RLA Penatech HS Grout

For structural concrete applications subject to dynamic loads and continuous vibrations, RLA Penatech HS Grout provides a high-strength, precision Class C cementitious grouting system. It is formulated to achieve non-shrink dual expansion, compensating for volume loss in both the plastic and hardened states to maintain full bearing contact under machine base plates, bridge bearing pads, and crane rail sole plates.

High-strength structural performance

Penatech HS Grout is a chloride-free cementitious system designed for gap depths from 10mm up to 150mm in a single application. The gaseous expansion mechanism begins after 5 minutes and completes within 25 minutes of mixing, offsetting shrinkage before and during the curing phase. It contains non-metallic wire content to eliminate rust staining on exposed concrete faces. When mixed to a flowable consistency, it maintains excellent flow retention to completely fill deep cavities, core holes, and pre-cast concrete panel gaps without bleeding or segregation.

Numbers that matter

• Compressive strength (Flowable): Reaches >25 MPa at 1 day, >50 MPa at 7 days, and >65 MPa at 28 days (tested to AS1012.9-AS2350.11) to support heavy structural loads.
• Compressive strength (Trowellable): Reaches >35 MPa at 1 day, >75 MPa at 7 days, and >85 MPa at 28 days for applications requiring rapid early strength.
• Dual expansion window: Expansion starts at 5 minutes and finishes at 25 minutes to ensure early volume stability while the grout is still plastic.
• Zero bleed (0%): Prevents water accumulation and top-edge gaps under critical base plates when mixed within specified water ratios.
• Variable water ratios per 20kg bag: 2.2–2.6 litres for dry-pack/stiff grout, 2.8–3.2 litres for plastic/trowellable grout, and 3.5–4.0 litres for flowable/pourable grout.

Where to use it

• Machine base plates requiring critical, void-free support.
• High-performance structural grouting under bridge bearing pads and crane rail sole plates.
• Anchor bolt fillings and core hole grouting.
• Pre-cast concrete sections, panels, cavities, gaps, and base infills.

Limitations

• Application temperature range: Do not apply in ambient temperatures below 5°C or above 30°C.
• Cold weather limits: Below 10°C, setting times are extended, early strength gain is dramatically reduced, and some bleeding may occur. Condition the powder and mixing water to 20°C–25°C overnight before use to assist strength development.
• Hot weather limits: Above 30°C, setting times are accelerated and placement becomes difficult. Keep powder cool, use cold mixing water, and place the grout early in the morning or late in the evening out of direct sunlight.
• Unrestrained areas: Keep unrestrained grout areas to a strict minimum to prevent cracking.
• Water additions: Do not add water beyond the specified ratios. Excess water causes segregation and bleeding. Discard any grout that has stiffened or become unworkable. Do not mix by hand.
• Substrate restriction: Never apply mixed grout to a dry, porous concrete substrate.

Application and installation

Substrate preparation: Concrete substrates must be clean, sound, and free of dust, oil, grease, curing compounds, and contaminants. Bolt holes and anchor points must be completely free of water. All prepared concrete areas must be saturated with clean water for 4 hours before grouting to control porosity. Remove all excess water, puddles, and standing water from holes immediately before placement.

Formwork: Formwork must be leakproof and watertight. Seal the base of the formwork using foam rubber strips, polyurethane, or silicone. Construct the formwork to maintain a grout head on the pour side above the level of the underside of the base plate to facilitate gravity flow. Coat the forms with a release agent or form oil before pouring.

Placement: Pour mixed flowable grout continuously from one side using a header box to maintain head pressure and prevent air entrapment. For large-volume pumping, use a positive displacement pump and a forced-action mixer. Pump from the bottom upwards to fill voids completely. Ensure bleed or venting holes are present in the formwork or base plate to prevent pressure build-up.

Curing: Cure all exposed grout immediately after application. Cover with plastic sheeting, wet hessian, or apply a wet liquid curing compound from the RLA Curecon range to ensure full strength development.