Pushing the Limits with Shotcrete: ECI’s Role in Complex Civil Projects Across the Midwest
As a proud member of the American Shotcrete Association (ASA), Engineering & Construction Innovations, Inc. (ECI) brings deep technical expertise and field-tested innovation to every shotcrete project. From overhead placement 2,300 feet underground to slope stabilization in dense urban zones, our team is trusted across the Midwest for safe, high-precision results.
Innovation Below Ground: The Soudan Mine
In one of Minnesota’s deepest mine shafts—2,300 feet underground—ECI performed one of the industry’s rarest feats: site-batching and direct-pumping shotcrete down to the bottom of the shaft, followed by overhead application. This complex project, completed in both 2010 and again in 2022, required elevated platforms and confined-space execution, all carried out with zero incidents and full safety compliance. It remains one of the most technically demanding applications of structural shotcrete in North America.
Urban Precision: 10th Avenue Water Main Crossing – Minneapolis, MN
Working for the City of Minneapolis, ECI deployed robotic placement methods to install a reinforced shotcrete liner in a 30-foot diameter, 80-foot deep shaft built in conjunction with ground freezing. In addition, conventional slope stabilization shotcrete was applied to enhance safety and control during excavation—demonstrating our ability to integrate both modern and traditional techniques.
Microtunneling Support: Lake Elmo West Connection – Lake Elmo, MN
To stabilize deep excavations for microtunnel launch structures in a high-traffic utility corridor, ECI installed lattice girders and shotcrete shaft liners. The combination ensured structural integrity while minimizing disruption and maintaining schedule efficiency.
Rock Bluff Challenges: Ramsey County Jail Site – St. Paul, MN
During the deconstruction of the former West Publishing building and Ramsey County Jail, ECI was tasked with stabilizing steep urban bluffs. The team employed shotcrete in tandem with rock anchors to control slope movement, protect nearby structures, and support a safe demolition process in a sensitive downtown environment.
Safety, Certification, and Craftsmanship
All ECI shotcrete operations are led by ASA-certified nozzlemen and managed by experienced foremen with deep knowledge of robotic equipment, confined-space conditions, and complex geotechnical environments. To date, ECI maintains a zero-incident safety record across all shotcrete operations.
Looking Ahead
As infrastructure needs evolve, so does our commitment to advancing the use of wet-mix and robotic shotcrete. Whether supporting tunnel linings, slope stabilization, or deep-shaft applications, ECI continues to lead with safety, innovation, and execution under pressure.
About ECI
ECI is a premier engineering and construction firm specializing in geotechnical construction, water resources infrastructure, hydro/marine construction, specialty construction, and tunnels & shafts. For 25 years, we’ve delivered high-quality, sustainable solutions tailored to our clients’ unique needs. Learn more about our Leadership Team and our Mission, Vision & Values in the About section.