GROUT TUBE WITH DETAILS

GROUT TUBES:

• Grout Tubes are hollow components and are made of plastic or thin sheet metals.
  (Refer Fig.01)
• Grout tubes are cast into precast elements which create a void to locate and connect the elements (between two precast elements or in-situ to precast elements) together using starter bars or dowel bars.
• Once the elements are in position, the grout tubes are filled with grouting material and locking the elements in position.

Fig.01 (Sample bottom Grout tube with breather)

Purpose of Grout tubes:

• Grout tubes are used in the construction of precast concrete buildings for connecting elements like walls, tilt-up panels, beams, columns, etc.
• It will help to increase the strength and durability of the precast or in-situ elements.

General details for Grout tubes

1. Hollow components with spiral designs or key ways in its walls
2. Selection of grout tubes based on dowel size
3. Alternatively, NMB splice sleeves or penetrations can be used or dowel bars can be directly casted if having rebar’s arrangement congestion
4. Grouting materials must be filled for Load bearing areas and voids will be present for NLB (Non load bearing) portions.
5. Must not clash with other components in precast (Cast in plate, Lifter, Lig-cage, lig-cage hooks, Prop, Grooves, Ferrules and etc.) – Refer Fig.02
6. Face of breather must be inside of building and must have access, must not be placed where sequential grooves or architect patterns present.
7. If breather has no access must provide breather extent to where the access is possible (not required when it is NLB)
8. Must have a minimum gap of 200mm with other components especially lifters & block-outs (this value can be modified, if having difficulties to maintain that gap)
9. Avoid the Grout tube placement near to window & major openings (wherever possible)
10. Grout tube must be placed within 300mm from panel edge. (But can be modified if having any difficulties.)

Fig.02 (Sample Top Grout tubes)

Advantages:

• Lightweight and easy to process
• Available in a range of sizes
• It will help to reduce the construction time on site
• Easy to connect with precast or in-situ elements

Disadvantages:

• The huge amount of grout tubes needed to fill up the duct in order to secure the connection between the precast wall or in-situ.