grout pack, concrete, or something else?

[SLTA]

Hi folks,

I'm doing a renovation job where an existing beam pocketed into a mass masonry wall will be moved up 16". I'm calling for a new beam pocket and want to fill in the existing hole below (about 8"x4"x6"deep, I expect - more known when demo starts). The load isn't much at all, so I mostly want to fill the hole for overall stability of the wall. Two questions:

1. What type of fill material is common in this case? Concrete or non-shrink grout? Any brand suggestions on grout? The building is from the 1920s and I don't want to create a really hard spot in the wall.

2. How is this material installed without it flowing out? Formed and poured?

thanks as always!
Linnea

 

[msquared48]

Wyh not fill it up with the same type of masonry?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[concretemasonry]

If is concrete masonry,just use a sold unit and saw or hammer cut (depending on the exposure an orientation of the void to be filled. Fortunately, concrete masonry is available in many different sizes. If it is clay brick masonry, just split or hammer cut to fit. If it is stone masonry, it is your guess.

Use Type N or S mortar (packaged or site mixed) since strength is not that critical and it should be compatible. If a Portland Cement and lime mortar is used, it is better instead of masonry or mortar cement if being close to authentic and similar is important.

Dick

Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.