how to grout a course in existing hollow wall

A common way to grout masonry walls under an existing slab is to core a 3" or 4" hole in the slab at 4' or so along the wall and grout the wall through those holes. It does sound like the engineer would like the top course grouted to increase the lateral load resistance.

Full Answer

How do I prepare the core for grouting?

The bars must be lapped and positioned in the center of the core. All mortar and debris must be removed from the cores so they are free to be grouted. The interior side of the core can be formed using a piece of plywood held in place against the wall with masonry screws. Pump a fluid grout into the core in 2-foot lifts from the bottom.

How do you lay concrete masonry for grouting?

When walls will be grouted, concrete masonry units must be laid up so that vertical cores are aligned to form an unobstructed, continuous series of vertical spaces within the wall. Head and bed joints must be filled with mortar for the full thickness of the face shell.

What is grout used for in construction?

Grout may also be used to stabilize screen walls and other landscape elements. In reinforced masonry, grout bonds the masonry units and reinforcing steel so that they act together to resist imposed loads. In partially grouted walls, grout is placed only in wall spaces containing steel reinforcement.

How do you smooth out Grout when grouting a wall?

After the pump operator has gone around the wall perimeter once, he will make another pass to top off the grout where it has settled. I will use a float or some other straightedge to smooth out the top of the grout where needed.

How do you tie into an existing block wall?

Provide a bond breaker on each leg of the angle, and break out the end webs of the new blocks. Then, pack the cores with mortar around the angle, and seal the joint between the new blocks and the old wall with a good elastomeric caulk.

How do you reinforce an existing masonry wall?

To prevent the collapse of masonry walls during earthquake, it is advisable to use reinforced brick masonry walls in new construction. Existing masonry walls can also be strengthened by providing reinforced concrete jackets on one or both sides of the walls.

How do you fill a block wall with grout?

0:088:33The Perfect Block Grouting Techniques - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe use a line pump. We do not use a boom pump. We like using the line pump because we have moreMoreWe use a line pump. We do not use a boom pump. We like using the line pump because we have more control over. The product as it goes into our walls.

What is low lift grouting?

As shown in the preceding figure, low-lift grouting refers to the process of constructing discrete sections of masonry in heights not exceeding 5 ft-4 in. (1.63 m). Once the maximum permitted height of masonry is installed, reinforcement is placed in the intended cells followed by the grout.

How do you reinforce a hollow block wall?

Step 1: Lay Four Courses. Lay your first four courses (layers) of the concrete block wall. ... Step 2: Drop the Rebar. Hollow concrete blocks have two openings, referred to as cells. ... Step 3: Get Vertical. ... Step 4: Pour the Fill Mortar. ... Step 5: Let Cure and Repeat.

Which method is used for strengthening of old brick wall?

The most familiar strengthening methods are: partial and overall re-laying of the wall, steel tie-beams, low- or high-pressure injection, strengthening steel bars stacked into the wall's joints or strengthening by the use of steel and concrete elements.

What kind of concrete do you use to fill a block wall?

For cinder-block walls (and brick walls too), choose QUIKRETE® Mason Mix Type S. Forgiving to those who are not experts in masonry projects, the QUIKRETE® preblended mix remains workable for a long period of time, with no sacrifice of the high-bond strength that yields a successful project.

Should I fill hollow concrete blocks?

You should fill the hollow cores of every retaining wall block with gravel or crushed rock before starting a new layer until you reach the top and install concrete caps. Not only should you fill retaining wall blocks, but you must also backfill the structure, starting from the foundation or base in the trench.

What is the difference between mortar and grout?

Grout is used for filling joints or seams between tiles, and mortar is used as a bonding agent underneath the tiles. For stone, brick, and other masonry materials except for tiles, mortar is used both as a bonding agent and as a filler for joints.

Why can masonry walls not be wet after grouting?

Grouted masonry requires special consideration because of the higher water content and potential disruptive expansion that can occur if that water freezes. Therefore, grouted masonry requires protection for longer periods than ungrouted masonry to allow the water to dissipate.

Can you vibrate grout?

Answer: To ensure that the grout space is completely filled, grout needs to be vibrated when it is placed and just before the grout sets. The Uniform Building Code (UBC) requires that grout pours greater than 12 inches be reconsolidated by mechanical vibration.

Why does the code require that grout be continuously vibrated during placement?

Grout pours greater than 12 inches (300 mm) in height shall be consolidated by mechanical vibration during placement to fill the grout space before loss of plasticity, and reconsolidated by mechanical vibration to minimize voids due to water loss.

How long leave should I grout before wiping?

Allow the grout to dry for 48-72 hours, then come back and wipe on a penetrating sealer to help keep out water. Let the sealer sit for 15-20 minute...

What is the easiest way to grout tile?

If your grout lines are smaller than 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm), use unsanded grout to ensure it gets down into the lines. If your grout lines are 1⁄8 in (0....

How long should I wait to apply the grout?

After you install the tiles, wait about 24 hours. Then, remove the spacers and apply the grout.

How to make grout powder?

Read the directions on your grout product . Then, pour the appropriate amount of water into a bucket. Add the amount of grout powder the package specifies. Use a trowel or a paddle mixer attached to a drill to mix the grout until it has a consistency like toothpaste.

How to grout float tiles?

Position your float at a 45-degree angle to the tiles and spread your grout liberally into the joints. The joints are the spaces between your tiles. Push as much grout into the joints as possible. Add more grout until you are confident the joints are filled.

How big should grout lines be?

If your grout lines are smaller than 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm), use unsanded grout to ensure it gets down into the lines. If your grout lines are 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) or larger, use sanded grout, as the added sand will reinforce the grout, making it more durable.

How long does it take to buff grout?

Buff the tile with a microfiber cloth or cotton towel. Wait until the grout is completely dry. This could take about 30 minutes. Then, take a microfiber towel and buff the surface of the tile. To buff, use a moderate amount of force to rub the cloth in a circular fashion on the tile.

How to protect grout from spills?

Use painters tape to secure plastic to the area directly underneath where you’ll be working with grout. In addition, place plastic next to the portion of the wall you’ll be working on. This will protect these areas from grout spills or stains.

Is grouting a bathroom tile a time consuming task?

Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom or repairing existing tile, grouting wall tile is a necessary and often time-consuming task. However, by preparing yourself and being systematic, you can dramatically cut down on the time and effort it takes.

Do you need to caulk grout?

After you’ve grouted interior joints, you’ll need to apply caulk to joints between tile and other surfaces like bathtubs and sinks. This is important, as grouting exterior joints could cause cracking. Choose a caulk that matches the color of your grout. Then, apply a minimal amount to fill the space.

How to make a grout?

First, you’ll need a few bags of M-type mortar mix from your hardware store (white or grey in color). Don’t forget a grout bag, a bucket, and a mixer with a mixing paddle. Next, add a half a bucket of water and the bag of mortar. Then, mix the two thoroughly to a “soupy” consistency.

What is a concave grout line?

Concave grout lines. Concave joints give a sense of forethought and planning, and add more of a rustic feel to our brick walls. Concave-grouted brick walls can cozy up any interior wall or exterior façade, which makes them a great option. Over-grouted brick walls have overly exaggerated joints and extemporaneous lines that suit a very particular ...

Where is the vertical bar in a hollow block?

Drop an extra vertical bar in the cell of the hollow blocks located next to any door or window opening. (These areas of the wall are subject to greater stress during storms or seismic activity and require extra reinforcement.)

Can concrete block walls fall?

Concrete block walls can fall easily when the mortar is wet, causing severe injury or damage. Make sure that the area is clearly marked so that no one walks next to a wall that could fall. Building walls using hollow concrete block is an economical means to creating a structure.

Can you substitute fill mortar for concrete block?

You can substitute the fill mortar poured into the hollows of the block with simple dirt. Fill and pack the hollows tightly and it will provide just as much insulation and structural support as the mortar. Warning. Concrete block walls can fall easily when the mortar is wet, causing severe injury or damage. Make sure that the area is clearly marked ...