Foundation repair of heavy machinery is a crucial aspect of maintaining the stability and longevity of industrial equipment. Whether it’s due to environmental factors, normal wear and tear, misalignment or faulty design, foundations can crack and shift over time, leading to costly damage and downtime. When it comes to filling cracks and voids in concrete foundations, choosing the right type of grout is crucial.
The most commonly used grouts for foundation repair are cement grout and epoxy grout. But what’s the difference between these two grouts? And which is the best option for foundation repair of heavy machinery?
Should Cement Grout Be Used For Repairing The Foundations Of Industrial Machinery?
Cement grout is often chosen for foundation repair because it is cheap and easy to work with. Depending on the formula used, it can be used in cold and hot temperatures. Because it has a different consistency to epoxy grout, it can flow further and reach smaller spaces and cracks. However, for foundation repair of heavy machinery, cement grout has several disadvantages.
For one, cement grout is porous, which means that it can absorb water and cause further damage to the foundation. This is particularly problematic in environments with high levels of humidity or moisture. Cement grout is also not as durable as epoxy grout and can crack and break over time. This can lead to further damage and instability.
Cement grout is not designed to resist continuous impact loading and the vibrations of heavy machinery. This can cause further damage to the machine and the concrete below. Chemical attacks can also cause severe damage to cement grout, particularly when exposed to substances like oil, salt, and acid.
What Are The Advantages Of Epoxy Grout For Industrial Machinery Foundation Repair?
Epoxy grout, on the other hand, is made of resin and hardener. It is more expensive than cement grout, but there are many benefits. Firstly, epoxy grout is non-porous and does not absorb water. This prevents future damage to the foundation. Secondly, its durability makes it more resistant to cracking and breaking, making it an ideal choice for heavy machinery foundation repair.
One of the biggest advantages of epoxy grout is its ability to bond strongly with concrete.
Unlike cement grout, which can become dislodged over time, epoxy grout forms a strong, permanent bond with the concrete. This is important for foundation repair of heavy machinery, as the equipment will put a lot of stress on the grout over time. This strong bond prevents the grout from cracking or breaking, ensuring that the foundation remains stable.
Another advantage of epoxy grout is that it is resistant to chemicals like oils, salts, and acids. This is particularly important for foundation repair of heavy machinery, as many industrial processes involve the use of chemicals that can cause damage to concrete foundations. Epoxy grout prevents further damage of concrete foundations that are exposed to such chemicals, making it a long-lasting and reliable option for heavy machinery foundation repair.
Conclusion
When it comes to foundation repair of heavy machinery, epoxy grout is the better option. Its non-porous nature, durability, strong bonding ability, and resistance to chemicals make it the ideal choice for filling cracks and voids in concrete foundations. While cement grout may be cheaper, easier to work with and epoxy grout doesn’t flow as easily as cement grout, it lacks the strength and durability. This is a basic requirement to support heavy machinery over the long term. Investing in epoxy grout for foundation repair can help prevent costly downtime and ensure that your equipment operates reliably and efficiently for years to come.
At Alphatec Engineering, we specialize in providing innovative and effective solutions for complex machinery foundation problems. With our advanced epoxy resin-based grouts and hydraulic leveling systems, we can restore damaged foundations and ensure reliable and efficient operation. If you’re looking for epoxy grout suppliers and heavy machinery foundation repair services, Alphatec-engineering can help you – reach out here!
