Grouting
Grouting
Grouting
Scope
References
Responsibilities
Procedure for Non-shrink Grouting
Attachments
Scope
All grouting applications are covered under the scope of work for this procedure for the
following area of applications:
Base plates
Machine bases, base plates for light and heavy machinery
References
Project Specifications
Structural Steel Pipe Racks, Steel Supports & Miscellaneous *Steel Structures (Incl. Piping
Supports per specification).
Foundation and Supporting Structures for Heavy Machinery. Cement-based, Non-shrink grout
for Structural and Equipment Grouting.
Responsibilities
The Site Manager is responsible for ensuring that all necessary requirements are fulfilled on-
site, including all HSE regulations, labor, materials, and equipment, in order to complete
grouting activities on time and according to project specifications.
Quality Control (QC) Inspector is responsible for providing inspection documents to the
project, such as the Request for Inspection Form. Ensure that all grouting activities, from
materials through installation, are carried out in accordance with the quality criteria.
The Construction Manager is in charge of implementing safety measures such as erecting
barricades and warning signs, obtaining construction permits, etc.
Prior to the final grouting application, all installed structural steel plates and supports must
have records of inspection as per the Inspection and Test Plan, as well as an accepted final
alignment report.
The following step-by-step processes are based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and
best practices for grouting applications:
Chipping should cover the entire area that will come in touch with the grout. This will allow
the grout to adhere to the chipped surface of the concrete with a firm bond.
If a bolt anchoring system to the grout is used, the bolt pocket formers should be formed into
a cone to help prevent stresses from building up when the bolts are tightened and transmitted
directly to the foundation.
Bolt pocket formers should be manufactured of materials that are simple to remove but leave
a rough concrete texture when stripped.
The chipped concrete surface, base plates, and holding down bolts, among other things, must
be cleaned and free of any oil, dust, debris, paint, or leftover curing compound that could
compromise the bond.
Formworks
The surface foundation for formwork installation must be carefully cleaned, including bolt
holes.
To prevent grout loss, fitted formworks around the base plates where grout is to be retained
must be as watertight as necessary.
The top of the formwork must be at least 25mm higher than the bottom of the base plate.
When large base plate pours are required, the formwork must be raised to allow a pressure
head to form.
If grouting requires special equipment, such as a pump under pressure, the formworks must be
anchored and able to withstand increased localized pressure. Formworks must be sealed with
silicone adhesive in order to maintain form tightness and prevent water leakage during
grouting.
Within 24 hours of grouting, the concrete surface within the formwork must be wet with
water. Before grouting, make sure the surface is moist and in a suitable,
acceptable temperature condition.
To enable a continuous grouting operation, mixing equipment must be suitable and in good
operating order, with backup mixing equipment accessible in the event of equipment failure.
Drum-type mixers are allowed only if they are modified with a 12-15mm wire mesh above the
blades inside the drum to help break up any grout balls that may occur.
Ensure that enough potable water is available for mixing and that the temperature is within the
permitted range specified in the material specification.
Grouting is not permitted in hot weather if the ambient temperature exceeds the allowable
limit, especially if the grouting is to be done in an exposed location. Grouting is only allowed
if the region is shaded, the material does not exceed the ambient storage limit, and the grout
mixture does not exceed the maximum mix at 26° C.
To guarantee that the grout mixture meets the specifications, a calibrated thermometer gauge
must be available to monitor the grout components, water, and ambient temperature.
Any nearby machinery that may generate vibration at the pour location must be turned off.
Grout Mixing
After 24 hours of saturation compliance, fitted formworks must be assessed for probable
leakage. Ensure that all standing water, including water from the bolt pockets and surrounding
area, is removed prior to grout mixing. The concrete that will be poured with grout must be
moist.
Ensure that the materials and water mixture is in compliance with the materials specifications
specified in the materials technical datasheets.
A heavy-duty drill fitted with a suitable paddle should be used to mix the grout in each bag at
a slow speed of 300-500 rpm (revolutions per minute) for a minimum of 3 minutes. A
dedicated grout mixer must be used for multiple bags mixes to ensure consistency and a
minimum permissible mixing time of 4-5 minutes to meet the acceptable and desired mixes
prior to grout pouring.
When the grout mixture is lump-free, add enough water to achieve the desired consistency.
Take compressive test cube samples of non-shrink grouting materials, two (2) sets of 50 x
50mm cubes for each grouting operation.
Ensure that a copy of the grout cube compressive test results is submitted to the project
consultant for their records.
Grout Application
Begin pouring grout from one end of the base plate and work your way down the slope of the
formwork. Slowly move the pouring point along the length of the base plate when grout
reaches the far edge of the formwork and rises above the bottom of the base plate to ensure
regular and even pours within the formwork.
To avoid and prevent voids from forming within the formwork and below the foundation
plates, all bolt pockets must be filled with grout and the fullness of the pouring grout must be
secured.
Allow at least 3mm of grout filling above the bottom of the base plate to ensure a uniform and
even filling and to prevent cracks during the curing process.
To avoid air entrapment, pour steadily down one side of the base plate to the slope of the
formwork. To eliminate voids that can reduce the bearing area’s effectiveness, avoid pouring
grout on separate sides.
Curing
After the grout is applied, wet rags should be used to cover the exposed edges to keep the
grout moist for 24 hours. Hessian does not hold moisture effectively as compared to cloth ( a
wet burlap is recommended for use and a plastic covering to maintain its moisture).
After 24 hours, the formworks can be removed, although it is recommended that they be
stripped away after at least 7 days of curing to ensure a firm and effective bearing grout
foundation. Within 7 days, continued curing with potable water and wet burlap is required.
Note: Strict curing time monitoring must be adopted to ensure moist curing within 24 hours to
avoid cracking and holes forming if curing is not observed. It’s still advisable to adhere to the
manufacturer’s curing recommendations, as detailed in the material’s technical datasheets.
Attachments
SikaGrout®-212-Material Specification