Does Non-Shrink Grout Crack

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Author Message Jerome J. Lazar, CCS, CSI Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 2022 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 - 01:07 pm:    Florida 4 story apartment project: We have precast concrete walls for elevator core, sitting on CIP Concrete Elevator Pit, PE suggests using non-shrink grout to seal the joint at top of elevator pit. Will this work? Ellis C. Whitby, PE, CSI, AIA, LEED Senior Member Username: ecwhitby Post Number: 461 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 - 03:29 pm:    All cementitious grout cracks. Non-shrink grout will limit any differential settlement in the placement of the precast walls. Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: michael_chusid Post Number: 498 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Thursday, June 20, 2019 - 12:08 am:    I don't know enough about Jerome's project to know what will work in that application. But I take issue with the statement that "all cementitious grout cracks". Type K cement is chemically different that portland cement and expands as it cures. Grouts and other products with Type K are blended with portland cement to create non-shrinking or even expansive products. They may crack due to settlement, movement, etc., but not due to shrinkage. Full disclosure - CTS Cement Manufacturing Co. had me to write technical articles about their Type K products. I haven't worked for them in years, and my comments are based upon the research I saw back then and involvement with ACI committees. Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS 1-818-219-4937 www.chusid.com www.buildingproduct.guru Mark Gilligan SE, Senior Member Username: mark_gilligan Post Number: 899 Registered: 10-2007 Posted on Thursday, June 20, 2019 - 12:50 am:    Even when conventional grout is used I have a difficulty believing there will be a problem as a result of differential settlement. "Will it work" requires clarification as to what you expect. If you are concerned about inflow of water suggest that you apply caulking or some other treatment.