Windsor Probe for Grout Correlation
Windsor Probe for Grout Correlation
(OP)
Windsor probe is for concrete, but is there a way to check grout strength with it? Is there a published reference somewhere that someone can give me to correlate the probe with grout? Is there a published reference where results of research says that correlations are not possible?






RE: Windsor Probe for Grout Correlation
RE: Windsor Probe for Grout Correlation
RE: Windsor Probe for Grout Correlation
First, I would call the Windsor probe manufacturer and get their take on it. They would certainly have the best information.
Secondly, although I've never done it myself and the best way to calibrate the probe is to have it done at the factory, you could run trial batches just as you would for concrete and compare the beam compression tests with the Windsor probe tests. That is certainly an acceptable engineering method, although time consuming.
When you think about it, the probe doesn't "know" if it is testing concrete or grout. They are basically the same material with different size course aggregate.
RE: Windsor Probe for Grout Correlation
If the quality of grouted masonry is questionable there are other means availbale to test besides the Windsor probe, include cutting out prisms and breaking them, or using a flatjack. However, both those methods are obviously destructive, can be expensive and can also be innaccurate for a variety of reasons.
What issues are you concerned about?
Regards
RE: Windsor Probe for Grout Correlation
What type of grout....grout for masonry, post-tensioned stressing pockets, non-shrink grout beneath base plates?
RE: Windsor Probe for Grout Correlation
The GC decided to take it upon himself, without consulting the Structural Engineer, to tell some masonry grout people to patch the columns. Then he called my field guys out to test it with the WP. When I got the test report, and found out what was happening, I told him to generate an RFI to have the Structural submit the patching requirements with a testing/quality control requirement. Of course he didnt want to, tried to get me to submit something that said the patches and columns were ok, and I told him to forget it.
I told him that the ASTM specifically says that the test if for hardened concrete only, not grout. But I also told him that we just tested this per his request, and the Structural Engineer makes decisions about what is acceptable, it is not my decision, and to submit it for his review.
I dont usually get involved in structural remedies for this type of thing, and in the past I cored columns after high strength epoxy was injected into columns and the outside patched with this, and the Structural Engineer visually inspected the cores and I believe they might have been compressively tested for strength, with epoxy 'planes' in the core.
I was just curious about this particular problem. I only do geotech but get involved in materials testing from time to time.
RE: Windsor Probe for Grout Correlation
Regards
RE: Windsor Probe for Grout Correlation
If he used masonry grout, the grout is probably just an aesthetic patch due to the shrinkage in relation to the already set concrete and the lack of bond strength between the materials.
Its quite possible that with 3' columns the EOR doesn't need the patches to do anything structurally at all - but thats what he gets paid to say.
RE: Windsor Probe for Grout Correlation
There are products developed by companies like Sika, Grace, and Master Builders for this type of concrete repair. Preferably, a product which has been evaluated and listed by an organization like ICC-ES should be utilized.