Surface preparation

The surface must be structurally resistant and clean, free of dust, coatings, efflorescences, oil, demoulding agents, gypsum or any other foreign material. In order to clean the surface high water pressure cleaning or sand-blasting is recommended. All steel and reinforcements must be thoroughly cleaned.

Before the application of MAXGROUT^®, the surface must be saturated with clean water, but do not leave free-standing water.

On porous substrates, or on the contrary for very smooth surfaces, a bonding agent such as MAXBOND^® (Technical Bulletin nº: 10) should be applied.

Mixing

Pour MAXGROUT^® into a clean drum containing part of the water and then start the mixing in order to break up any lumps. Use 3 to 3,5 litres of water per 25 kg bag depending on the required consistency (12% and 14% by weight). Mixing is best done by mechanical means such a slow speed mixing drill (400 – 600 rpm). The mixture should be mixed for 3 to 4 minutes, avoiding to introduce air bubbles into the mix. A concrete mixer can be also used. If product is mixed by hand, increase the mixing time until all lumps disappear. Do not use more water than the recommended ratio.

Allow to rest for 2 to 3 minutes so any introduced air bubbles during mixing can disappear. Place MAXGROUT^® within the following 15 – 20 minutes.

For volumes greater than about 0,1 m³ or thickness greater than 4 cm, a mixture adding 8 kg of dry and clean sand with size from 3 to

5 mm per each 25 kg bag of MAXGROUT^® should be done. Mix all together with 2,75 to

3 l of water per bag, depending on the required consistency, but avoid any bleeding or segregation by an excess of water.

Placing

MAXGROUT^® is placed simply pouring by gravity directly from the mixing container. In order to avoid cold joints and minimize the chance of air entrapment, MAXGROUT^® should be placed in a continuously way and also in one direction from one side to the other. If it is necessary, a manual vibration element can be used in order to help to fill the volume but an excessive vibration must be avoided as possible because it may cause bleeding and air entrapment. If it is necessary, machine pumping applications are also possible. Air vents should be provided to facilitate the exit of air from the space to be filled.

Use small mould supplements around placing area in order to help to pouring procedure if they are required.

Application conditions

The optimum application temperature range is from 10 to 25 °C.

In winter, do not apply MAXGROUT^® when ambient or application surface temperature is below 5 °C or if such temperatures are expected within the 24 hours after placing. Do not apply the grout on frozen or frosted surfaces.

For applications during hot temperatures and windy conditions, i.e. summer time, it is recommended to use iced or cold water and store MAXGROUT^® in a cool place. Cooling the base plate with cold water is also advisable with such conditions.

Curing

Curing procedures should begin inmediately after placement. Provide a moist curing by fogging or protecting the area with wet burlap or rags covered with plastic sheeting. A quality curing compound such as MAXCURE^® (Technical Bulletin nº: 49) can also be used. These curing procedures should be observed mainly with high temperature and wind or low humidity conditions.

Cleaning

All tools and equipments must be cleaned inmediately with water after use. Once the grout sets can only be removed by mechanical methods.