• Bridges
• Ledge
• Machinery Bases
• Slabs 6" Thick and More
  

• Dams
• Boulders
• Concrete Piers
• Limestone and Granite
  

Technical Manual

Betonamit has been used safely and with great results by thousands of contractors and homeowners all over the world. Safe use depends on following instructions and wearing safety goggles at all times. Although non-toxic, Betonamit is caustic, and can cause severe eye injury if splashed into eyes while mixing or pouring.

Also, the chemical reaction of Betonamit and water generates heat. If this reaction goes too quickly, the temperature can go above the boiling point of water before all the water has chemically combined with the Betonamit. This can result in a steam-driven explosion which blows the Betonamit from the hole with sudden force. 

To avoid blowouts, follow the instructions regarding mix water temperatures and hole sizes, as told later in the manual. Always wear safety goggles, and never use drill holes larger than 1-1/2” diam eter. Blow dust out of the holes before drilling, and keep Betonamit cool before use.

Hole Depth

1.)Maximum Hole Depth is 10 feet.
2.)Minimum Hole Depth is 4 times hole diameter; for example 5” with 1-1/4” hole, 6” with 1-1/2”. Holes shallower than 4 times diameter are likely to blow out.
3.)In reinforced concrete, drill 85 to 90% of its depth. In ledge, drill as deep as you want to remove. In boulders, drill 2/3 to ¾ of the rock’s thickness.

1.) Holes must be drilled so as to allow a free face for the Betonamit to push toward. For example, drilling at a 45° angle in a flat surface of ledge will push it upwards, but drilling straight down might not allow anywhere for the pressure to go.
2.) To demolish a slab without pushing out the walls which surround it, drill a cone shaped pattern at the center and fill these holes first. The cone will pop upwards and create a free face.
3.)Hole pattern depends on tensile strength of what you’re breaking, amount of rebar if any, and the size of the pieces you want when you’re done. This can often be determined by experiment; a good starting point is to space holes one foot on center in rows one and a half feet on center. In non-reinforced concrete, holes may be spaced as far apart as 24”.
4.) Hole pattern also depends on how fast you need results. More holes spaced closer together will live faster break times and smaller pieces, but this costs more in labor and Betonamit.
Boulders are much easier in break than reinforced concrete or ledge, and drill holes can be spaced further apart, especially if breaking speed is not critical.
6.) When removing part of a slab, you will want to prevent cracks from spreading into the rest of the slab. Drill holes 6” on center in a line between the “demolish” section and the “keep” section, and then fill every third hole. The empty holes form weak points and prevent cracks from spreading into the “keep” section.
7.) Empty holes can also be used to direct cracks –they cost less than filled holes. For example, if you want to break a boulder into thirds, you can use this pattern:

1. Read this manual page for page before using Betonamit.
2. Wear safety goggles and clear the area of all non-essential personnel.
3. Measure temperature of drill holes.
4. Add one liter of clean water of proper temperature to plastic mixing bucket. See Temperature Chart on preceding page.
5. Dump one 5 kilo container of Betonamit into bucket with water.
6. Begin mixing immediately wait 1/2" electric drill with mixing attachment.
7. Betonamit will seem dry at first -do not add more water!
8. Once mixing begins, you have only 5 minutes to finish mixing and fill holes . Do not stop to take a phone call or fool around. Longer mixing times increase likelihood of blowouts.
9. Fill holes as quickly as possible. Do not use a funnel. Do not plug holes or place heavy objects on holes.
10. Cover holes with a tarp if people will remain in the area -especially in hot weather, when blowouts are more likely to occur.

Notes:

1. Never fill glass or metal containers with Betonamit, or any container which widens towards the bottom.
2. Never pump Betonamit.
3. Mixing by hand lengthens mix time and is more likely to result in a blowout.
4. When rock or concrete is above 73 F, add 5 ounces of extra water per 5 kilo container (33 F, iced).

Each 5 kilo container will fill 7-1/2 linear feet of 1-1/2" hole, 10 linear feet of 1-3/8" hole, or 11 feet of 1-1/4" hole.

For 1-1/2" holes: # of holes x depth in feet divided by 7.5 = # of 5kg containers needed.

For 1-3/8" holes: # of holes x depth in feet divided by 10 = # of 5kg containers needed.

For 1-1/4" holes: # of holes x depth in feet divided by 11 = # of 5kg containers needed.

Betonamit Type S is an additive that you add to the Type R mix and it forms a putty instead of a liquid, for use in horizontal holes, uphill and overhead holes, and holes with water seeping in.

1. Read this manual page for page before using Betonamit.
2. Wear safety goggles and clear the area of all non-essential personnel.
3. Measure temperature of drill holes.
4. Add one liter of clean water of the proper temperature to a plastic mixing bucket.
5. Dump one 5 kilo container of Betonamit Type R and the Type S additive to the bucket with water.
6. Begin mixing immediately with a 1/2" electric drill with mixing attachment.
7. Type S (Putty) Betonamit may seem dry at first - do not add more water!
8. Mix until material is thoroughly moistened and forms small balls.
9. Wearing rubber gloves or surgical gloves, pick up a handful of Betonamit and knead it like dough.
10. On a clean surface, roll Betonamit into cylindrical sausage shapes slightly smaller than the hole diameter.
11. Place the rolled Betonamit in holes and pack tightly with a dowel or rod slightly smaller than hole diameter.
12. Cover holes with a tarp if people will remain in the area.

Notes:

1. Mix only one 5 kilo container at a time.
2. Two people are recommended - one to knead and roll, one to pack.
3. Fill holes within five minutes.
4. Type S is useful when holes have water seeping in.
5. Drilling holes at a slight downward angle instead of horizontal allows the use of Type R (liquid) which is easier and faster.
6. When rock or concrete is above 73 F, add 2-1/2 ounces of extra water (33 F,iced).