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Machine foundations are designed to provide decades of reliable support, but in many industries the challenge extends beyond vibration and heavy loads.

Chemical spills, aggressive cleaning agents, acids, alkalis and process chemicals can gradually attack conventional construction materials, reducing their service life and increasing maintenance requirements.

Where machine foundations operate in chemically aggressive environments, the grout beneath the equipment must resist both mechanical loading and chemical exposure.

Why Chemical Exposure Matters

Many industrial facilities expose machine foundations to more than just static loads.

Chemical processing plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, fertiliser units, electroplating facilities, battery manufacturing and wastewater treatment plants often experience regular contact with corrosive chemicals.

Over time, these chemicals may penetrate conventional grouts, leading to deterioration, loss of mechanical properties and costly repairs.

Selecting a grout based only on compressive strength may not be sufficient when chemical exposure is part of normal plant operations.

Beyond Mechanical Strength

An epoxy grout must do much more than support the machine.

It should:

• Maintain precise machine alignment.
• Transfer heavy operating loads.
• Resist continuous vibration.
• Protect the foundation from chemical attack.
• Maintain long-term dimensional stability.

When these requirements are combined, chemical resistance becomes an important part of foundation reliability

Introducing MR. JO EP Grout – CMR

MR. Jo EP Grout CMR is a high-performance chemical resistant epoxy grout developed for machine foundations operating in aggressive industrial environments.

In addition to the mechanical advantages expected from an epoxy grout, EP Grout CMR offers enhanced resistance to a wide range of industrial chemicals, making it suitable for installations where both structural performance and chemical durability are essential.

Typical Applications

Mr. Jo EP Grout CMR is recommended for:

• Chemical processing plants
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Fertiliser plants
• Battery manufacturing facilities
• Electroplating units
• Wastewater treatment plants
• Pump foundations in chemical service
• Process equipment base plates
• Industrial machinery exposed to corrosive environments

Why Chemical Resistant Grout Improves Reliability

Machine foundations are expected to remain stable throughout the life of the equipment.

When aggressive chemicals reach the grout beneath the base plate, gradual deterioration can compromise the integrity of the installation and increase maintenance requirements.

A chemically resistant epoxy grout helps preserve both the foundation and the precision alignment of the equipment, reducing the likelihood of premature repairs.

Complete Foundation Protection

The grout is only one part of a durable foundation system.

Where foundations are exposed to chemical splash or wash-down, protecting the exposed concrete surfaces is equally important. Applying a suitable protective coating from the Mr. Jo Protectokot range can help shield the foundation against long-term chemical attack, creating a complete protection system.

Surface Preparation and Installation

As with all epoxy grouts, proper surface preparation is essential for long-term performance.

Concrete should be clean, sound and properly prepared before grouting. Appropriate formwork, correct mixing procedures and controlled placement help ensure complete filling beneath the base plate while minimising air entrapment.

For thicker pours, placing the grout in successive layers helps control heat generation and achieve consistent curing.

Should You Choose EP Grout STD or EP Grout CMR?

The choice depends primarily on the operating environment.

Choose MR. JO EP Grout – STD when the foundation is exposed mainly to mechanical loads, vibration, industrial oils and normal operating conditions.

Choose MR. JO EP Grout – CMR when aggressive chemicals, acids, alkalis or corrosive process environments are expected during the service life of the installation.

Selecting the appropriate grout at the beginning of the project can significantly reduce future maintenance and improve equipment reliability.

Final Thoughts

A machine foundation should be designed for the environment in which it operates.

Where heavy loads are combined with aggressive chemical exposure, selecting a chemical resistant epoxy grout helps protect both the equipment and the supporting foundation.

Mr. Jo EP Grout CMR has been developed for these demanding industrial applications, providing reliable mechanical performance together with enhanced chemical resistance to support long-term plant operation.