Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
(OP)
I do a lot of machine foundations.....and in many cases I use epoxy grout to bond the bottom of the skid to the top of mat. In some cases, we are talking some pretty cumbersome skids: maybe 60' long and having I-beams @ 10' o.c. with a lot of difficulty accessing the interior skid members due to the equipment mounted on top of the skid.
I get some complaints on this from time to time from contractors. A technique I've seen some do is a "head box" where they pour the epoxy grout into a square shaped (plywood) box several feet taller than the skid and is connected at the bottom to the epoxy form.....and it just flows right on into the form box for the skid base.
But for something 60' long.....and no access from the side, this proves difficult. So can anyone suggest a practical technique? Thanks.
I get some complaints on this from time to time from contractors. A technique I've seen some do is a "head box" where they pour the epoxy grout into a square shaped (plywood) box several feet taller than the skid and is connected at the bottom to the epoxy form.....and it just flows right on into the form box for the skid base.
But for something 60' long.....and no access from the side, this proves difficult. So can anyone suggest a practical technique? Thanks.
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
It's a good resource.
A thought would be to pregrout the interior of the skid if access is really tricky and then just grout the underside at site, but it may not be practical on a larger skid. Cutting access holes at strategic points is likely helpful, but it will depend on the grouting method and the skid layout.
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
One thing I suggested to them was putting down the epoxy grout.....letting it harden.....and then adding the equipment. After all, I'm not worried that much about separation from the skid and the grout (considering I typically used bolts with lots of preload on them).....I worry more about the grout getting separated from the top of matt.
But they didn't like this idea.
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
Isn't the purpose of the grout to conform to the irregularities of the concrete as well as the equipment? Is so, how would that work if it is already hardened?
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
That's (essentially) what they said. But I worry more about the concrete side of things (in that situation) than the steel side of things.
In any case, they nuked it.....so I'm not sure I would try it anyway.
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
I typically shoot for 2 to 5". (On the thicker side for heavy unbalanced loads and/or complicated skid pours.)
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
We are talking a long, narrow form underneath the skid (with no side access). The contractor's complaint(s) on this are well taken in that it is difficult for the grout to reach everywhere it is suppose to without lots of head on it. But for really tricky geometry, I am told by some this gets impractical. Hence my question here (i.e. looking for alternative techniques).
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
While I doubt they have an off-the-shelf solution, the people at Insituform might have the experience to tackle a limited access project and maybe even put together a system if they thought there was repeat work.
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
I worked with Insituform (about 20 years ago). The only epoxy I remember them using was the resin they put on the side of the pipe liners they used. Not exactly the same issue.....but I could ask them.
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
Rod Smith, P.E., The artist formerly known as HotRod10
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)
RE: Epoxy grouted skids construction technique(s)