[TowerTalk] To Grout or Not to Grout

[Gene K5GS]

I don't think you can go wrong by following the manufacturer's 
directions.  I have several different sets of US Tower documents for the 
HDX-572 dating back to 1999. Each version calls for the placement of non 
shrink grout between the T-base and the foundation.

Home Depot carries Sika non shrink grout.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/SikaGrout-50-lb-High-Performance-Grout-524632/207199339

SikaGrout 50 lb. High Performance Grout is a non-shrink cementations 
grout. Common uses include structural grouting of column base plates, 
machine base plates, anchor rods and bearing plates. High strength 
formula allows for multiple fluidity levels for every project.

This product can be used at least 3 different ways:
1. Fluid (pump-able liquid)
2. Flowable (pour)
3. Plastic (as a putty)

Flowable is probably the best way, you build a form around the T-base 
and pour the grout into the form. After about 2 hours the form can be 
removed and the grout allowed to setup.  As a plastic the product can be 
shoved (forced) into the space and allowed to setup. Not as pretty as 
pouring, but it works. The only difference between these 3 different 
consistencies is the amount of water in the mix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t-GK9-1TDI

I was told the grout is used to better distribute / transmit the weight 
of the tower to the foundation. I'm not an engineer, so I follow the 
manufacturer's instructions.

When I removed the grout from my previous installation (after 16 years) 
the anchor bolts looked fine. There are examples on the Internet of 
machines, light poles, etc where grout was installed. I've also seen 
light poles and ham towers where the grout was not installed.

Cheers,
Gene K5GS