When machinery sits on a concrete pad, the grout under the baseplate has to stay put. MasterFlow non-shrink grout holds its dimensions through cure, keeping the machine level and load-bearing. Laval Concrete installs MasterFlow for turbines, compressors, presses, and any equipment where baseplate contact matters. Free written estimate on every job.
Ordinary cement grout shrinks as it cures. For a baseplate, that shrinkage opens a gap between the machine sole plate and the grout, breaking the load path. The machine rocks on the high spots, vibrates, and the anchor bolts loosen. MasterFlow uses engineered chemistry to eliminate shrinkage, keeping the grout in full contact with the baseplate throughout cure and service life.
We specify MasterFlow based on the equipment load class, the baseplate geometry, and any chemical exposure (oils, coolants, solvents). Cementitious MasterFlow handles most machinery; epoxy MasterFlow goes in where rapid set or chemical resistance is required. The mix water ratio is critical and we hold it to BASF spec every batch.
We obtain the equipment manufacturer's grouting spec and any project engineer requirements, then select the matched MasterFlow product (cementitious or epoxy) and confirm the placement method.
Prepare the cavity
The baseplate cavity is cleaned, anchor bolts are verified in position, the baseplate is leveled and shimmed as needed, and the cavity walls are prepped for grout placement.
Mix and place grout
MasterFlow is mixed to the exact BASF water ratio (this is non-negotiable for non-shrink performance), then placed by gravity flow, pump, or pressure injection depending on cavity size and geometry.
Cure and commission
The grout cures per BASF schedule (hours for rapid epoxy, days for high-strength cementitious), and the installation is documented for the equipment commissioning file and warranty.
The mix ratio rule
Precision Mixing Is How MasterFlow Stays Non-Shrink
The non-shrink chemistry in MasterFlow is calibrated to a specific water ratio. Too much water and the grout shrinks like standard cement. Too little and it does not flow into the cavity. We measure water to the BASF spec every batch because the engineered performance depends on it. This is not a guess-and-check operation; it is a specification.
When a baseplate grout fails, it is usually because the original installer used standard grout or mixed off-ratio. The gap opens, the machine rocks, and the load path is broken. MasterFlow prevents this by holding dimensions. Coordinate with MasterTop epoxy floors when the equipment pad is part of a larger floor system, and with manufacturing facility work for the full scope.
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, Laval
★★★★★
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, Montreal
★★★★★
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, Terrebonne
★★★★★
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, Longueuil
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