before coping and tile.
What a mess.