What is base-can grouting?
Filling around the base can with the specified grout — solid, void-free and clear of the can’s interior — so it is locked in its set position, supported under wheel loads and sealed against water.
Base-can grouting is filling the space between the can and the surrounding pavement with the specified grout. It locks the can in position, supports it all round so it does not rock under wheel loads, and seals it against water.
Mix the grout exactly as the manufacturer instructs and fill every gap, because a void leaves the can unsupported and lets water in. Keep grout out of the can: plug the openings and cover the mouth first. The pour can move the can, so keep it held and recheck level and alignment before the grout sets. Work to the airport’s permit-to-work and leave the area free of spilled grout and debris.
- Prepare. Clean the hole of loose material and water, and confirm the can is still on position.
- Protect. Plug the cable entries and cover the can mouth so no grout gets in, and keep the drain hole and the free-draining bed below the can clear.
- Mix. Prepare the specified grout to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Place. Pour from one side and work around, rodding or vibrating as the grout allows, so air is pushed out and every gap fills.
- Finish. Bring the grout to the pavement level (or the elevation the design gives) and clean it off the flange and threads.
- Recheck and cure. Recheck level and alignment while workable, then leave undisturbed for the specified cure time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is base-can grouting in airfield ground lighting?
Base-can grouting is filling the space between the base can and the surrounding pavement with the specified grout, so the can is fixed rigidly in its set position, supported all round and sealed against water.
Q2Why must the grout fill every gap with no voids?
A void beside the can leaves it unsupported, so wheel loads can make it rock, crack the grout and loosen the surrounding pavement. A void can also hold or pass water. Place the grout so that air is pushed out ahead of it, and rod or vibrate it as the grout type allows.
Q3Why keep grout out of the base can?
The inside of the can holds the cable entries, the fixture seating and the bolt threads. Grout in there blocks cables, damages threads and stops the fixture seating properly. Plug the openings and cover the can mouth before grouting, keep the drain hole and the bed beneath it clear so the can can still drain, and clean any spill off the flange straight away.
Q4What grout is used?
The type the design or the can manufacturer specifies, for example a non-shrink cement-based grout or a resin-based one. Mix it exactly as the manufacturer instructs and do not substitute another product or change the mix.
Q5Can the base can move while it is being grouted?
Yes. The pour can push or float the can, and a can that has moved is hard to correct once the grout sets. Keep it supported and held by the jig, place the grout steadily, and recheck level and alignment while the grout is still workable.
Q6How long before the fixture is fitted or traffic is allowed?
Only after the manufacturer’s cure time for the grout has passed, and as the airport’s procedures require. Fitting the fixture or opening the area early can disturb the can before the grout has gained its strength.
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