Deteriorating grout on exterior column base plates (freeze/thaw damage)

[sugarbare10]

Recently I inspected several exterior steel column base plates with crumbling grout all around the top of the concrete foundation pedestal. Constructed over 50 years ago, the engineer specified a 2" thick grout cap covering the entire surface of the concrete pedestal,the base plate measuring 12" square and the concrete pedestal, 30" square. Because of the large flat area, water soaking into the grout over the years has totally pulverized the grout cap with freeze/thaw action. Lenses of grout have spalled out leaving large and small pieces grout rubble. Esthetically it's unsightly, and the question is whether to repair by chiping away the loose debris and regrout just the immediate area around the base plate. Structurally the anchor bolts appear conservatively sized to carry the loads, might they be exposed eventually to corrosion damage? The concrete pedestal does not appear to be affected by the spalled grout.
The remote location, the public rarely visits the site, so owner wants to be put at ease to leave it as is or should he repair the spalled grout base plates. Several other columns/base plates aren't spalled yet, but their grout surfaces are severely mosaic cracked and in time will undergo the same damage. Is there a waterproof sealant that can be applied to the cracked surfaces during the summer months to preserve them from spalling? If so, would this have to be repeated each summer?

 

[Ron]

sb10...replace the grout. It is old and cracked. Don't apply a Band-Aid. Not expensive to replace. Just do it.

 

[BigInch]

And paint it.

BTW just painting the top square 4"x4" of wooden fence posts will double their life.

 

[sugarbare10]

I appreciate all the input and suggestions that have been presented. It has been good to mull over and consider the various comments. The path forward I have chosen indeed will remove and replace the weathered grout with new and will also examine the other grouted baseplates to determine at each location if the grout is sound and healthy to provide proper support.

Applying a seal coating over the remaining baseplates is still a question. This will most likely become an annual maintenance thing if once applied. Is there a seal coat or paint that will provide any lasting protection?

 

[bimr]

Talk to Sika and ask for a recommendation.

A product similar to the Sika Natural Look Sealer would work.

Sikagard Natural Look Sealer is a commercial grade water repellent sealer that penetrates an absorbent surface to form a seal against the elements, such as water and chlorides. on concrete, masonry, mortar, brick and stone. Penetrates surface to form a seal against the elements such as water and chlorides, which can cause freeze thaw damage to the surface. Will not change the surface appearance and resists the growth of fungi and moss.