Grouting and Consolidation Procedures
Grout placement
Grout must be placed in lifts allowed by TMS 602; low-lift grouting commonly limits lifts to about 5 ft, while high-lift methods require special procedures and cleanouts. Provide cleanouts at the bottom of grout pours and at required locations; inspect before closing.
Consolidation
Consolidate mechanically with a vibrator of suitable diameter, avoiding segregation and over-vibration. Grout must be placed continuously enough to prevent cold joints. Keep grout workable; do not add water to revive stiff grout.
Worked example
A 12-ft-high wall is grouted in one pour without cleanouts or high-lift approval. The inspector should stop the work: the pour exceeds ordinary low-lift limits and lacks the required cleanouts and inspection access. Require an approved high-lift procedure or a regrouting plan.
Traps
- Grouting before reinforcement and cleanout inspection.
- Using too large a vibrator or leaving voids at lift joints.
- Assuming grout slump can be increased arbitrarily.