GROUTING
Grout is a composite material generally consisting of water, cement, and sand. It is typically used for filling voids under machines or other structural elements, sealing joints and openings in surfaces and reinforcing existing structures. rout is used as a filler for the joints between tiles once the tile you are installing has been set. It helps keep dirt and debris from getting in between and under your tile. It adds rigidity and strength to the tile installation.
Types of Grouting
1.Cementitious
Grouts composed of a Portland cement base. Cementitious grouts have as their main component Portland cement, plus filler particles of different sizes, a water-retentive additive, and colored pigments. Cementitious grouts are the traditional grouting material, used most often in residential applications as well as some commercial applications. Cementitious grouts come in a range of colors that let you match or contrast with the tile. This grout is mixed with water and applied with a trowel. The water retentive agent in cementitious grouts retards the drying time, allowing the cement to slowly cure for maximum hardness.
2.Epoxy Grouts
Epoxy grouts are an entirely different form, using no Portland cement. Neither is water used in the mixing process. These grouts consist of epoxy resin, silica fillers, pigments, and a hardener. Epoxy grouts are considerably less porous than cementitious grouts and are a good choice in places where acids and greases are present—such as in kitchens.
3.Furan Grouts
Furan grout is similar to epoxy, but it is made of polymers of fortified alcohols that are highly chemical-resistant. The name derives from the fufuryl alcohol included in the formula. There is no water at all used in this type of grout. Furans are two-component systems that contain a furan resin and a filler powder with an acid catalyst. It is the acid catalyst that causes the furan resins to cure, forming a thermosetting resin that has unsurpassed chemical-, physical-, and thermal-resistance.
Furan grout is commonly used to grout brick pavers and quarry tile and it is also recommended in areas exposed to chemicals and grease. The tile surfaces may be smooth, non-skid, or abrasive, depending on the intended use for the floor. The tile or brick surfaces
must receive a wax coating to protect them from staining prior to the installation of furan. Because of the difficulty of installation, these grouts are normally used for industrial projects, such as laboratories, dairies, and meat-packing plants.
Process of grouting
The process of grouting consists of filling pores or cavities in soil or rock with a liquid form material to decrease the permeability and improve the shear strength by increasing the cohesion when it is set. Cement base grout mixes are commonly used for gravely layers or fissure rock treatment.
Advantages of Grouting
-This can be done on almost any ground condition.
-It does not induce vibration and can be controlled to avoid structural damage.
-Improvement in-ground structures can be measured.
-Very useful for limited space and low headroom applications.
-Used for slab jacking that lifts or levels the deformed foundation.
-It can be installed adjacent to existing walls.
-Can be used to control seepage, groundwater flow, and hazardous waste materials Process and its types.