Stem Wall Grout Ep.36

Summary

This video explores the process of grouting a foundation wall, emphasizing the technical aspects of concrete mixing and the use of additives like super plasticizers and retarders to ensure proper consistency and strength. The narrator describes the careful attention to detail, including filling every crevice, setting anchor bolts, and reinforcing the structure with vertical and horizontal rebar. Additionally, the video touches on the practical side of the project, such as the challenges of working with varying temperatures and site conditions. The narrator also shares a personal interest in blacksmithing, offering insight into craftsmanship and the satisfaction of producing tangible work.

Takeaways

• 😀 The grouting process is the final step in wall construction, often seen as a 'victory lap' after all the preparatory work is completed.
• 😀 A high-fluidity grout mix is essential for filling every crevice and bond beam in the wall, achieved using a super plasticizer to maintain strength while increasing flowability.
• 😀 Delvaux, a retarder, is used in the grout to slow down the setting time, which is important when working with dry and warm blocks to avoid premature hardening.
• 😀 Small aggregates (3/8 inch) are used in the grout mix to ensure it penetrates all the spaces in the blocks, providing better bonding and structural integrity.
• 😀 The addition of plasticizers and retarders ensures the grout stays workable for a longer period, even in hot weather, which helps achieve a strong, durable wall.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the importance of reinforcing the wall with vertical and horizontal rebar, which contributes to the wall's resistance against pressure from backfill and supports distributed loads.
• 😀 Grouting involves carefully setting anchor bolts in the wet grout to ensure they are positioned correctly and will be ready for the next stages of construction.
• 😀 A key aspect of the grouting job is its efficiency, allowing the construction team to work while standing at comfortable heights without needing to bend over, reducing physical strain.
• 😀 The speaker shares their personal passion for blacksmithing, viewing it as a creative outlet and offers a list of recommended tools for anyone interested in learning the craft.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship and productivity in achieving personal happiness, noting that creating and building things provides fulfillment.
• 😀 While the cost of the foundation varies based on site conditions, the speaker offers insights into their specific project’s costs, providing transparency for viewers interested in construction expenses.

Q & A

What is the purpose of using a super plasticizer in the concrete mix?

A super plasticizer is used to increase the fluidity of the concrete mix without adding excess water. This helps the grout to flow into all the crevices and bond beams within the blocks, ensuring thorough filling while maintaining strength and durability.

Why is Delvaux added to the concrete mix?

Delvaux is a retarder that slows down the setting time of the concrete. It is used to counteract the rapid setting caused by warm, dry blocks, giving workers more time to properly place the grout and set anchor bolts before the mixture hardens.

What does the term 'block fill grout' refer to?

Block fill grout, also known as block fill concrete, is a specially formulated concrete mix with smaller aggregates (3/8 inch) that is designed to flow into small crevices and fill the cells of concrete blocks, providing both structural strength and durability.

How do bond beams contribute to the strength of a wall?

Bond beams are horizontal reinforcement bars embedded at the top of the wall, which provide tensile strength. They help the wall resist bending and cracking under load by distributing weight and maintaining the wall's integrity under pressure.

What is the significance of using vertical rebar in the wall's construction?

Vertical rebar ties the wall to the footing, helping to resist lateral forces such as those from backfill pressure. It also contributes to the overall stability of the wall, ensuring it stays upright and secure.

Why is it important to ensure the grout fills both the top and bottom of the vents in the blocks?

Filling the vents ensures that all the cells inside the block are completely filled with concrete. This prevents voids, strengthens the structure, and ensures that the wall is as solid and stable as possible.

What are the advantages of working at a comfortable height during the grouting process?

Working at a comfortable height allows workers to avoid bending over, reducing physical strain and increasing efficiency. This makes the task more enjoyable and less tiring, while also allowing for better precision in striking off the grout.

What role do anchor bolts play in the grouting process?

Anchor bolts are used to secure the foundation to the stem wall. During grouting, they are set into the soft concrete at the predetermined height, ensuring they stay in place and provide the necessary attachment points for other structural elements.

What factors influence the cost of a foundation like the one described in the video?

The cost of a foundation varies depending on several factors, including site conditions, engineering requirements, material costs, and labor. The video mentions that the cost can be affected by these variables, and detailed information on the costs is available to supporters.

What is the significance of the short section of blocks in the garage door opening?

The short section of blocks in the garage door opening is designed to provide a stable base for the garage floor, which will be poured over the top. This area needs to be as strong as the rest of the foundation to support the weight of equipment like forklifts during construction.