Abstract
Shotcrete in a mountain tunnel immediately after it is sprayed is affected by stress redistribution during tunnel excavation causing considerable deformation and strain. Some scholars are of the opinion that shotcrete yields causing considerable strain and can no longer be counted on as a support against earth pressure. In this study, load exceeding the strain at the peak strength was applied to shotcrete at early age. Then, the load was removed and the shotcrete was allowed to harden for a certain period of time. The strength and the modulus of elasticity of shotcrete after reloading were examined. As a result, it was found that when strain equal to or exceeding the peak strength was applied, strength and modulus of elasticity increased with time subsequently. Thus, shotcrete, even if subjected to heavy load at early age, proved to be counted on to work as a support
