Masonry grout is composed of cement, aggregate, water and admixtures to create a mix design that is fluid enough to flow around the reinforcing bars along with any other elements within the wall structure and fill the grout space.

Grout for masonry construction has a typical slump range of 8 to 11 inches and will bond to the reinforcement and the masonry block allowing the three components to act as one system providing structural integrity to the wall.

Grouting can also provide other added benefits such as improved fire rating and acoustic performance.

Another type of grout used in masonry construction is self-consolidating grout (SCG), which is similar to standard masonry grout with the exception of using admixtures such as high-range water reducers and viscosity-modifying admixtures to control the slump flow and stability of the mix design.

SCG has a slump spread range of 24 to 30 inches and requires no vibration to consolidate. Some of the benefits of using this in place of standard masonry grout is improved flow and consolidation filling the grout spaces.

SCG also requires less manpower as no additional consolidation is needed once it is placed.

Kevin McCary is a quality control manager for Hawaiian Cement.