When traditional blasting is too risky and heavy machinery is too invasive, ROCK-X expanding grout is the professional’s choice for controlled demolition. Whether you are tackling a residential basement renovation or a sensitive utility trench, mastering the application of ROCK-X ensures a safe, silent, and highly effective break every time.

Follow these optimized step-by-step instructions to get the best results from your expanding grout.

Select the Correct Grout Type for the Temperature: Expanding grout relies on a temperature-sensitive chemical reaction. To prevent blowouts or slow reaction times, you must match the grout type to the core temperature of the rock or concrete. Type 0: -5C to 10C (23F to 50F) Type 1: 10C to 20C (50F to 68F) Type 2: 20C to 30C (68F to 86F) Type 3: 30C to 40C (86F to 104F)

Precision Drilling and Layout: The success of the split depends on your drill pattern. Hole Diameter: For ROCK-X, drill holes between 1 inch and 2 inches in diameter. Hole Depth: Drill to 80-90% of the total thickness of the material. Depth should always be at least four times the diameter of the hole. Spacing: Space holes between 10 to 16 inches apart. Closer spacing creates smaller fragments and faster results. Clean the Holes: Use a vacuum or air hose to ensure every hole is free of dust, debris, and standing water.

The Mixing Process: Consistency is vital for maximum expansion pressure. Use a slow-speed electrical mixer with a paint paddle for a lump-free slurry. The Ratio: Use exactly 1.5 liters of cool, clean water per 5kg bag of ROCK-X. The Method: Always add the water to the bucket first, then gradually add the grout powder while mixing. Duration: Mix for 2 to 3 minutes until the grout looks like a smooth, pourable liquid.

Pouring for Maximum Impact: Reaction time starts the moment water hits the powder, so work efficiently. Fill immediately: Pour the mixture into the holes right after mixing. Fill Level: Fill the holes to within 1/2 inch of the top. Sequence: For trenching or excavation, always pour the holes closest to the open relief face first to give the rock room to expand and break.

Monitoring the Curing Process: While the grout does the heavy lifting, your job is to monitor and stay safe. Initial Cracking: You will typically see small hair-line fractures within 6 to 12 hours. Full Expansion: Allow 12 to 48 hours for the widest cracks and most extensive breaking. Safety Note: Never look directly into filled holes during the first 6 hours. In rare cases, if the rock is too hot or the wrong type is used, a blowout can occur.

Final Extraction: Once the grout has completed its expansion cycle, the material will be fractured into manageable pieces. These can be easily removed with a mini-excavator, a small jackhammer, or by hand, depending on the scale of the project.

By following these professional steps, you turn a difficult rock-breaking job into a controlled, predictable process. ROCK-X provides the power of explosives with the safety of a simple construction project.