How to grout tilt-up concrete panels using
Auscon GP 50 Non-Shrink Grout
When it comes to construction projects, speed, consistency and ease are top priorities. Therefore, applying grout directly to the base of the concrete panels can be problematic – not least of all it’s more laborious, back-breaking work. Here’s how you can grout tilt-up concrete panels using our Non-Shrink Grout for even flow, less back strain and better results.
Issues with the traditional method of grouting tilt-up concrete panels
The most common way of grouting high-rise tilt-up concrete panels poses unnecessary problems on the construction site.
Workers have to strain their backs to grout
To seal the bottom of the concrete panels, normally workers would need to bend down – which can be labour-heavy and puts an awful strain on their backs.
There’s no way to check if the grout has flowed to the bottom
After day one, the sealing mortar at the bottom of the concrete panel has hardened, which means there’s no way to check if the grout has flowed to the bottom. This is less than ideal.
Small, dry mortar can be deposited under the panel
If you seal the bottom of the panel first, this can leave small, loose, dry mortar under the panel, which can limit the flow of grout on day two.
Possible gaps in the grout flow
On day two, when the pipe inlet is filled to the top, workers assume the grout has flowed right through, but this may not be the case. The voids may not be completely filled and grouted.
How to grout tilt-up concrete panels using non-shrink grout
Prepare the surface
- Sweep the area around and beneath the panel
- Pour a small amount of water down the grout inlet tube before laying the foam-sealing sponge and getting started on grouting.
Day 1 – Step 1: Secure your sponge along the panel
- Use a 40mm by 40mm self-sticking expansion foam sponge to stick and seal along the edge of the concrete panel
- For better adhesive to the concrete, you can add a thin strip of silicone under the foam.
Day 1 – Step 2: Pour your Auscon GP 50 grout into the inlet tube
- Pour the Auscon GP 50 grout into the grout inlet tube, until you can see grout appearing from the sponge and wall edge.
- As you pour the grout, inspect the bottom of the concrete panel to make sure the grout flows through and there aren’t any blockages in the grout tubes. Pull back with your hand or tap the sponge with your foot to check.
Day 2 – Step 1: Top up grout tube
- Top up your grout tube until it fills to the top and is visible.
Day 2 – Step 2: Remove sponge and excess grout
- Remove sponge and scrape back any excess grout. Voila!
What are the benefits of the tilt-up grouting method?
More even flow
Grout evenly flows and spreads the load between the precast panels and the separating floor.
It’s easier to see when the grout is filled
Grout is stopped once you see the grout from the front of the panel or out the top of the foam sponge edge.
No blockages
Using this method, there’s nothing to stop the grout from flowing.
No dry pack sealing the bottom of the panel
Since there’s no dry pack at the bottom of the concrete panel, the grouting process flows better – giving the best results.
Why choose Auscon GP 50 Non-Shrink Grout?
Auscon’s GP (General Purpose) 50 Non-Shrunk Grout is ideal for civil engineering projects. This cement blended powder only needs water to form a high-strength cementitious grout 75 MPa.
It’s got a long-pump life, low permeability and is well-suited to a variety of construction jobs. Plus it’s shrinkage compensated, which means it’s less likely to crack from expansion and shrinkage – it’s also highly flowable.
Use Auscon GP 50 Non-Shrink Grout for:
- Precast grouting
- Concrete structures
- Bridge repair
- Rail construction, repairs and shutdowns
- Airport construction
- Dam construction and repairs.
Learn more about Auscon GP 50 Non-Shrink Grout, as well as our other high-strength grouts now.
At Auscon, we’re proudly Australia-owned and manufactured. If you’ve got an infrastructure project on the horizon, get in touch with us today to chat about the best concrete solutions for your needs.