Detailed Step-by-Step Dexpan Instructions
Before You Start
Choose the correct product
Select the correct version of Dexpan based on the core temperature of concrete or rock, NOT based on the air temperature or weather report.
Type #1: 25–40°C (77–104°F)
Type #2: 10–25°C (50–77°F)
Type #3: –5–10°C (23–50°F)
Safety Precautions
1. Due to the highly alkaline nature of the product:
• risk of serious eye injury
• may cause skin dryness, irritation or serious chemical burns
• inhalation of dust may irritate respiratory system or lungs
• use of Personal Protective Equipment is mandatory
2. NEVER stand over or look directly into filled holes. Forceful blowouts can occur.
3. DO NOT breathe in the dust.
4. DO NOT leave excess mixed Dexpan slurry sitting in the bucket. Dilute with excess water and dispose of it according to local regulations.
5. Wash hands, forearms, and other exposed areas thoroughly after handling.
6. Beware of any residual product on skin, clothing, gloves, watches, shoes, phone or equipment that could cause a delayed chemical burn.
7. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before re-use.
8. Have plenty of water nearby for immediate rinsing in case of skin or eye contact.
Personal Protective Equipment
To prevent irritation and injuries, the following Personal Protective Equipment is mandatory:
• Eye Protection
• Dust Mask or Respirator
• Rubber Gloves
• Protective Clothing (long sleeves and pants to protect skin)
Recommended Equipment
Measuring Tape
Infrared Temperature Gun
Utility knife
Paint Stir Stick
Mixing Bucket
Electric Hand Drill
Mixing Paddle
Detailed Dexpan Instructions
Step 1 - Plan
There are several factors to consider when planning your project:
what are the objectives (demolition, excavation, dimension, pre-crack, split)
degree of fracturing required
how much of the work you want Dexpan to do
do you have powerful equipment available to do secondary breaking, removal
do you need Dexpan to break up the material more extensively?
size of broken material desired
material characteristics (hardness, consistency, any reinforcing)
does the material have an open face or expansion space to allow the material to expand and break apart
do you need to protect adjoining structure from fracturing
any time constraints
Correct decisions related to the hole diameter, spacing, depth, angle and arrangement will:
maximize product performance and improve fracturing results
save money in quantity of Dexpan consumed
reduces labour by reducing time spent drilling/filling holes
allow for more targeted and controlled breaking
gets the job done right, the first time
protects any sensitive surrounding structures
Step 2 - Drill
1. Better to drill a few more holes than too few.
2. Ensure the rock or concrete has an open face or expansion space to allow the material to fracture, expand and break apart.
3. Recommended Hole Diameter is 38 mm ( 1-1/2” )
4. Recommended spacing: 8x hole diameter.
5. Our standard hole drilling guidelines are provided below:
Concrete |
Reinforced Concrete |
Hard Rock |
Soft Rock |
Boulders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 1.5” | 1.5” | 1.5” | 1.5” | 1.5” |
| Spacing | 12” | 10 - 12” | 10 - 12” | 12” | 10” |
| Depth | 80% height | 90% height | 100% depth + 8" | 100% depth + 8" | 75% height |
6. If holes are spaced too far apart the product may fail or result in delayed results, fewer cracks, smaller crack width and less overall fracturing.
7. Match the angle and depth with adjoining holes (as if you are looking at a cross-section). You want the holes to work together — for the pressure generated by each hole to work in unison with the adjoining hole.
8. Use 45° angled holes on flat or confined materials, to compensate for a lack of an open face or expansion space.
9. Use relief holes (holes that are drilled, left empty, not filled with Dexpan):
• when material to be fractured is enclosed, confined on all sides and/or lacks expansion space
• to limit fracturing or protect an adjoining part of a structure
• to create corners, direct where cracks should run or terminate
10. Protect drilled holes from rain, runoff and debris
Step 3 - Mix
IMPORTANT
Use safety goggles, dust mask and gloves when mixing Dexpan.
Organize personnel & equipment:
close to the holes to be filled
to ensure mixture is poured into holes within 5 minutes of mixing.
In mixing bucket:
add 1.5 L of cool water (measure, don’t estimate, to obtain the correct quantity of water)
slowly add one bag of Dexpan
mix well, we recommend electric hand drill + mixing paddle
scrape bottom and sides of bucket to fully incorporate all powder
Step 4 - Pour
Pour promptly after mixing (within 5 minutes of mixing)
Gradually fill holes with mixture.
Continuously pour the mixture, one hole at a time, to avoid air pockets.
Use a funnel where necessary.
Leave ½ to 1 inch of space from the top (not necessary to fill to the very top).
Fill the holes nearest your open face (where there is room to expand) first.
Pour the first row, in one direction, left to right.
Return to the start of the next row, fill holes, left to right.
Protect filled holes from sun, rain and snow with a tarp.
Step 5 - Time
Cracks may begin to appear after 12 – 18 hours.
Larger, wider cracks will develop with more time.
For best results, allow 24 – 48 hours (up to 3 – 4 days in cold or freezing conditions).
Never
Use on materials that are less than 8” (20 cm) thick.
Use undersized diameter holes.
Space holes too far apart.
Drill your holes at inconsistent angles and/or depths.
Drill completely through the bottom of rock or concrete.
Guesstimate the quantity of water.
Use warm or hot water.
Pour Dexpan mixture into hot or recently drilled holes.
Start mixing a second batch with any left-over mixture.
Over mix the Dexpan slurry.
Fill holes in a snake pattern (first row left to right, second row right to left).
Use glass or enclosed containers to mix/pour Dexpan.
Plug or seal the holes.
Stand over or look into filled holes.
Leave excess, unused Dexpan mixture sitting in a bucket.
Store Dexpan in sunlight prior to use.
Dexpan Video Instructions
SUPPORT & EXPERTISE
We are here to help. We want you to feel comfortable and confident using our product. CONTACT US by phone or email if you have questions or need advice with your project.
Please Note
We can help you most effectively if you can send:
a) pictures
b) dimensions
c) temperature of material
d) daily coldest & hottest temperature
e) any project details or considerations including what equipment is on hand.