When a machine sits on a concrete pad, the grout underneath has to stay put. MasterFlow non-shrink grout holds its dimensions through cure, transferring load from the equipment sole plate into the foundation without gaps or settlement. Detroit Concrete installs MasterFlow for industrial equipment commissioning, structural anchor retrofits, and any application where dimensional stability is engineered into the spec. Free written estimate on every project.
Ordinary cement grout shrinks as it cures. For most masonry applications, that shrinkage is negligible. But under a machine baseplate, even small shrinkage creates voids between the grout and the sole plate. Those voids break the load path, causing the equipment to rock on high spots, vibrate excessively, and wear prematurely. MasterFlow non-shrink chemistry compensates for shrinkage, keeping the grout in full contact with the baseplate throughout cure.
The difference is engineered. BASF formulates MasterFlow products to expand slightly during cure, offsetting natural shrinkage and holding dimensions. We install MasterFlow for turbines, compressors, pumps, and any equipment where the baseplate grouting is part of the commissioning spec. The right product depends on load class, cure timeline, and any chemical exposure; we select from the BASF range based on the equipment manufacturer's requirement.
We obtain the equipment manufacturer's grouting specification and any project engineer notes, 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, anchor bolts are confirmed in place, the baseplate is leveled and shimmed as required, and the cavity perimeter is sealed to prevent grout loss during placement.
Mix and place grout
MasterFlow is mixed to the BASF water ratio (this ratio is critical to non-shrink performance), then placed into the cavity by gravity flow, pump, or pressure injection depending on cavity geometry and product type.
Cure and commission
The grout cures per BASF schedule (hours for rapid-set epoxy, days for high-strength cementitious), with the installation documented for the equipment commissioning file and load-bearing verification.
The mix ratio rule
Precision in Water Ratio Defines MasterFlow Performance
MasterFlow non-shrink chemistry is calibrated to a specific water-to-powder ratio. Add too much water and the grout shrinks like standard cement. Add too little and it does not flow into the cavity properly, leaving voids. We mix to the BASF specification every batch because the engineered non-shrink behavior depends on it. Off-ratio mixing degrades the load-transfer path and compromises the entire installation.
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, Detroit
★★★★★
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, Warren
★★★★★
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, Ann Arbor
★★★★★
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, Sterling Heights
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