new pump base

[banshee33]

we have a sulzer t- frame pump base , i have never seen one before, the procedure for setting the anchor bolts and frame are a little odd and not what we are used to doing, usaully we install anchors, hard shims to level, torque anchors 40%, grout, then tightened anchors 100%, sulzers book has anchors in ground, base 2" off ground held up by nut on bottom side of anchor stud, there is only 3 anchor points on tee frame and base is held up by putting a washer and nut (3) on each anchor bolt, set base, tightened hold down nut against leveling nut? any thoughts on this method, why are they not wanting to pull frame down against grout? if done conventional way ,will it cause stress risers?

 

[BigInch]

Unless Sulzer says not to do it, I would grout it, might even do it if they said no. Probably using an epoxy grout (Ceilcoat) if it was a large pump. Jack screws, washers, shims, etc. IMO are only for leveling before grouting.

From "BigInch's Extremely simple theory of everything."

 

[JJPellin]

I have to assume that the Sulzer method you describe is an incomplete reference. They must be describing the use of nuts and washers to level and then intend to pour grout and then torque nuts on the anchors.

I would strongly warn against this method. Even if you grouted the base down and then came back and torqued the anchor nuts, this would be a bad idea. You need a suitable length of anchor stud in tension to provide the needed clamping force. We used to allow the use of nuts and washers under the base plate to level. We now require a minimum length of anchor stud, wrapped so that it will not be bonded to the grout. Your method is very much better than the one you attribute to Suzler. I prefer jack-screws rather than shims. But shims can be used with good results.


Johnny Pellin

 

[BigInch]

Right, grout is packed after leveling the machine. Anchor bolts need not be grouted, but can be. They are often placed in sleeves to keep the grout and upper area of concrete away, esp if the bolts are large diameter. The sleeves allow the bolts some misalignment action. Nuts are torqued to recommended level after grouting. This should not be a problem for the grout, if good uniform contact between it and the base plate has been accomplished. That's actually what the grout is there for. The length of the bolt or stud between the top of the base plate down to where the bolt enters the concrete (not the grout) provides the tension clamping force.

From "BigInch's Extremely simple theory of everything."