When a machine sits on a foundation, the grout underneath has to stay put. MasterFlow is BASF's engineered non-shrink grout line that holds its dimensions through cure, transferring load from the equipment sole plate into the concrete slab without gaps or settlement. Gatineau Concrete installs MasterFlow for industrial equipment commissioning, structural anchor retrofits, and any baseplate where dimensional stability is the engineering requirement.
Ordinary cement-based grout shrinks as it cures. For most masonry applications, that shrinkage is acceptable. But under an equipment baseplate, shrinkage creates voids between the grout and the machine sole plate, breaking the load path and allowing the equipment to settle or vibrate. MasterFlow uses engineered chemistry that expands slightly during cure to compensate for normal shrinkage, maintaining full contact with the baseplate and transferring load directly into the foundation.
The grout's non-shrink performance is calibrated to a specific water ratio. We mix every batch to the BASF specification because off-ratio mixing compromises the engineered behavior and the grout shrinks like standard cement. The discipline is invisible but the result shows in equipment performance.
We obtain the equipment manufacturer's grouting specification and any project engineer requirements, then select the matched MasterFlow product (cementitious for standard loads, epoxy for high-load or chemically aggressive conditions).
Prepare the cavity
The baseplate cavity is cleaned and prepped, anchor bolts are confirmed in place, the baseplate is leveled and shimmed as needed, and the cavity walls are readied for grout placement.
Mix and place grout
MasterFlow is mixed to the exact BASF water ratio (this is critical for non-shrink performance), then placed into the cavity by gravity flow, pump, or pressure injection depending on the geometry and product type.
Cure and commission
The grout cures per BASF schedule (cementitious products reach load strength in days, rapid-set epoxy in hours), with the install documented for the equipment commissioning file and equipment startup.
Where baseplate grouting fails
The Mix Ratio Is Where Precision Matters
MasterFlow's non-shrink performance depends on the water ratio being exact. Too much water and the grout shrinks like ordinary cement, creating voids under the baseplate. Too little water and the grout does not flow into the cavity properly, leaving air pockets. We mix to the BASF specification every batch because anything else compromises the engineered chemistry and the load-transfer performance.
Coordinate with heavy equipment installation when the baseplate grouting is part of a larger equipment commissioning, and with MasterSeal waterproofing if the foundation requires below-grade protection.
Cementitious vs epoxy, mix ratios, baseplate spec and commissioning.
Cementitious for most baseplate grouting (high compressive strength, good non-shrink performance, lower cost). Epoxy for higher-load or chemically aggressive environments and where rapid set is needed. We pick based on the spec and load.
Because the non-shrink performance is calibrated to a specific water ratio. Off-ratio mixing compromises the engineered chemistry, the grout shrinks during cure, and the load-transfer path through the baseplate is degraded.
Yes, for larger cavities or pressure-required installs. Most baseplate grouts go in by gravity flow with appropriate flow techniques; pressure injection is reserved for specific geometries.
Cementitious products typically cure to load-bearing strength in days; rapid-set epoxy can reach service strength in hours. The exact cure schedule is in the BASF product spec; equipment commissioning follows it.
Yes, MasterFlow products include formulations for structural anchor grouting where engineered non-shrink performance is critical. We pick the right product from the BASF range.
MasterFlow under a turbine baseplate, full non-shrink performance verified at commissioning. Equipment runs without vibration issues, no settlement at the pad. Real engineering grouting.
Z. I6
Industrial Operations, Gatineau
★★★★★
They mixed to the BASF water ratio exactly every batch. The discipline is invisible but the result shows in load-transfer performance through the cured grout.
Y. I6
Plant Engineer, Ottawa
★★★★★
Equipment retrofit with MasterFlow regrouting on a baseplate that had failed. New install holds; the original had used standard grout and shrunk away from the plate. Right product made the difference.
Q. I6
Maintenance Manager, Barrhaven
★★★★★
Rapid-set epoxy MasterFlow on a tight commissioning timeline. Cured to load strength inside the window we had. The right product within the BASF range matters.
X. I6
Facility Engineer, Nepean
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