Bonding and suspending eps blocks 2

[Roqmaker]

I've been working on a project in which I am encapsulating 6" square X 6' blocks of eps in concrete. Due to the low s.g. of the 1# eps vs. the high (2.4)s.g. of the cement I've been having some difficulties. I'm curious, does anyone know of an adhesive I can use that would allow me to mount plastic or metal plates to the foam core that would withstand these pressures? The finished product is 10" square by 6'6" long. Also is there an adhesive you would recommend for bonding the scraps together so I could recycle the 2' chunks? I'm currently casting the parts in an open top 1 pc. form and using I-bolts connected to T-nuts thru crossmembers to hold the foam down and in the proper position/orientation. On the foam core I've glued mounting brackets that the I-bolts connect to. I haven't been able to find a decent adhesive that is both strong enough to hold the core in place, and also non-reactive with the eps itself. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[patprimmer]

For adhesive, try double sided tape. Hot melt might also work. Polyesters like those used to make surfboards over a foam core should also work.

If the form is open top, could you hold the foam down with weighted pins from the top so adhesion is not required.

Once the concrete had started to gel, the pins could be withdrawn and the holes filled by trowelling some concrete into the holes.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[Pud]

Silicone rubber sticks well, a little long on cure time though......

 

[unclesyd]

Here are two companies who's products are used with EPS at a local company.
There are also some asphaltic adhesives used with EPS which would work very well with concrete.

You might also give DOW chemical a call.

I would give these people a call.

http://www.liquidnails.com/home.do

http://simalfa.com

 

[Roqmaker]

Thanks guys. I'm looking into the ideas you've posted. I've also restarted this thread in the adhesive and sealant section of the chem-eng forum. One of the main problems is the amount of force we're dealing with, I'm using a self compacting concrete mix design and vibration to ensure a smooth surface.