Pronunciation: [ɡjuːnˈa͡ɪtɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "guniting" is spelled with a "g" followed by "uniting" without the letter "u". This is because the word comes from the process of "gunite", which is a type of sprayed concrete used for construction. The "g" represents the "g" sound as in "goat" and the "u" in "uniting" is silent. The IPA phonetic transcription for "guniting" would be /ɡjuːnaɪtɪŋ/, indicating the silent "u" after the "g" sound.
Guniting is a construction technique used to apply a high-velocity stream of dry or slightly damp concrete mix onto a surface. It involves using a pneumatically operated machine, also known as a guniting machine or shotcrete machine, that propels the concrete at a high velocity, usually through a hose, onto the desired target area. This process is commonly used in construction projects to form a thin concrete layer on various surfaces, such as walls, slopes, tunnels, and swimming pools.
The purpose of guniting is to create a durable and structurally stable finish by coating the surface with a dense layer of concrete. It is particularly useful in situations where traditional pouring or casting methods are not feasible, such as when working on irregular or complex shapes or vertical surfaces. The high velocity of the concrete stream helps ensure proper adhesion and compaction of the material onto the substrate.
Guniting can be performed with different types of concrete mixes, depending on the specific project requirements. The dry mix method involves pre-blending the dry ingredients and then adding water at the nozzle during application. Alternatively, the wet mix method involves premixing the concrete before it is fed into the machine. In both cases, the concrete is propelled through the hose using compressed air or a rotor-stator system, and the nozzle operator controls the direction and thickness of the guniting.
Overall, guniting proves to be a versatile and efficient technique for applying concrete, providing a uniform and strong finish to a wide range of surfaces in various construction applications.
The word "guniting" is derived from the name of its inventor, Carl Akeley. Carl Akeley was an American explorer and taxidermist who is credited with developing the technique of "guniting" in the early 20th century.
Originally, the process was called "Akeley's Cement Gun" or simply "cement gunning". It involved using a specially designed device called a "cement gun" to spray a mixture of cement, sand, and water onto surfaces to create a hardened layer. Over time, the term "guniting" became a general term for this process, regardless of the specific equipment used.
The term "guniting" has now become synonymous with the process of using a high-pressure device to spray construction materials like concrete, mortar, or cement onto surfaces for various applications such as repairing, strengthening, or shaping structures.
