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Penatech HES Grout: A Product Overview
Penatech HES Grout is a high-performance, flowable, shrinkage-compensated Class C grout engineered for critical applications where rapid strength gain is essential. Comprising a precise blend of Portland cement, graded fillers, and advanced chemical additives, this grout delivers exceptional early compressive strength while ensuring controlled expansion in both its plastic and hardened states. This dual-stage expansion guarantees a permanent, void-free, high-contact bearing surface, eliminating the risk of settlement or vibration issues down the line.
Supplied as a ready-to-use powder, Penatech HES Grout requires only the addition of clean water to produce a consistent, non-shrink grout. It’s the reliable solution for minimising project downtime, allowing heavy machinery and structural elements to be returned to service in as little as 24 hours. Fully tested and compliant with AS 1012 and AS 1478, it provides the certified performance that professionals depend on for structural integrity and long-term durability.
>60 MPa
Compressive Strength in Just 24 Hours. Minimise downtime and get equipment back in service faster.
Core Features & Specifications
- Class C Grout Compliance: Fully tested and compliant with AS 1478.2, providing certified performance for engineering specifications.
- High Early Strength Gain: Achieves over 60 MPa compressive strength in 24 hours, allowing for rapid reinstatement of equipment.
- Dual-Stage Expansion: Actively compensates for shrinkage in both plastic and hardened states, ensuring a permanent, high-contact fit.
- Flowable Consistency: Can be mixed to a flowable or fluid consistency to ensure complete filling of voids and gaps without segregation.
- Variable Thickness: Suitable for grouting gaps from 10mm up to 120mm in a single pour, providing versatility across numerous applications.
- Non-Metallic Composition: Contains no iron, eliminating the risk of staining or corrosion around base plates and anchors.
The Penatech HES Grout Advantage
- Minimise Costly Downtime: The rapid strength development means machinery and structures are operational faster, reducing project delays.
- Guaranteed Structural Support: The non-shrink, high-strength formulation provides a reliable, permanent bearing surface that withstands dynamic loads and continuous vibrations.
- Job Site Certainty: Pre-packaged and factory-controlled, it delivers consistent, predictable performance every time—just add water.
- Eliminate Call-Backs: The dual-expansion system prevents settlement and gap formation, ensuring the job is done right the first time.
- Excellent Workability: The exceptional flow characteristics make placement faster and easier, ensuring a complete, professional finish even in complex voids.
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Grouting in Cold Weather (<5°C)
Potential Outcome: Significantly delayed strength gain and improper curing, which can compromise the grout's final compressive strength and long-term durability, leading to structural failure.
RLA Best Practice: When the ambient temperature is 5°C or below, it's essential to use warm water (30-40°C) for mixing to accelerate the chemical reaction. Additionally, the formwork must be kept in place for at least 36 hours to protect the grout during its critical early curing phase.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Structural Engineers & Remedial Contractors: Grouting Heavy Machinery Base Plates
The Professional's Challenge
Ensuring complete, void-free support under high-load, high-vibration machinery to maintain critical alignment and prevent premature equipment failure. Meeting strict engineering specifications for compressive strength (AS 1478) and long-term durability is non-negotiable.
The RLA Solution
Mix HES Grout to a flowable consistency (2.5-2.8L water per 20kg bag) to ensure it flows easily across the entire base plate. The dual-stage expansion guarantees a permanent, high-contact bearing surface. Achieving over 60 MPa in 24 hours allows for rapid commissioning of equipment, saving valuable time.
Best Practice Note
Maintain a sufficient fluid head and use a formwork gap of approximately 150mm on the pouring side to ensure continuous, positive flow across the shortest distance. Always provide air relief holes at isolated high spots to prevent air entrapment.
For Precast Concrete Installers: Setting Precast Panels & Columns
The Professional's Challenge
Quickly and reliably setting precast concrete elements where rapid strength gain is critical to remove bracing, ensure stability, and maintain project momentum. Inconsistent grout performance can lead to significant delays and safety risks.
The RLA Solution
The rapid set time (final set in 35 minutes for flow consistency) and high early strength development allow for faster turnaround and removal of supports. As a simple "just add water" mix, HES Grout provides consistent, repeatable performance, ensuring every panel is set to the same high standard.
Best Practice Note
Proper substrate preparation is key. Ensure the foundation is thoroughly cleaned and pre-soaked with water for several hours. Remove all free-standing water immediately before pouring to achieve a tenacious, permanent bond to the concrete substrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum thickness I can pour Penatech HES Grout in a single application?
You can pour Penatech HES Grout up to 120mm thick in a single layer for most under-plate applications. For thicker sections, you must add a well-graded, silt-free aggregate like EPILOX FILLERS F4 to control the heat generated during curing and ensure structural stability.
How soon can machinery be put back into service after grouting?
Thanks to its rapid strength gain, equipment and machinery can typically be reinstated after just 24 hours at 20°C. The grout achieves a compressive strength of over 60 MPa in this timeframe (at flow consistency), which is more than sufficient for most heavy-duty applications and helps minimise costly downtime.
What does 'shrinkage compensated' actually mean for my job?
It means the grout is engineered to counteract the natural shrinkage that occurs as cement cures. It expands slightly in both its wet (plastic) and hardened states to ensure a permanent, tight fit with no gaps. This provides a total-contact bearing surface, preventing movement and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy duty support under machine base plates | High compressive strength and non-shrink properties provide permanent, stable support under dynamic loads. | Engineers, Mechanical Fitters, Remedial Contractors |
| Precast grouting applications | Rapid strength gain allows for faster removal of bracing and accelerates construction schedules. | Precast Installers, Builders |
| Anchoring bolt holes | Excellent flow and expansion ensure a complete, high-strength bond for secure anchoring. | Structural Steel Erectors, Builders |
| Bridge bearing pads and crane rail plates | Superior load-bearing capacity and resistance to impact and vibration ensure long-term durability. | Civil Contractors, Engineers |
| Rapid reinstatement of equipment | Equipment can be back in service after 24 hours, dramatically reducing costly operational downtime. | Maintenance Crews, Industrial Contractors |
Applying Penatech HES Grout: Professional Protocols
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Surface & Formwork Preparation
Ensure the foundation is sound, clean, and free of contaminants. Pre-soak the concrete for several hours, then remove all standing water. Construct leak-proof formwork around the base plate, ensuring it is braced to withstand the grout pressure.
Formwork Gaps
Generally, allow a gap of 150mm on the pouring side and 50mm on the opposite side to maintain a fluid head.
Pro Tip: For a leak-proof seal, use foam rubber strips or a mastic sealant under the formwork and between joints. This prevents grout loss and ensures correct pressure is maintained during the pour. -
Mixing
Use a mechanically powered grout mixer or a slow-speed drill with a high-shear paddle. Do not use a colloidal mixer. Accurately measure the required clean water into the mixer first.
Adding Powder
Slowly add the entire 20kg bag of Penatech HES Grout to the water while continuously mixing. Mix for a full 5 minutes until a smooth, even, and lump-free consistency is achieved.
Water Content: For Flowable: 2.5-2.8 litres per 20kg bag. For Fluid: 3.2-3.5 litres per 20kg bag. Do not add excess water. -
Placing & Curing
Continuous grout flow is essential. Ensure sufficient material is mixed and ready before starting the pour. Pour from one side of the void only to eliminate air entrapment.
Placement Time: At 20°C, place the grout within 10 minutes of mixing to gain the full benefit of the expansion process.Pro Tip: Proper curing is vital for achieving the specified ultimate strength. As soon as the grout has hardened, cure all exposed areas using an RLA liquid curing membrane or by keeping them continuously wet with damp hessian.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Low Temperature Working: If air or substrate temperature is 5°C or below, use warm water (30-40°C) for mixing and keep formwork in place for at least 36 hours to ensure proper strength development.
High Temperature Working: At ambient temperatures above 35°C, use cool water (below 20°C) for mixing the grout. Store bags of grout undercover and keep as cool as possible before use.
Thick Sections: Do not apply in thicknesses greater than 120mm in a single pour. For thicker sections, add a suitable aggregate like EPILOX FILLERS F4 to minimise heat build-up.
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
Always wear protective gloves (PVC suitable), safety shoes, overalls, and chemical goggles or a face shield. The product is a cement-based powder and is hazardous.
Ventilation & Dust Control
Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Avoid breathing dust. If inhalation risk exists, wear a P2-rated particulate respirator meeting AS/NZS 1715 & 1716 standards.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
Causes serious eye damage. Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Immediately call a POISON CENTRE (131 126) or doctor.
Skin:
Causes skin irritation. Remove contaminated clothing and wash affected area with plenty of soap and water. If irritation occurs, get medical advice.
Inhaled:
May cause respiratory irritation. Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Seek medical advice if effects persist.
Swallowed:
Rinse mouth with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give a glass of water. Seek medical advice immediately.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete information. If medical advice is needed, have the product container or label at hand.
Substrate Preparation Guide
Structural Concrete
Surface Preparation
The substrate surface must be structurally sound and completely free from oil, grease, scale, or any loosely adherent material. If the concrete surface has laitance, it must be cut back to a sound base using methods like scabbling or high-pressure water blasting to provide a mechanical key. All bolt holes and fixing pockets must be blown clean of any dust or debris.
Pre-Soaking Requirements
Pre-soaking is essential for proper bonding
The cleaned foundation area must be flooded with fresh water for several hours before grouting. Immediately prior to placing the grout, remove any free-standing water. The surface should be saturated but surface-dry (SSD) to prevent the substrate from drawing water out of the grout mix prematurely.
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