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Dry vs. Wet Pour of the Grout

We have had several jobs in which the grout was poured in the VOBB block on a "dry" basis. Some contractors prefer dry vs. wet and vice versa.

The dry pour method will "work" based on a person's requirements and the job. However, each owner will need to take full responsibility for the results. The dry method will work"IF" the grout is stirred and water is added in the proper amount. (VOBB can not take any responsibility for supervising the mixing of the grout.)

Samples of wet pour of the grout:

Using a concrete truck to mix the grout, then using a wheelbarrow to move the grout to the job site for pouring into the VOBB block.

Simply using a bucket to pour in the grout into the VOBB block:

Using a concrete pump to move the grout into the VOBB block:

Samples of dry pour of the grout:

Pouring in the cement mix - DRY - THIS IS A BIG TIME AND LABOR SAVING METHOD!!!!

After the mix and water is in, just stir with some rebar to settle the mix.

It is is much easier and cheaper to mix in the water using a water hose with a nozzle vs. mixing the cement mix

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Keith is pouring in dry concrete with pea gravel mix. Water is added as it is poured in for a very cost-effective and simple method. It is very important to wet the VOBB blocks before and after if this method is used.

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Filling a cavity NOTE: Dry concrete mix with pea gravel is being poured into the VOBB block with water from a water hose. Simple, easy and cheap!! On the bag of concrete mix, it says just add water. It does not say you have to mix it in a mixer. As VOBB has no weak mortar joints, this method greatly reduces the labor cost and waste of building a quality concrete block wall. However, there are some engineers who do not like this method. It is totally up to the person paying the bill to decide which way they want. Be sure to check with the local building inspector. (We suggest you do a sample with three 18" VOBB using the dry-pour method first to show the inspector the quality.)

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Below is a summary from Mark from Houston (Webster), TX after he attended a class at Louisiana Technical College and then did his own tests.

"Once it was pounded for another 10 minutes, you could see the rebar & how well it adhered to the core. The whole piece just seemed to meld into one solid mass. I was very impressed.

In conclusion, I would have to say that pre-mixing the concrete with 4 to 4 ½ pints of water per 40 lb of dry concrete mix, is the best way to achieve good results. I can’t recommend pouring in the concrete dry with a water hose. It just doesn't give as much strength. Concrete loses its strength the more water is added, I’ve learned from books recently. And it’s really hard to get it mixed evenly with just a stick poking down the hole. The drill did a much better job. So for my project, I will be pre-mixing all my concrete with that big drill. It’s more work, but I want the end product to be as strong as possible."

-Mark

If you would like a complete copy of Mark's report, please let us know.

We are very grateful for Mark sharing his info and tests with us. We believe by communication, cooperation and commitment (the three C's) we can build a better home, etc. on a cost effective basis. We appreciate all comments to improve.

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For an interesting tool, please check out:

http://www.groutgrunt.com/index.htm