Epoxy Grout vs Non-Shrink Cement Based Grout

[norzul]

Hi,

We have 4 gas turbines for our cogen project. Now under construction phase. Our spec is epoxy grout. The eqpt supplier recommend non-shrink cement based grout.

Any opinion?

Thanks

NORZUL

 

[JedClampett]

Epoxy grout is very expensive and sets up in a very short time. Unless you have specific reasons to use it, I'd go with the non-shrink.

 

[bushel3]

Epoxy grout is not nearly as messy as cement grout.

 

[norzul]

If cost is not an issue to me, should I go for epoxy grout? Was told that non-shrink cement grout is more "brittle" than epoxy. Is it true?

 

[Ron]

Non-shrink grout is a slight misnomer....it does shrink a little, but that's not the issue.

Non-shrink grout is very susceptible to variations in mixing, whereas epoxy grouts are relatively foolproof.

Yes, the non-shrink grout will be more brittle and lower strength than the epoxy grout (in general).

Use the epoxy if cost not an issue.

 

[LCruiser]

There is a world of difference between the performances of epoxy grout and "non-shrink" grout. The latter is mostly cosmetic.

 

[Zambo]

LCruiser, your message was a bit confusing (to me). By the latter I guess you mean "non-shrink" grout. What, if anything, is cosmetic about "non shrink" grout?

I think that if epoxy grout is specified and cost is not an issue then better to go with epoxy grout. If cost was an issue then there are many cementitious grouts on the market with well tested performance records that would make them worthy of consideration. Personally I would only prefer epoxy if their particular adhesive bonding qualities were required.

 

[norzul]

Further question on this:

Is it common to epoxy grout only the soleplate or the entire baseplate?

Based on our previous experiences, we normally grout the entire baseplate skid but now the supplier recommend only to grout the soleplate or the anchor bolt area.

Any advise?