December 2021

Structural

PIP STS03601M
Application of ACI 351.5M-15,
Specification for Installation of Epoxy Grout between
Foundations and Equipment Bases (Metric)
 PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has been
prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major industrial users,
contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical requirements into a
single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering costs to both the
purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice is expected to
incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual applications may involve
requirements that will be appended to and take precedence over this Practice. Determinations
concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters or application of the Practice to
particular project or engineering situations should not be made solely on information
contained in these materials. The use of trade names from time to time should not be viewed
as an expression of preference but rather recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other
brands having the same specifications are equally correct and may be substituted for those
named. All Practices or guidelines are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and
regulations including OSHA requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines should
conflict with OSHA or other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be
followed. Consult an appropriate professional before applying or acting on any material
contained in or suggested by the Practice.

This Practice is subject to revision at any time.

© Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The University of Texas at
Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin, Texas 78759. PIP Member Companies and
Subscribers may copy this Practice for their internal use. Changes or modifications of any kind
are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express written authorization of PIP.
Authorized Users may attach addenda or overlays to clearly indicate modifications or
exceptions to specific sections of PIP Practices. Authorized Users may provide their clients,
suppliers and contractors with copies of the Practice solely for Authorized Users’ purposes.
These purposes include but are not limited to the procurement process (e.g., as attachments to
requests for quotation/ purchase orders or requests for proposals/contracts) and preparation and
issue of design engineering deliverables for use on a specific project by Authorized User’s
client. PIP’s copyright notices must be clearly indicated and unequivocally incorporated in
documents where an Authorized User desires to provide any third party with copies of the
Practice.

PUBLISHING HISTORY
December 2021 Issued

Not printed with State funds

 December 2021

Structural

PIP STS03601M
Application of ACI 351.5M-15,
Specification for Installation of Epoxy Grout between
Foundations and Equipment Bases (Metric)
Table of Contents
Scope .................................................. 2
References .......................................... 2
Industry Codes and Standards .................... 2

Definitions ........................................... 2
Requirements ..................................... 3
General ........................................................ 3
Revisions to ACI 351.5M-15 ........................ 3

Process Industry Practices Page 1 of 6

 PIP STS03601
Application of ACI 351.5M-15, Specification for Installation of Epoxy December 2021
Grout between Foundations and Equipment Bases (Metric)

Scope
This Practice supplements ACI 351.5M-15, Specification for Installation of Epoxy Grout between
Foundations and Equipment Bases (Metric). Together, this Practice and ACI 351.5M-15 provide
requirements for supplying, testing and installing epoxy grout materials.

The requirements of ACI 351.5M-15, as modified and supplemented by this Practice, are adopted by this
Practice for supplying, testing and installing epoxy grout materials.

References
Applicable requirements of the following industry standard shall be considered an integral part of this
Practice. Short title is used herein where appropriate.

Industry Codes and Standards

• American Concrete Institute (ACI)
– ACI 351.5M-15 - Specification for Installation of Epoxy Grout between Foundations and
Equipment Bases (Metric)

Definitions
Terminology used in the additions and modifications to the requirements of ACI 351.5M-15 presented in
the Requirements section of this Practice is the same as terminology used in ACI 351.5M-15 with the
exception of the PIP terms “purchaser” and “owner” which are presented in one term in ACI 351.5M-15
as “Owner.” PIP terminology and definitions that are considered equivalent to terminology used in
ACI 351.5M-15 are provided for reference below:
constructor: Party responsible for supplying materials, equipment, tools, supervision, and labor for
installation of epoxy grout in accordance with contract documents. The term constructor applies also to
constructor’s subcontractor(s) and vendor(s). Referred to as “Contractor” in ACI 351.5M-15.
contract documents: Any and all documents, including codes, studies, design drawings/documents,
specifications, sketches, practices, and data sheets, that purchaser has transmitted or otherwise
communicated, either by incorporation or reference, and made part of the legal contract agreement or
purchase order between purchaser and constructor. Referred to as “Contract Documents” in
ACI 351.5M-15.
epoxy grout manufacturer: Party who produces and warrants the performance of epoxy grout materials
provided in accordance with contract documents. Epoxy grout materials are manufactured in a controlled
process using standard codes, specifications, tests and possibly include shop drawings to assist in proper
application, installation and/or use. The term epoxy grout manufacturer applies also to epoxy grout
manufacturer’s subcontractor(s) and/or vendor(s).
inspector: Party responsible for verifying quality of all materials, installations, and workmanship
furnished by constructor. Inspector is qualified by training and experience and holds certifications or
documentation of their qualifications. Unless otherwise specified in contract documents, inspector is an
independent party retained by purchaser. Referred to as “Owner’s Testing agency” in ACI 351.5M-15.
owner: Party who has authority through ownership, lease, or other legal agreement over project wherein
epoxy grout will be used. Referred to as “Owner” in ACI 351.5M-15.

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 PIP STS03601
Application of ACI 351.5M-15, Specification for Installation of Epoxy December 2021
Grout between Foundations and Equipment Bases (Metric)

purchaser: Party who awards contract to constructor. Purchaser may be owner or owner’s authorized
agent. Purchaser role is the same as “Architect/Engineer” in ACI 351.5M-15.

Requirements
This Requirements section describes the additions and modifications to the requirements of ACI 351.5M-15.
The numbering of headings and paragraphs in this section correspond to the numbering of ACI 351.5M-15.
Only the sections and paragraph, and corresponding numbering, of the revised requirements are included in
this section. All provisions of ACI 351.5M-15 that are not revised by this Practice shall remain in force for
this Practice.

General
Work shall conform to all requirements of ACI 351.5M-15, Specification for Installation of Epoxy Grout
between Foundations and Equipment Bases (Metric), published by the American Concrete Institute,
Farmington Hills, Michigan, except as modified by this Practice.
Revisions to ACI 351.5M-15
All headings contained herein correspond to paragraph numbering within ACI 351.5M-15. All
requirements specified in this specification are additions to those of ACI 351.5M-15 unless specifically
noted as exceptions. Paragraph numbers in this specification that do not appear in ACI 351.5M-15 are
new paragraphs. All provisions of ACI 351.5M-15 that are not modified or deleted remain in force.

PART 1 – GENERAL
1.4 Modification. To Read as Follows:
1.4 – Referenced standards
Standards of American Concrete Institute (ACI) and ASTM International (ASTM) cited
in this specification are listed by name and designation, including year. Practices of
Process Industry Practices (PIP) cited in this specification are listed by name and
designation and shall be the edition in effect on the date of contract award.

1.4.1 American Concrete Institute (ACI)

ACI 117M-10 (Reapproved 2015) – Specification for Tolerances for Concrete

Construction and Materials

ACI 301-20 SI – Specifications for Concrete Construction – International System of Units

(SI)

ACI 351.1R-12 – Report on Grouting between Foundations and Bases for Support of
Equipment and Machinery

1.4.2 ASTM International (ASTM)

ASTM C531-18 – Standard Test Method for Linear Shrinkage and Coefficient of Thermal
Expansion of Chemical-Resistant Mortars, Grouts, Monolithic Surfacings, and Polymer
Concretes

ASTM C579-18 – Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength of Chemical-

Resistant Mortars, Grouts, Monolithic Surfacings, and Polymer Concretes

Process Industry Practices Page 3 of 6

 PIP STS03601
Application of ACI 351.5M-15, Specification for Installation of Epoxy December 2021
Grout between Foundations and Equipment Bases (Metric)

ASTM C827/C827M-16 – Standard Test Method for Change in Height at Early Ages of
Cylindrical Specimens of Cementitious Mixtures

ASTM C882/C882M-20 – Standard Test Method for Bond Strength of Epoxy-Resin

Systems Used With Concrete By Slant Shear

ASTM C1107/C1107M-20 – Standard Specification for Packaged Dry, Hydraulic-Cement

Grout (Nonshrink)

ASTM C1181/C1181M-17 – Standard Test Methods for Compressive Creep of Chemical-

Resistant Polymer Machinery Grouts

ASTM C1339/C1339M-18 – Standard Test Method for Flowability and Bearing Area of
Chemical-Resistant Polymer Machinery Grouts

1.4.3 Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP STF05121 – Anchor Fabrication and Installation into Concrete

1.5 Addition. New Paragraph:

1.5 – Submittals
1.5.4.1.d. Grout manufacturer's certified test data, material safety data sheets, and
storage and installation instructions.

PART 2 – PRODUCTS
2.1 Modification. To Read as Follows:
2.1 – Materials
2.1.1 Grout

Supply grout that complies with:

a) Minimum compressive strength (ASTM C579, Method B modified): 80 MPa at
7 days
b) Maximum linear shrinkage: epoxy grout shall not shrink and shall expand not
more than 4.0 percent when tested in accordance with ASTM C827/C827M
(before set) and not more than 1.0 percent when tested in accordance with
ASTM C531
c) Maximum coefficient of thermal expansion (ASTM C531): 54 x 10-6 mm/mm/°C
d) Maximum creep (ASTM C1181/C1181M): 0.005 mm/mm, tested at 20°C and
60°C with 2.8 MPa applied vertical load
e) Minimum bond strength of epoxy grout to concrete (ASTM C882/C882M):
14 MPa
f) The peak exotherm of a cylinder of epoxy grout 50 mm in diameter and 100 mm
high, tested at a material and laboratory temperature of 24°C, shall not be greater
than 35°C. Epoxy grout shall not emit highly volatile inhalation irritants.

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 PIP STS03601
Application of ACI 351.5M-15, Specification for Installation of Epoxy December 2021
Grout between Foundations and Equipment Bases (Metric)

2.1.2 Grout Consistency

Grout consistency shall be selected based on the following criteria:

a) Previous use of grout for similar application at the site or similar site, or
b) Tests based on ASTM C1339/C1339M. Minimum bearing area shall be “high-
greater than 85%,” as determined by ASTM C1339/C1339M. Using the 25 mm
clearance, grout must make contact with the end plate and full-length contact
with the top cover plate as determined by ASTM C1339/C1339M.
Note: If needed, ACI 351.1R Performance and Flow Evaluation Test can be used
to demonstrate that the grout will be suitable for the application.
2.2 Modification. To Read as Follows:
2.2 – Accessories
2.2.1 – Expansion joint filler shall be redwood unless otherwise specified in Contract
Documents. Joint sealant material shall be room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone
sealant unless otherwise specified in Contract Documents.
Comment: Redwood, red cedar, metal, or special chemical resistant foam can be
used. Closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam should not be used, as it can melt due to
the exothermic reaction and create a void that may later fill with fluids.
2.2.2 – Supply forms and formwork, including accessories, as specified in 2.2 of
ACI 301-20 SI.
2.2.3 – Form release agent used as a bond breaker shall be three coats of paste wax or
polyethylene sheeting unless otherwise specified in Contract Documents.

PART 3 – EXECUTION
3.1 Preparation
3.1.1 Modification. To Read as Follows:
3.1.1 – Prepare concrete surface only where grout is to be placed as specified elsewhere
in Contract Documents to remove all laitance and microcracking from the concrete and
expose coarse aggregate. Use only small hand tools or a small pneumatic hammer with
130 N maximum weight with a moil or chisel point to generate the profile. Nail point
tools, bush or bush head bits, large jack hammers, or pavement breakers shall not be
used. The surface shall be thoroughly cleaned and protected from subsequent
contamination. If water is used for cleaning, allow surface to air dry for a minimum of
48 hours prior to grout installation. Surface preparation shall not begin until concrete has
attained minimum strength of 17.25 MPa unless otherwise specified in Contract
Documents.
3.1.4 Modification. To Read as Follows:
3.1.4 – Clear debris, dirt, and water by oil-free compressed air or vacuum from anchor
sleeves and other holes and similar items that are specified not to be grouted. Verify that
anchor sleeves that are not specified in the Contract Documents to be filled with grout
have been filled with a nonbonding moldable material (e.g., silicone based compound of

Process Industry Practices Page 5 of 6

 PIP STS03601
Application of ACI 351.5M-15, Specification for Installation of Epoxy December 2021
Grout between Foundations and Equipment Bases (Metric)

heavy consistency) or an elastomeric moldable non-hardening material (e.g., acrylic roof

coating) in accordance with PIP STF05121.
3.1.10 Modification. To Read as Follows:
3.1.10 Forms – Forms shall be constructed in accordance with ACI 301-20 SI. Forms
shall extend at least 25 mm above the highest elevation of the grout material under the
grouted element and shall be built so that grout can be placed as continuously and
expeditiously as possible. Forms may also be provided to prevent grout from flowing
over the top surface of machine base or baseplate.
3.1.11 Modification. To Read as Follows:
3.1.11 Form coating – Coat or cover formwork surface with material specified in 2.2.3
that prevents bond with epoxy grout. Do not allow formwork coating to contact underside
of the equipment base or concrete surface.
3.2 Installation
3.2.7 Modification. To Read as Follows:
3.2.7 Surface finishes – Finish surface with a floated finish unless otherwise specified in
Contract Documents. If troweled or broomed finished is specified, finish surface while
grout is still tacky.

Process Industry Practices Page 6 of 6