Expanding Grout
We sell a variety of expanding grout products and can provide on-site training to your crew.
Standard grouts are available in 3 temperature ranges, and specialty grout such as the “Rock XX product is available for customers doing big jobs, where track-drills and 2.5-4.5” holes are in use. The same tools and techniques used for blasting can be reused in many cases.
- Rock-X is best when hand-drilling or small holes (1″ or larger) are used. The starting layout is a 1.5″ hole on 12″ centers.
- Rock-XX is much more economical for large projects. Grids of 4′ or more can be utilized, and holes of up to 4.5″ in diameter are possible.
Expanding Demolition Grout is a good alternative to explosive rock removal when blasting is not practical. Typical applications include:
- Rock and concrete breaking near delicate infrastructure such as utilities or inside a building
- Removing thin layers of rock that would be difficult to control with explosive methods
- Blasting where permits and other issues are problematic
Packaging:
44lbs per box, inner packaging contains 4x11lb bags
Hole diameter range
Rock-X: 1-2″, 1.5″
Rock-XX: 2.50-4.5″
Temperature Range:
- Type #3: 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (Cold Climate)
- Type #2: 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (Moderate Climate)
- Type #1: 77 to 194 degrees Fahrenheit Hot Climate)
- Type #0: 104-120 degrees Fahrenheit (Special Order)
Here is what the process looks like:
First, the area where rock is to be removed should be surveyed and marked out. While a professional survey is ideal, a simple contractor survey with a laser level and a measuring tape will work.
You want to mark the depth of excavation for each area and then layout a pattern of holes for drilling.
The basic pattern calls 1.5″ holes on 12″ centers, although this can be increased to up to 16″ in many cases. Holes should be drilled to slightly below the finished grade, as it may not crack uniformly in all places.
Next the holes are drilled to the required depth. It is possible to use an electric SDS Max drill for small jobs, but renting a compressor and using a pneumatic rock drill is MUCH faster. We have a variety of drills and rock tools available for rent in Southern California.
Be sure to wear steel toed boots, hearing protection and a quality respirator when drilling rock. Dust control should be also be considered, either with an extractor vacuum or wet drilling.
Once we have the holes drilled, we mix and pour the grout into the holes.
It is important to measure the temperature of the rock, as expanding grout products come in several temperature ranges. Using grout in a hotter environment than it is rated for will cause a blowout and using it conditions that are too cold may cause it to not work.
Each 44lb case comes with 4x11lb bags. Only mix and pour one bag at a time for best results. Use a measuring cup and an electric drill and paint mixer.
Once you have filled the holes, the grout will begin to work within 8-24 hours. Full breakage may require up to 72 hours, especially in cold conditions.
The broken rock can be pried out, removed with an excavator or hammered. If there is no relief (such as in a utility trench) then it may be advisable to drill a ‘V’ shaped pattern to give the rock some relief as it breaks.
If conditions change from the time you order the grout and use it, you can mix icewater or hot water to adjust the curing time a bit.
