SikaFlow®-678

SikaFlow®-678 is a low-exotherm three-component epoxy.

2 years (for both resin and hardener) when properly stored

Store in unopened containers at 60 to 80 °F (16 to 27 °C) in clean, dry conditions

125 lbs/ft³ (2,000 kg/m³)

Flow time and Bearing Area (1" clearance)

Adhesion to Concrete

Adhesion to Steel

85°F (29°C) 1 Gal, 6 depth

Resin/hardener ratio, 2 to 1 by weight

Working time

90 min at 70 °F (21 °C)

The following chart shows the working time for a fresh grout mix at various ambient temperatures. The working time begins when the hardener is added to the resin.

Do not let resin and hardener stand without adding aggregate. This material produces an exothermic. If the material exotherms without aggregate, the temperature can cause decomposition or gassing, releasing potentially hazardous fumes. If the catalyzed resin cannot be used immediately, spread the material over a large open surface, which will allow the heat to dissipate normally. These working times assume product has been properly preconditioned for cold or hot weather use

This product when discarded or disposed of, is not listed as a hazardous waste in federal regulations. Dispose of in a landfill in accordance with local regulations. For additional information on personal protective equipment, first aid, and emergency procedures, refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on the job site or contact the company at the address or phone numbers given below.

1.8 ft³ (0.05 m³)

• Do not add solvent, water, or any other material to the grout.
• Do not alter the resin or hardener proportions.
• Contact your local representative for a pre-job conference to plan the installation.
• For guidelines on specific anchor-bolt applications, contact Technical Service.
• The substrate temperature must be greater than 50 °F (10 °C).
• Cold material will exhibit decreased flowability and reduced strength development.
• The minimum placement thickness is 1" (25 mm). Consult your Sika representative before placing lifts more than 6" (152 mm) in depth.
• Chamfering the concrete edge helps reduce thermal cracking. Following proper installation procedures also reduces the potential for cracking.
• For professional use only; not for sale to or use by the general public.
• Make certain the most current versions of the product data-sheet and SDS are being used.
• Proper application is the responsibility of the user. Field visits by Sika personnel are for the purpose of making technical recommendations only and not for supervising or providing quality control on the jobsite.

1. If rust scale is present, abrade the bonding surfaces of the base to be grouted; it must be free of coatings, wax, grease, or scale. Mechanical methods, such as grinding or sanding, will suffice but do not produce as high bond strength as sandblasting.
2. The primer should be used ONLY when a long delay between cleaning and grouting could allow excessive rusting or contamination. If the base must be primed, use SikaEmaco® ADH 1090 RS. If the primer has been on the surface for more than 1 month, abrade and solvent wipe it so that no residue remains.
3. The grout should come up at least ¾" (19 mm) onto the equipment. Protect the area above it with masking tape.
4. To facilitate cleanup, wax or cover all surfaces where the grout may splash or spill.

Typical Installation

Key:

Foundation

1. Cure the foundation until the design strength of the concrete is achieved and the foundation is dry. Use the recommended procedure according to ACI 351.1R, Grouting Between Foundations and Bases for Support of Equipment and Machinery.
2. The surface to be grouted must be clean, strong, and roughened to a CSP of 5–9, following ICRI Technical Guideline No. 310.2 to permit proper bond. Do not use a bushing hammer.
3. Chamfer the edge of the concrete 45 degrees about a 2" (51mm) width.
4. If an anchor bolt sleeve is to be filled, be sure all water is removed. Use a siphon, vacuum pump, or rubber hose and bulb. Remove the residual moisture by either forced air or evaporation.
5. Seal the anchor bolt hole with felt, foam rubber, or other means.
6. Cover all shims and leveling screws with putty or clay to keep the grout from adhering. Use model clay, glazing putty, or anything with a putty consistency that will stick but not harden. Shims or jack pockets may be formed with wood, and forms filled with damp sand.
7. Remove shims or jack screws after the grout cures.
8. Shade the foundation from direct sunlight for at least 24 hours before and 48 hours after grouting.

1. Aggregate must be completely dry.
2. Precondition all components to 70 °F (21 °C) for 24 hours before using.
3. Pour the hardener (Part B) into a pail of grout resin (Part A) and stir by hand with a spatula or paint stir paddle until well mixed to a uniform amber color.
4. Pour the mixture into a horizontal shaft mortar mixer or a Kol-type mixer without delay.
5. Add the grout aggregate, one bag at a time, and mix only until the aggregate is completely wetted out to avoid air entrapment. The first batch may be slightly less fluid than later batches because some of the resin is retained on the walls of the mixer. Withholding ½–1 bag of aggregate from the first batch of a full unit will compensate for lost resin. Note: always add aggregate to the mixer after the premixed liquids have been poured in.

Placement

1. Pour the grout into a wheelbarrow or buckets for transporting to the pour site. Remove it from the wheelbarrow within 15 minutes.
2. For flat bottom plates and bases, pour the grout from one side through to the other across the short dimension.
3. When grouting closed areas, prevent air entrapment by starting at one end of the form and filling the cavity completely while advancing toward the other end.
4. SikaFlow®-678 grout will flow, but it can be aided with pushing tools like banding straps or plywood strips. Push with long, slow strokes rather than short jabs until no air pockets remain under the frames. DO NOT VIBRATE.
5. Where grout cannot be adequately worked to fill the cavity (because of large size or limited space), a head box will greatly assist flow. Use a sturdy wooden box or sheet metal funnel about 1–2 ft (0.3–0.6 m).
6. Check frequently for leaks. Leaks do not self-seal. If not stopped, they will cause voids.
7. If a multi-pour installation is necessary, sprinkle a small amount of SikaFlow®-678 aggregate on the first pour’s surface as the grout solidifies. Before placement of the second pour, brush the loose aggregate from the first pour’s surface. Another method is to sandblast and brush clean the first pour’s surface.

Cold Weather Curing
For cold weather grouting use SikaFlow®-640 Accelerator. Refer to the SikaFlow®-640 Accelerator data sheet.

1. The foundation and the equipment base will probably be cooler than room temperature unless room temperature has been constant for some time. Use the foundation and engine temperature, therefore, in estimating cure time.
2. Temperatures vary so radically, day vs. night, atmospheric vs. metal surface, that field judgment must still be used as the final measure. Cured grout should have a solid, almost metallic feel when struck with a hammer. Be sure to check as close to the base of the equipment as possible.

Hot Weather Grouting

1. Special care must be exercised when grouting at elevated temperatures, to reduce risks of premature hardening and subsequent cracking.
2. If the packaged grout is above 90 °F (32 °C), chill the sealed pails of grout resin in a tub of ice or cover the pails with water-soaked burlap to cool the grout to 70 °F (21 °C)
3. Provide shade from direct sunlight for at least 24 hours before and 48 hours after grouting.

Cold Weather Grouting

1. Temperatures below 60 °F (16 °C) make the grout stiff and hard to handle and significantly increase the cure time. The baseplate and foundation may be much cooler than room temperature. In cold weather, store materials in a warm place. For best handling, the temperature of the grout components and mixing equipment should be at least 70 °F (21 °C).
2. When baseplate and foundation temperatures (measured by a contact thermometer) are less than 50 °F (10 °C), heating of the area may be necessary.
3. If heating is required, erect an enclosure around the equipment and foundation to be grouted. Forced air or infrared heaters may be used to obtain the necessary heat to increase the baseplate and foundation temperatures to 50 to 70 °F (10 to 21 °C). Avoid local hot spots. Apply heat 1–2 days in advance of grouting to achieve uniform baseplate and foundation temperatures. Avoid exposure to exhaust from heating equipment. Remove heat during grout placement.
4. For temperatures from 40 to 50 °F (4 to 10 °C), consider using SikaFlow®-640 Grout Accelerator to accelerate strength development.

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