Product Data Sheet Safety Data Sheet Show all documents

Cavex®

EXPANSION AGENT FOR MASONRY INFILL AND GROUT INJECTIONS

Cavex® is an expansion agent containing a blend of aluminium powder and other ingredients and is used in cement grouting situations wherever a controlled expansion to compensate for water loss and plastic settlement is required. Cavex® has been formulated for use in Portland cement grouts and masonry blockfill to provide expansion after placement of grout, before initial set occurs.

  • Eliminates plastic settlement in the grouting mix
  • Produces a controlled expansion before initial setting. As porous masonry blocks absorb water from the grout the plastic expansion maintains a contact pressure at the interface until the blockfill starts setting. The blockfill can then bond with the masonry unit to become a composite structure
  • Provides improved bond between hardened masonry blockfill and both the reinforcement and inner surfaces of the masonry cells
  • Provides a volume increase to wet mixes ‐ helping to fill voids in tunnel linings, cable ducts, etc.
  • Eliminates the need for revibration ‐ enabling grout lift height limitations to be relaxed, as allowed for in the NZ Masonry Filling Standards
  • Produces a stable and plastic grout ‐ prevents the upward movement of bleedwater which would otherwise become trapped underneath the lower faces of reinforcement and other projections.
Product Data Sheet Safety Data Sheet Show all documents

Usage

Cavex® is ideal for all types of cement based grouts where a post placement volume increase of the wet mix is desirable to maintain adhesion to all adjacent surfaces. Applications range from neat cement / water grouts through to masonry blockfill. Typical uses are:
  • Ready mixed grout for blockwork, brickwork cavities
  • Neat cement grouting for cable ducts, ground anchors, stabilisation work, etc.
  • Sand / cement mixes for grouting behind tunnel linings, pipe sleeves, etc.
 

Advantages

  • Eliminates plastic settlement in the grouting mix
  • Produces a controlled expansion before initial setting. As porous masonry blocks absorb water from the grout the plastic expansion maintains a contact pressure at the interface until the blockfill starts setting. The blockfill can then bond with the masonry unit to become a composite structure
  • Provides improved bond between hardened masonry blockfill and both the reinforcement and inner surfaces of the masonry cells
  • Provides a volume increase to wet mixes ‐ helping to fill voids in tunnel linings, cable ducts, etc.
  • Eliminates the need for revibration ‐ enabling grout lift height limitations to be relaxed, as allowed for in the NZ Masonry Filling Standards
  • Produces a stable and plastic grout ‐ prevents the upward movement of bleedwater which would otherwise become trapped underneath the lower faces of reinforcement and other projections.

Packaging

800 g pots

Colour

Silver grey powder

Product Details

Product Information

Shelf Life

Six (6) months when stored according to stated conditions.

Storage Conditions

Store in unopened, original containers in cool dry conditions below +25°C.

Total Chloride Ion Content

Nil
Technical Information

Indicative Performance of Mortar Mix

TYPICAL VOLUME EXPANSION OF BLOCKFILL: Approx. 4 ‐ 5 % (Determined by measuring the rise of the upper level of blockfill in a glass
cylindrical mould)

Application

Application Information

Ambient Air Temperature

APPLICATION TEMP: +5°C to +30°C. Temperatures above 30°C will significantly increase volume change
Consumption

Recommended Dosage

Ready Mixed Blockfill: Use 800g of Cavex® for each m³ of masonry blockfill
Application steps

MIXING

Suitability: For all types of Portland cement based grouts and injections. Compatibility with other Sika Admixtures: More effective when used in conjunction with water reducers. Retarders, accelerators or air entrainers should not be used without undertaking trials.

Ready mixed blockfill (Grout):

  • Cavex® should be added to the mix in the truck just prior to placement to ensure that the reaction period for the admixture is not exhausted before the grout is placed
  • Bring the blockfill mix back to the top of the bowl until it is easily accessible. Empty the predetermined dosage onto the surface of the mix
  • The mix should then be agitated for 5 minutes to ensure complete and thorough distribution of the Cavex® has been achieved.

Site based cement/water grouts and injections:

  • Wherever possible the required dosage of Cavex® should be premixed with the gauging water just prior to the mixing of the grout.
  • Alternatively the Cavex® can be added directly to the dry cement or cement / sand mixture.
  • The grout mixture must be continuously stirred prior to and during placement

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