Resin bonded fixings to concrete, masonry and rocks

Nowadays resin bonded anti-slip surfaces are a common feature of many pedestrian walkways including footbridges. Given appropriate substrate preparation and careful selection of the adhesive they can prove to be a lightweight, durable and effective surfacing method. 

There are two basic methods by which steel bolts and bars may be anchored into concrete, masonry or brickwork utilising epoxy or polyester resin grouts(5). The first involves inserting a deformed bar or bolt into a preformed or drilled hole into which the resin grout has been poured (Fig. 7.3). 

The second type of system is marketed as encapsulated packs of polyester or epoxy resin within which there is a thin skin to keep the two eomponents separated. The capsules are placed in the hole and are fractured when the bolt or bar is inserted and turned (Fig. 7.4). In all such systems it is essential that the fixing is mechanically rotated in the hole to ensure correct mixing of the resin components. The requirements for drilling and cleaning the hole are similar to the poured grout systems but the hole size should be strictly in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. This is to ensure that the pre-measured volume of resin in the pack completely fills the annulus between the bolt and the hole. 

The concept of encapsulated packets of resin has proved most popular for polyester resin grouts. The degree of intimate mixing required is not so critical as with epoxies, curing rates are faster and installation can take place at lower temperatures. The range of applications is enormous - the fixing of reinforcement starter bars, foundation bolts, machinery and base plates, barriers and safety fences, railway and crane rails, etc. 

Resin bonded systems employing the larger bar diameters and lengths of several metres have also proved popular for rock bolting and ground anchor systems for example as shown in Fig. 7.6. Three basic systems are available  

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Resin bonded fixings to concrete, masonry and rocks... 

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