TIP: USING MUD BALANCES TO MEASURE
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF GROUT

  • Product Family MAGNACORE
  • Subcategory ELEMENT
  • TIP Category HOW TO
  • Tags MUD BALANCE, SPECIFIC
    GRAVITY, GROUT MIXTURE

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION PAPER: MUD BALANCE TESTING

This TIP is intended to facilitate the process of a Mud Balance test. A Mud Balance test is used to find the specific gravity (SG) for the grout mixture. This is done by comparing the unit weight of the grout mixture to the unit weight of water.

STANDARD SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CONCRETE GROUTING

Generally, the industry works within a 1.80 to 1.90 SG for structural grout. For example, five gallons of water mixed with a typical 94 lb. bag of type II Portland cement will give a specific gravity around 1.84, which typically corresponds to a 7-day compressive strength of 5,000 psi. These numbers will vary based on your unique job site and soil types. 

FIND THE SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF GROUT

Calculating the unit weight of grout can be easily done with a grout volume calculator or a Mud Balance Testing Scale. 

MUD BALANCE TESTING SCALE

Diagram

MUD BALANCE TESTING PROCEDURE

  1. 1. Ensure the entire assembly is clean and free of any residual grout
  2. 2. Prepare grout mix completely per manufacturer recommendations
  3. 3. BEFORE sending to the next tank, collect a sample in the cup of the mud balance and secure the lid
  4. 4. When the lid is placed, grout will weep from the hole in the center of the lid. If grout does not weep out of the hole of the lid, then the cup is not sufficiently filled
  5. 5. Thoroughly clean any excess grout from filling the cup off all exterior surfaces of the entire assembly
  6. 6. Place assembly in the case (there are pins to guide placement)
  7. 7. Slide the scale until the bubble level confirms it is balanced to confirm the specific gravity of the mix
  8. 8. A “thin mix” has a SG less than design, where more cement to water would need to be needed and a “fat mix” has a SG more than design, where less cement to water would be needed

PARTNER WITH US FOR INTEGRAL SUPPORT IN MICROPILES

Tim Comb

President

Tim is the President of Intech Anchoring and has 25 years of experience in the Civil Engineering and Geostructural Industry. Tim has developed extensive industry knowledge by working to support the needs of specialty contractors at each and every business level. Tim’s diverse industry background has given him exposure to a wide variety civil construction projects, ranging from the simplest residential applications to the most complex commercial and industrial projects. Coupled with a highly skilled and educated team, Tim focuses on providing the highest quality products and solutions to Intech Anchoring’s customers in order to consistently exceed expectations.