SikaFlow®-648

24 months if stored at below mentioned storage conditions.

Store at ambient temperatures, out of direct sunlight, in cool, dry warehouse conditions and clear of the ground on pallets protected from rainfall prior to application. The resin parts need to be protected from frost!

2,000 kg / m³ Filling ratio 1 / 6.7 (1 set resin + 4 bags) 1,750 kg / m³ Filling ratio 1 / 5 (1 set resin + 3 bags)

Test specimen size: 40 mm x 40 mm x 160mm

Test specimen size: 50 mm × 50 mm × 50 mm

Test specimen size: 40 mm x 40 mm x 160mm

Creep under tensile load for 3 months at 50 kN Load

Pull-out strength at 75 kN Load

Glass transition temperature

Chemical Resistance according to EN 12808-1

Test liquids according to EN 13529

Note: Severe chemical attack may lead to discolouration of SikaFlow®-648. This is however no sign of physical weakening of the product.

Adhesion to concrete after freeze-thaw:

Minimum grout depth: 10 mm Maximum grout depth: 150 mm

+10 °C min. / +30 °C max.

Component  A : B : C = 3.2 : 1 : (21–28) by weight Liquid / Solids = 1 : (5–6.7) by weight

Substrate temperature during application must be at least 3 °C above dew point to avoid condensation.

+10 °C min. / +30 °C max.

The following chart is a guide for the working time of a SikaFlow®-648 grout at various ambient temperatures.

The open time begins when the resin and hardener are mixed. It is shorter at high temperatures and longer at low temperatures. The larger the quantity mixed, the shorter the pot life. To obtain longer workability at high temperatures, the mixed grout may be divided into portions. Another method is to chill components A+B and C before mixing them (i.e. only when application temperatures are above +20 °C).

Full cure is reached in 7 days after the application at a constant temperature of 23 ºC.

Set 114.9kg (1A+1B+4C) = 57.5 l

• Do not apply at temperatures below +10 ºC nor above +30 ºC.

• Do not add solvent, water, or any other material to the grout.

• Do not alter the resin or hardener proportions.

• Cold material will exhibit decreased flowability and reduced strength development.

• Chamfering the concrete edge helps reduce thermal cracking. Following proper installation procedures also reduces the potential for cracking.

• Severe chemical attack may lead to discolouration of SikaFlow®-648. This is however no sign of physical weakening of the product.

• In case of thicker applications and complex geometries consult your local Sika representative.

The concrete should be free of frost, curing membranes, waterproofing treatments, oil stains, laitance, friable material and dust. The concrete surfaces should be chipped and if there is a water leakage it must be drained or properly plugged. Surfaces should be dry. Particular attention should be paid to bolt holes to ensure that these are dry. Use vacuum and/or oil free compressed air to remove free standing water. The concrete areas to be grouted should not be primed or sealed. Base plates, bolts, etc. must be clean (SA 2½) and free of oil, grease and paint etc. to obtain proper adhesion. Set and align equipment. If shims are to be removed after the grout has set, then lightly grease them for easy removal. Priming the metal surfaces is only required when a long delay between cleaning and grouting will allow corrosion and contamination. A head box should be installed with the formwork to ease the pour and flow of the mixed grout:

Ensure formwork is secure and watertight to prevent movement and leaking during the placing and curing of the grout. The area should be free of excessive vibration. Shut down adjacent machinery until the grout has hardened. In hot weather, base plates and foundations must be shaded from direct sunlight. Bags and buckets of grout should be stored in the shade prior to use. In cold weather, the temperature of base plates and foundations should be raised to over +10°C

The fill ratio is the weight of the aggregate to combined resin and hardener components. SikaFlow®-648 is designed to be utilised at a variable fill ratio (resin / aggregate) from the standard 1 / 6.7 ratio to as low as 1 / 5 (hi-flow version).

The standard 57.5 litre unit of SikaFlow®-648 includes 100kg (four 25kg bags) of Part C aggregate. This can be reduced to as low as 3 bags yielding 51.5 litres.

Resin and filler components can be purchased separately. Unlike most epoxy grouts, SikaFlow®-648 maintains high bearing area when fill ratios are decreased. In addition, physical properties including high temperature performance are maintained. By determining the proper fill ratio for a particular project and purchasing accordingly, the cost per litre, flow and physical properties are optimised. A guideline for suggested fill ratios is shown in the following table. In using this guide, the temperature of the foundation and plate is the critical concern, however, grout and ambient temperature are also important. Add all the contents of the hardener container to the resin part and mix thoroughly for at least 3 minutes. Transfer to a mechanical mixer. Add the aggregate, mixing thoroughly until a uniform consistency is obtained. At low temperatures (+10°C) the flow characteristics of SikaFlow®-648 will be reduced and installation times increased.

Lengths of metal strapping laid in the formwork prior to placing may be necessary to assist grout flow over large areas and in compacting and eliminating air pockets. Have sufficient manpower, materials and tools to make mixing and placing rapid and continuous. Where grout must flow some distance, make the initial batch slightly more fluid or flowable than required; this lubricates the surfaces and avoids blockage of the grout that follows. The grout shall be poured continuously and from one side only, to avoid entrapment of air while grouting. Maintain a constant hydrostatic head, preferably of at least 15 cm. On the side where the grout has been poured, allow 10 cm clearance between the side of the form and the base plate of the machine. On the opposite side allow 5-10 cm clearance between the formwork and the base plate. Due to differences in temperature between the grout under the base plate, and exposed shoulders that are subject to more rapid temperature changes, debonding and / or cracking can occur. Avoid shoulders wherever possible. If shoulders are required, they should be firmly anchored with reinforcing to the substrate to prevent debonding.

Make sure grout fills the entire space to be grouted and remains in contact with the plate throughout the entire grouting placement. Note: Do not use vibrator for placing the grout!

After the pour is complete, remove uncured epoxy from the mixer, wheelbarrow and tools with soap and water or a citrus degreaser. Cured material can only be removed mechanically.