As a key structural material in construction projects, Shandong grout's performance stability directly affects project quality, structural safety, and service life. Proper storage is a prerequisite for ensuring its core properties such as strength and fluidity remain intact, so scientific storage specifications must be strictly followed. The following are detailed requirements and precautions for the storage environment of Shandong grout:
Classified Storage with Clear Labeling
There are various types of Shandong grout commonly used in construction projects, such as sleeve connection grout for steel bar connection and grout anchor lap grout for component lap joints. Different types of grout differ in formula, performance parameters, and application scenarios. During storage, separate areas should be designated to avoid mixing different types, preventing potential engineering hazards caused by misuse. At the same time, each storage area should be equipped with eye-catching signs, clearly indicating key information such as the type of grout, manufacturer, production date, and batch number, facilitating access and management, and ensuring quick location of required products during construction.
Strictly Control Shelf Life and Prohibit Expired Use
The shelf life of Shandong grout is usually 6 months to 1 year, with the specific period subject to the product outer packaging and manufacturer's instructions. The length of the shelf life is closely related to the product formula, raw material quality, and storage conditions. Improper storage environment may lead to premature performance degradation and shortened actual effective service life. When purchasing, priority should be given to products produced recently, and the shelf life should be carefully checked before warehousing; regular inspections are required during storage, and the "first-in, first-out" access principle should be followed. Once the shelf life is exceeded, irreversible changes will occur in the grout's strength, setting time, and other properties, and it is strictly prohibited to use it in projects. Otherwise, it may cause serious quality problems such as insufficient structural strength and cracking.
Maintain Dry and Ventilated Conditions to Prevent Moisture Damage
A humid environment is one of the main factors affecting the quality of Shandong grout. The cementitious materials in the grout are prone to premature hydration when exposed to water, resulting in caking and reduced fluidity. During subsequent construction, it is difficult to pour evenly, ultimately affecting the bond strength and integrity of the structure. Therefore, the storage site must meet the basic requirements of dryness and ventilation, with the relative humidity indoors controlled below 70%. It should be kept away from humid areas such as toilets and water storage tanks, as well as open-air sites or walls prone to water seepage. A well-ventilated environment can effectively reduce the humidity of the site, minimize the impact of moisture in the air on the grout, maintain its dry state, and ensure performance stability during use.
Suitable Temperature with Seasonal Protection
Temperature has a significant impact on the storage stability of Shandong grout. Targeted protective measures should be taken according to seasonal changes to ensure the storage temperature meets product requirements.
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- Winter Protection: The minimum tolerable storage temperature of Shandong grout is usually between -5℃ and 0℃ (specifically subject to product instructions). If the ambient temperature is lower than this range, the moisture in the grout is prone to freezing, damaging the internal structure, and the performance will drop significantly after thawing. Therefore, in winter, the grout should be stored in indoor warehouses. If the warehouse temperature is insufficient, heating equipment such as greenhouses and electric heaters should be built to maintain the indoor temperature above 0℃. At the same time, frequent opening and closing of warehouse doors and windows should be avoided to reduce temperature fluctuations.
- Summer Protection: The temperature is high in summer. If the grout is stored in a high-temperature environment for a long time, it is easy to accelerate the aging of internal components and affect the setting and hardening effect. When the ambient temperature exceeds 25℃, the grout should be transferred to a cool and dry indoor storage area, with the ideal storage temperature ranging from 5℃ to 30℃. During transportation and handling, the grout should be avoided from direct sunlight for a long time, and sunshade cloth can be used for cooling to prevent aging and damage of the packaging bag, which may cause moisture absorption of the raw materials.
Strengthen Fire Safety and Keep Away from Fire Hazards
Some components of Shandong grout are flammable. If placed near fire sources or exposed to long-term sunlight, it may cause combustion risks, and high temperatures will also damage its performance. The storage site must strictly abide by fire safety regulations, keep away from fire sources and heat sources such as open flames, welding areas, and distribution boxes, and prohibit smoking or stacking flammable and explosive items in the storage area. In addition, the warehouse should be equipped with fire-fighting equipment such as dry powder fire extinguishers, which must be within the validity period to ensure timely disposal in case of fire. At the same time, avoid placing the grout directly in areas exposed to direct sunlight to prevent the packaging bag from absorbing heat and causing the internal temperature to rise, leading to potential safety hazards and performance degradation.
Keep Packaging Airtight to Prevent Impurity Contamination
The packaging design of Shandong grout is intended to isolate air, moisture, and impurities, so the integrity of the packaging must be ensured during storage. Unopened grout should maintain the airtightness of the original packaging to avoid damage or tearing of the packaging bag, which may allow dust, soil, and other impurities to enter, affecting the purity and performance of the grout. If the packaging bag is opened for use, the remaining grout should be promptly placed in airtight containers with good sealing performance (such as special sealed buckets), and the lid should be tightened to prevent moisture and impurities in the air from invading. Before putting into the container, ensure the container is dry and clean, without residual moisture or other debris, to avoid secondary pollution.
Reasonable Stacking to Avoid Compression Damage
Improper stacking may lead to damage to the grout packaging or internal caking due to uneven force. During storage, the grout should be placed on special shelves with sufficient load-bearing capacity to avoid deformation due to overloading. The stacking height should not be too high, generally controlled below 1.5 meters, to prevent the lower layer of grout from being crushed and damaged by the upper layer, and to facilitate daily inspection and access. It is forbidden to stack the grout directly on the ground. Moisture-proof pads can be laid on the shelves or the ground to avoid friction damage between the packaging and the ground, and further isolate moisture from the ground to ensure the storage quality of the grout.
