Grouting is the most efficient repair process when the concrete cracks, and the water starts leaking through. But not all grouts are the same. The chemical properties of the grout are the determinants of its reaction with water, the flexibility and the point of application. Selecting the correct chemical is critical to a permanent repair which is watertight. With more than 20 years of experience and an annual production capacity of 15,000 tons of waterproofing material, Nantong Yuru Engineering Materials Co., Ltd. produces high-performance Injection Grout as well as precision Grout Pumps. The main chemicals applied in grouting and their applications are discussed below.
1. Polyurethane Grout: The Standard for Active Water Leaks
Polyurethane is the chemical most commonly used in injection grouting particularly when there is an active flow of water. Polyurethane grouts can be classified into two categories, hydrophilic (attracted to water) and hydrophobic (repelled water). Upon exposure to water, hydrophilic polyurethane swells to create a water-tight, elastic foam that occupies the cracks to the fullest extent. Hydrophobic polyurethane is resistant to water, but forms a thick, heavy plug. Both are elastic post curing, allowing movements without cracking in the building. The Injection Grout by Nantong Yuru is mainly polyurethane based, with great bonding to the concrete, quick response, and long life. It suits well basements, tunnel, manholes and foundation cracks.
2. Acrylate Grout: Low Viscosity for Hairline Cracks
Very fine cracks such as 0.1mm may be too narrow to be fully filled with polyurethane. When it comes to these situations, acrylate grout will be more appropriate. The viscosity of acrylate chemicals is very low like that of water and can be easily carried into the smallest fissures and micro-cracks. After entering, they recombine with a catalyst to create a soft, pliable gel that closes the leaks without firmly securing the structure. The use of acrylate grouts is frequently in drinking water structures since they are non-toxic post-curing. Although Nantong Yuru focuses mostly on polyurethane systems, we can develop our Injection Grout line to be low-viscosity, and our technical department can offer consulting services to find the appropriate chemical to fit your project.
3. Epoxy Grout: Structural Repair for Dry Cracks
Epoxy grout is used differently. Epoxy does not react with water as polyurethane does. Actually it needs a totally dry surface to bond. Epoxy is a very powerful, stiff adhesive that reinstates structural integrity in a fractured concrete. It is not flexible, yet offers very high compressive and tensile strength. Apply epoxy grout in cracks that are dry and non-moving such as bridge piers, columns in parking garage or load carrying wall where structural repair is the major objective. Polyurethane is, however, the best option when it comes to active leaks or moving joints. Polyurethane Polysulfide Sealant of joints, which need both flexibility and surface-level protection, is also available in Nantong Yuru.
4. Cementitious and Hybrid Grouts: When Are They Used?
The oldest type is cementitious grouts which are made of Portland cement mixed with water and in some cases polymer modifiers. They are cheap, stiff, hence it can be used to fill up big holes, stabilize the soil, or prevent non-pressurized water flow. Nevertheless, cementitious grouts contract and crack as they dry thereby rendering them unsuitable in active and pressurized leaks. Other contemporary hybrid grouts are polyurethane cementitious blends that provide both flexibility and bulk fill. In the majority of professional waterproofing processes, pure polyurethane injection grout is the most useful chemical. Our Grout Pump supports Nantong Yuru Injection Grout, which injects the correct pressure required to push the chemical into the cracks permanently.
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
The solution to your problem with leaks is:
Active, flowing water → Polyurethane grout (hydrophilic or hydrophobic)
Hairline, non-flowing cracks → Non-flowing grout, Acrylate grout.
Dry, structural cracks → Epoxy grout.
Large voids or soil stabilization → Cementitious grout.
Nantong Yuru Engineering Materials Co., Ltd. is a technical consulting firm that can assist you in choosing the correct chemical. Our Injection Grout and Grout Pumps are of premium quality, we are ISO9001, ISO14001 certified, with a second-level waterproofing contracting qualification and numerous industry awards, which makes us offer not only the best Injection Grout and Grout Pumps, but also comprehensive on-site construction services. We have the chemical solution you need, right down to the basements, tunnels.
Get in touch with us today and discuss your grouting project.
