Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Conbextra EBG-M different from Conbextra EP10M and when should each be selected?

Both Conbextra EBG-M and Conbextra EP10M are three-component epoxy grouts from the Fosroc Conbextra range for industrial machinery grouting, and both provide very high compressive strength and chemical resistance. The distinction between them relates to the specific formulation optimisation for different application types within the epoxy grout category. Conbextra EP10M is a high-strength epoxy grout for precision machinery — it is formulated for flowability and precision grouting of accurately aligned base plates where complete void-free filling of the bearing gap is the primary requirement. Conbextra EBG-M is specifically formulated as a bearing bed grout for heavy industrial machinery and structural steelwork — the formulation emphasis is on the dynamic load resistance and stiffness properties that are critical for heavy machinery foundations subjected to high cyclic loading. For most industrial grouting queries, Space Arc Engineering can advise on the correct product for the specific machinery type, load conditions, and environmental exposure based on a brief description of the application.

Is Conbextra EBG-M suitable for outdoor heavy machinery installations exposed to Indian weather?

Yes. Conbextra EBG-M provides good weathering resistance and is suitable for outdoor industrial machinery installations. Epoxy grout is inherently more resistant to water penetration, freeze-thaw cycling, and chemical attack than cementitious grout, which makes it a better choice for outdoor machinery plinths that are exposed to monsoon rain, sun, and temperature variation. The cured epoxy grout does not absorb water and does not suffer the surface degradation (dusting, carbonation) that can affect cementitious grout surfaces in outdoor exposure. The thermal expansion coefficient of epoxy grout is higher than concrete, which means that in outdoor exposure with large temperature swings between summer and winter, differential thermal movement between the epoxy grout body and the concrete plinth must be considered in the joint design. Debonding at the grout-concrete interface is not a common problem in practice, but in very large bearing areas with extreme temperature variation, the Fosroc technical team should be consulted on detailing.

What surface preparation of the concrete plinth is required before applying Conbextra EBG-M?

Thorough substrate preparation is critical for achieving the bond strength and performance specified for epoxy bearing bed grouts. The concrete plinth surface must be mechanically prepared by grit blasting, scabbling, or high-pressure water jetting to expose clean aggregate and provide a roughened mechanical key. The surface must be clean, dry, and free of any oil, grease, laitance, curing compound, or bond-breaking contamination. Epoxy grout in particular requires a dry substrate — any residual moisture on the concrete surface can inhibit the bond between the epoxy and the concrete and cause blistering or delamination of the grout from the plinth. The prepared dry surface should be primed with the Conbextra EP10M epoxy primer component (or the specific primer recommended in the Conbextra EBG-M data sheet) before the epoxy grout is poured. Priming increases the bond strength between the epoxy grout and the concrete substrate and provides additional protection against moisture-related bond failure.