PAREX 2601 Bedding Mortar

• Complies with the requirements of Corps of Engineers Specification for Non-Shrink Grout CRD C621.
• Fully satisfies the requirements of the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) Volume 1 Specification for Highway Works (SHW) Clause 2601: Bedding Mortar.

Portland cement (complying with BS EN 197-1) based grout, with selected fillers and aggregates, and synergistic additives. 

6 months from date of manufacture

• Store undercover in containers in dry conditions at a temperature of between +10^ºC and +27^ºC in undamaged and unopened original sealed packaging. 
• The storage containers shall be damp-proof, leak-proof and readily emptied of their contents. 
• Storage containers shall be marked with the batch reference number, manufacturer’s (Sika's) name, net weight and such warnings or precautions concerning the contents as are required.
• The material shall not be removed from the store for use in the Works until immediately prior to mixing.
• Material shall not be used more than six months after the date of manufacture. 

~2100 kg/m³

<0.1% (by mass of cement)

NOTE: Average of six 70 mm cubes (all >50 N/mm² with the difference between the highest and lowest values being 3.5% of the average), cast without compaction, and cured at 20^ºC (damp-cured for 24 hours, then water cured). 

~30 kN/mm²

The elastic stability was determined using three 70 mm cubes. For each test, the casting and curing temperatures was at 20^ºC in accordance with the MCHW. At an age of 28 days, the cubes were placed in water at 20^ºC, heated at a uniform rate to 45^ºC in 24 hours. Upon attaining 45^ºC, the cubes were sealed in plastic bags and then loaded at a compressive stress of 30 N/mm² for six hours at temperature of 45^ºC.

For each test, four strain gauges (type PL-15-11, gauge length 15 mm, gauge resistance 120 ± 0.3, gauge factor 2.04) were placed on the four vertical faces of the cube under investigation. In addition, a further strain gauge was placed on a reference cube. These were connected to a transistorised strain gauge instrument (Automation - Peekel N.V. Type T200), and a Channel Switch box. Measurements were made immediately and 6 hours after loading.

~10 N/mm² (after 28 days)*

* Tested in laboratory conditions at 20^ºC. Results may vary in site conditions.

10 mm minimum / 100 mm maximum

* Average of two results. 

NOTE: Tests completed at temperatures of 5^ºC and 20^ºC within 15 minutes of commencement of mixing. Average efflux time of water: 8.2 seconds. 

• The flow characteristics between glass plates were assessed using the apparatus and method of pouring specified in the MCHW (HCD Drawing Number K2) at 5^ºC and 20^ºC. 
• The mortar / grout was poured in one corner of the apparatus commencing between 18 and 20 minutes after commencement of mixing. 
• The specification requires that the grout / mortar shall rise at least 10 mm above the underside of the top plate at all positions, without signs of segregation, bleeding, effervescence or air inclusions.
• The specification requirements were fully satisfied for flow between glass plates at 5^ºC and at 20^ºC. 

+5^ºC minimum / +25^ºC maximum (on completion of mixing)

+5^ºC minimum / +35^ºC maximum

4.80 litres of water per 25 kg bag

NOTE: Potable water from a water company's supply shall be used for mixing. If this is unavailable, the Coontractor shall ensure that the water complies with the guidance given in BS EN 1008. Where testing is necessary, the sulfate content of the water shall be tested in accordance with Test No. 1 in TRL Report 447. The water shall not be used if the sulfate content exceeds 1.4 g of sulfate (as SO₄) per litre. Water from the sea or tidal rivers shall not be used. 

+5^ºC minimum / +35^ºC maximum

~260 minutes

~290 minutes

Each 25 kg bag yields ~13.25 litres of grout

• The material shall not be mixed or placed in the Works at ambient temperatures of less than 5°C. If for 24 hours before, during or after placing, the ambient temperature falls below 5°C, the Contractor shall maintain the temperature of the substrate and other adjoining surfaces at not less than 5°C for the duration of the curing period (at least 3 days). 
• A water content of 4.80 litres per 25 kg bag of Product shall be used. A maximum tolerance of +1% of the water content (i.e. 4.752 to 4.848 litres) shall be maintained throughout the Works. 
• Only full packs of mortar as supplied shall be mixed. On-site proportioning shall not be permitted.
• The temperature of the mortar on completion of mixing shall be between 5°C and 25°C.
• The mortar shall be poured in one corner of the plinth. The addition of mortar to the sides of the plinth shall only be permitted after the mortar has flowed completely under the plinth.
• No internal metal shims shall be allowed to remain in the hardened bedding mortar except where described in Appendix 26/2.

The substrate should be prepared by suitable mechanical preparation techniques, such as high pressure water jetting, breakers, blast cleaning, scabbling, etc.

The substrate shall be flushed clean with water 2 hours before placing and maintained wet (i.e. saturated surface dry) until placing commences. Immediately before placing the grout, remove (using a sponge or with compressed air) all excess or standing water from the substrate and within any formwork, cavities or pockets.

The underside of the base plate shall be thoroughly cleaned and a mechanical key created to improve bonding / adhesion. Paint, powder coatings, rust, mill scale, etc., and chromium oxide passivation layer on stainless steel, will significantly reduce the bond / adhesion strength.

Pour 4.8 litres of clean water into a suitable mixing vessel for each complete 25 kg bag of PAREX 2601 Bedding Mortar to be used. Slowly add the powder to the water whilst continually mixing. Mechanical mixing should be carried out using either a high torque slow speed drill with a grout stirrer, or a grout mixer set on slow speed.

NOTE: High speed or colloidal mixing will cause thixotropy, leading to loss of flow and should therefore be avoided.

The grout should be placed as soon as possible (and within 25 minutes of commencement of mixing). To ensure no air pockets are formed, continuous placing is important, pouring from one corner of the plinth / formwork. The addition of mortar to the sides of the plinth shall only be permitted after the mortar has flowed completely under the plinth. Do not disturb once grouting has been completed. Immediately after placing, the mortar shall be protected to prevent evaporation for at least 3 days. 

No internal metal shims shall be allowed to remain in the hardened bedding mortar, except where described in Appendix 26/2.

Placed grout, which is exposed, should be cured in accordance with good concrete practices, including water spray or by using a Product from the Sikafloor® ProSeal Range. In cold weather, apply heat blankets to maintain a constant temperature. Curing shall take place for a minimum of 3 days (at least 7 days being preferable). 

Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use. Hardened / cured material can only be mechanically removed.