Filling the gaps with epoxy grout

Concrete and steel structures are found throughout the numerous sectors but they can be prone to maintenance and durability problems due to their susceptibility to environmental and chemical attacks, and other external forces. Epoxy grout can be used to help manage these harmful forces, increasing the longevity and durability of concrete and steel assets.

What is epoxy grout?

Epoxy grout is a high performance grout that is specifically manufactured from epoxy resins to  cope with deep pour situations, high vibrations and loads, and to rapidly develop strength (MPa).

It is used for numerous applications which have high tensile strength requirements, including to fill voids and seal joints; fill annular gaps around pipe inserts; fill voids in steel fabrications; footings for barriers; and fill redundant drains, sewers and manholes. It can also be used across many industries such as mining, road, rail, process machinery, architecture, marine, power generation, and mining.

According to Colin Murphy,  Product Manager for Hychem, unlike cement based grouts, epoxy grouts have higher physical performance capabilities and better application benefits.

“Unlike concrete, epoxy grouts provide long-term non-shrink performance. Shrinkage can be problematic as it can shrink away from one side of a void, reducing its support capabilities and leaving a gap where water, chemicals and other elements can penetrate and cause damage. It can also lead to cracking which can be detrimental to the asset.

“Epoxy grouts also have three times the compressive strength and up to 10 times the tensile strength of concrete grout, are more impact resistant and can withstand cracking due to mechanical vibrations.”

Other benefits include:

• Easy to apply in deep thin pour applications

• Fast cure

• Rapid development of strength (MPa)

• High mechanical strength – flexural

• Resistant to a wide range of chemicals, acids, caustic and hydrocarbons

• Cost effective

• Reliable

Why knowledge matters

According to Mr Murphy individual grouts vary depending on whether they are formulated for high or low temperature use, minimal cost, or specific flow and creep properties so it is important to get advice for the most appropriate product for each application.

“At Hychem, we are one of the few manufacturers with expert technical field experience and laboratory capabilities to offer customised epoxy products, manufactured in Sydney.

“Our range of epoxy grouts have been designed to meet all local regulations as well as Australia’s different climatic conditions.

“For example, our technical department has formulated an epoxy grout for use in areas and applications with high ambient temperatures.

“Each project will require a different type of grout. When providing advice we consider factors such as pour depth, MPa and load requirements, cure times, temperatures, operating conditions and application techniques.

“Our field experience and development capabilities gives us the knowledge to assess our clients needs and provide them with the correct technical advice for any project, anywhere in Australia, to increase the durability and longevity of their assets.”

For more information on epoxy grout or a consultation on the best product for your application, contact Hychem on (02) 4646 1660.