TECHNICAL BULLETIN

FX-70 Structural Repair and

®

Protection System Installation Guide

Epoxy Grout Method Cementitious Grout

Combination Method
Typically for Section Loss ≤ 25% Typically for Section Loss > 25%

(optional — concrete
or steel piles only)
(optional — concrete

epoxy coating
or steel piles only)

FX-70-9™
coating

Pile/Column
FX-70-9™

Pile/Column
Beveled top seal of
epoxy

FX-763 trowel-grade
Beveled top seal of Spacer epoxy mixed with
Spacer FX-763 trowel-grade FX-702 silica filler
epoxy mixed with

18"–24" (456–610 mm)

4" (102 mm) layer of
18"–24" (456–610 mm)

FX-702 silica filler FX-70-6MP™multi-purpose

marine epoxy grout or
FX-70-6FS fast-set epoxy
bottom seal
High-water level
High-water level
FX-70
fiberglass jacket

FX-70-6MP™ 18"–24" (456–610 mm) Damaged region

18"–24" (456–610 mm) Damaged region
Length

Length

multi-purpose
marine epoxy grout
Jacket
diameter/size
Jacket
diameter/size FX-70 FX-225 non-shrink
fiberglass jacket cementitious
underwater grout
Spacer
Spacer 6" (152 mm) layer of
6" (152 mm) layer of FX-70-6MP
FX-70-6MP multi-purpose marine
multi-purpose marine epoxy grout or FX-70-6FS
epoxy grout or FX-70-6FS fast-set epoxy bottom seal
½" (13 mm) fast-set epoxy bottom seal
Pile 2" (51 mm)
annular void Pile
diameter/size annular void
diameter/size FX backer rod
FX backer rod

Table of Contents
Scope .............................................................................. 2
Surface Preparation ......................................................... 2
Jacket Preparation ........................................................... 3
Typical Spacer Placement ................................................ 3
Jacket Preparation (two or more jackets per pile) ............. 4
Jacket Installation (one jacket per pile) .......................... 4–5
Jacket Installation (two or more jackets per pile) .............. 6
Bottom Seal Application................................................... 6
Filler Grout Application .................................................. 7–8
FX-70-6MP Epoxy Grout Method.................................. 7
FX-225 Cementitious Grout Combination Method......... 8
Top Seal Application (FX-225 cementitious grout
combination method only) ............................................ 9
Epoxy Bevel Construction ................................................ 9
Completion of Work ....................................................... 10
Suggested Tool List ....................................................... 10

Page 1 of 10 © 2020 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. T-R-FX70INST20

 TECHNICAL BULLETIN

FX-70 Structural Repair and

®

Protection System Installation Guide

I. Scope
1. This guide covers the installation procedures for using the FX-70 system to repair and protect timber,
concrete, and steel piles with two different application methods:
• FX-70-6MP™ epoxy grout method: consisting of a fiberglass jacket that is placed around the
existing pile with a ½" min. annular space between the pile and the jacket. The annular space is then
filled with a marine epoxy grout and a bevel of epoxy mortar is placed at the top of the jacket.
• FX-225 cementitious grout combination method: consisting of a fiberglass jacket that is placed
around the existing pile with a 2" min. annular space between the pile and the jacket. The annular
space is initially filled with 6" of FX-70-6MP marine epoxy grout (or 6” of FX-70-6FS fast-set epoxy
bottom seal) at the bottom of the jacket, and then filled with FX-225 marine cementitious grout to
within 4" from the top of the jacket. Finally, the remaining space is filled with FX-70-6MP marine
epoxy grout (or FX-70-6FS fast-set epoxy bottom seal), and a bevel of FX-763 trowel-grade epoxy
mixed with FX-702 silica filler is placed at the top of the jacket.
2. All submerged jackets should be installed by certified professional divers.

II. Surface Preparation

1. The surface of the substrate must be at least 40°F (4.44°C) prior to application.
2. Consult with the Engineer of Record before making structural repairs, to confirm the stability of the
structure during the restoration process.
3. All pile surfaces to be covered with jackets should be thoroughly cleaned of marine growth, laitance,
debris, oil, grease, dirt, and any other deleterious material that could prevent proper bonding.
4. Prepare surface:
• Timber: Prepare surface by high-pressure waterblasting or other mechanical means to achieve a
sound surface, free of all contaminants.
• Concrete: Prepare surface by high-pressure waterblasting or other mechanical means to meet ICRI
Guideline 310.2R CSP 3-6. Mechanically remove unsound concrete in the damaged area to provide
a minimum concrete surface profile CSP 6, per ICRI Guideline 310.2R. Repair or replace any
reinforcing steel as determined by a qualified professional engineer.
• Steel:Prepare surface by high-pressure water-jetting or other mechanical means to achieve SSPC-
SP12/NACE 5 WJ-4. Repair or replace any structural steel elements with excessive section loss as
determined by a qualified professional engineer.
• Fiberglass Jacket: Fiberglass surfaces must be sound, clean, and free of all contaminants that
could impair product adhesion or performance.
5. FX-70 jacket placement should not proceed until pile cleaning has been approved by the Engineer of

© 2020 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. T-R-FX70INST20

Record or the Owner’s Representative.

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 TECHNICAL BULLETIN

FX-70 Structural Repair and

®

Protection System Installation Guide

III. Jacket Preparation

Installation and positioning of FX spacers and/or FX pumping ports are unique to each application.
1.  FX Spacers — See Simpson Strong-Tie® shop drawings for specific pile shapes and for the location of
the jacket spacers, or contact Simpson Strong-Tie at (800) 999-5099.
2.  FX Pumping Ports — Only for use when filler grout application method will be by pump.
a. Attaching FX pumping ports to jacket
i. See Installation Instructions FX-70 Pumping Port (T-R-PORTINSTL17), or contact
Simpson Strong-Tie at (800) 999-5099.
b. FX pumping ports positioning and spacing
i. Install pumping ports 90° away from the vertical tongue-and-groove joint, alternating sides. Do not
install pumping port in the tongue-and-groove joint.
ii. Place the first port approximately 1' (305 mm) from the bottom of the jacket.
iii. Place subsequent ports at a maximum 5' (1.5 m) vertical spacing, alternating sides.
iv. Do not exceed 10' (3 m) pumping distance from any individual port.
3. FX spacers, standoffs and pumping ports are shipped unattached and are to be field-installed.
4. FX spacers to be adhered to the inside of the jacket using FX-523 flexibilized epoxy adhesive. Prepare and
mix FX-523 according to the current Simpson Strong-Tie Technical Data Sheet found at strongtie.com.

a. Typical Spacer Placement

• Round jackets — spacers are installed equal distances apart around the interior circumference of the
jacket in two rows. Each row is installed 2"–3" (50.8 mm–76.2 mm) from the top and bottom of the
jacket.
• Squarejackets — spacers are installed using two per side around the interior perimeter of the jacket in
two rows. Each row is installed 2"–3" (50.8 mm–76.2 mm) from the top and bottom of the jacket.
b. Spacer installation
• Apply an approximately ⅛" (3.175 mm) layer of properly mixed FX-523 to the spacer. Install the spacers
to the inside face of the jacket and allow to cure before setting jacket.

Jacket dimension = Jacket dimension =

pile column dimension pile column dimension
+ 2x annular void + 2x annular void 2" (51 mm)
clear min.
© 2020 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. T-R-FX70INST20

Annular
Annular void Pile/column size
void
Pile/column diameter Pile/column size
Spacer Spacer
Spacer Spacer

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FX-70 Structural Repair and

®

Protection System Installation Guide

IV. Jacket Preparation (two or more jackets per pile)

1. Follow instructions of section III of this installation guide.
2. Trim the bottom 3" of the tongue-and-groove joint of the top jacket so that it can sit in the 3" (76 mm)
bell of the bottom jacket.

Cut out this section

(3" or 76 mm) for
insertion into the bell
of the lower jacket

V. Jacket Installation (one jacket per pile)

1. Prepare a cartridge of FX-70TNG tongue-and-groove adhesive cartridge per current Simpson Strong-Tie
Technical Data Sheet found at strongtie.com, and place a bead of epoxy into the female (groove) portion
of what forms the jacket’s tongue-and-groove joint, and then wrap the FX-70 jacket around the pile to be
repaired. One 32 oz. cartridge should fill 32 linear feet of jacket joint.

Tongue-and-groove joint

© 2020 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. T-R-FX70INST20

Tongue-and-groove joint

2. “Close” the jacket by inserting the tongue into the groove of the jacket. Temporarily suspend/hold the
jacket in position so there is 18"–24" (457-610 mm) of undamaged pile inside the jacket above and below
the damaged area. Note: Use of ratchet straps may be required to pull jacket together.

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FX-70 Structural Repair and

®

Protection System Installation Guide

V. Jacket Installation (cont.)

3. Install temporary bottom seal, FX backer rod at base of jacket. Seal may be installed prior to
placing jacket.

FX backer rod
FX backer rod

4. Install external bracing as needed to secure jacket and prevent excessive deflection and rupture. Ratchet
straps shown for bracing round piles. Other shapes will require conventional concrete bracing methods.

Ratchet straps

Conventional concrete bracing

Ratchet straps
© 2020 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. T-R-FX70INST20

5. Install a self-drilling, self-tapping FXSSST121 316 stainless-steel screw every 6" (152 mm) on center to
secure the tongue-and-groove joint. Start the screw spacing approximately 1" from the top and bottom of
the jacket.

6" (152 mm)

6" (152 mm)

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FX-70 Structural Repair and

®

Protection System Installation Guide

VI. Jacket Installation (two or more jackets per pile)

1.  Place bottom jacket according to the instructions of Section V of this installation guide, taking into account the
following exceptions and additional instructions:
• The bottom of the jacket shall be placed 18"–24" (457–610 mm) below the bottom of the
damaged area.
• The lower jacket should typically have the bell positioned facing upward so the upper jacket slides into the
bell of the jacket below (see detail below).
2.  Place top jacket following the instruction of Section V of this installation guide, taking into account the following
exception and additional instructions:
• Prepare a cartridge of FX-70TNG tongue-and-groove adhesive cartridge and place a bead of epoxy into
the female (groove) portion of upper jacket tongue-and-groove joint of the jacket. One 32 oz. cartridge
should fill 32 linear feet of jacket joint.
• Place FX-70 jacket around the pile to be repaired.
• Place a bead of FX-70TNG tongue-and-groove adhesive cartridge around the bell of the lower jacket.
• Slide the upper jacket into the bell of the lower jacket (see detail below).
• Secure bell to the upper jacket by installing self-drilling, self-tapping FXSSST121 316 stainless-steel
screws through the bell into the upper jacket, spacing the screws every 6" (152 mm) on center.
• Install a self-drilling, self-tapping FXSSST121 316 stainless-steel screws every 6" (152 mm) on center to
secure the tongue-and-groove joint.

Tongue-and-groove
Tongue-and-groove
joints notshown
joints not shown
for clarity
for clarity

3"(76.2
3" (76.2mm)
mm)

Bell
Bellof
of lower jacket
lower jacket

© 2020 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. T-R-FX70INST20

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 if additional sections of jackets are to be joined together.

VII. Bottom Seal Application

1.  Mix FX-70-6MP™ multi-purpose marine epoxy grout or FX-70-6FS fast-set epoxy bottom seal per current
Simpson Strong-Tie® Technical Data Sheet found at strongtie.com.
2. Place FX-70-6MP or FX-70-6FS into the bottom 6" (152 mm) of the annular void by tremie, pouring, or
pumping. Caution: Do not pump or tremie FX-70-6FS due to its extremely short pot life.
3. Allow bottom seal to cure before proceeding with repair. See specific data sheets for FX-70-6MP or
FX-70-6FS for curing schedule.

6" (152 mm) layer of

FX-70-6MP multi-purpose
marine epoxy grout or
FX-70-6FS fast-set epoxy
bottom seal
6" (152 mm)
FX-70-6MP or FX-70-6FS

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FX-70 Structural Repair and

®

Protection System Installation Guide

VIII. Filler Grout Application

1.  Prepare product per current Simpson Strong-Tie Technical Data Sheet found at strongtie.com.
FX-70-6MP multi-purpose marine epoxy grout may be poured, pumped, or placed by tremie
method. FX-225 cementitious grout may only be pumped, or placed by tremie.
2. Place filler grout per one of the following methods:
• For FX-70-6MP epoxy grout method:
• To pour:
• Filler grout can be poured into the top of the jacket through standing water.
• Fill jacket until grout reaches the top of the jacket.
• To pump:
• Begin by pumping filler grout into the lowest port and move up from port to port.
• Grout should be continuously injected until the grout level reaches the top of
the jacket.
• At the contractor’s discretion, multiple grout ports can be installed to minimize the
pumping pressure. For this method, injection should begin at the lowest port and
continue until the grout appears at the port above. When this occurs, close off
the port and move up to the next injection location. The injection process must be
continuous, except for brief interruptions when the hose is being moved from port to
port. Continue this process until the grout reaches the intended level.

Pile columns
(optional - concrete
or steel piles only)
epoxy coating
FX-70-9TM

Beveled top seal of

FX-763 trowel-grade
Spacer epoxy mixed with FX-702
oven-dried rounded silica filler
mm)
(456-610mm)
18-24"(456–610

High-water level
18–24"
Filler grout
© 2020 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. T-R-FX70INST20

Damaged region

FX-70-6MP
Length

FX-70-6MP multi-purpose
Jacket marine epoxy grout
diameter
(456-610
(456–610 mm)
mm)

FX-70-6MP or Spacer
18-24"

FX-70-6FS
18–24"

6" bottom seal 6" (152 mm) layer of

FX-70-6MP multi-purpose
marine epoxy grout or FX-70-6FS
½" (13 mm) fast-set epoxy bottom seal
annular void
Pile diameter
FX backer rod

Epoxy Grout Method

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FX-70 Structural Repair and

®

Protection System Installation Guide

VIII. Filler Grout Application (cont.)

• For FX-225 cementitious grout combination method:

• For tremie applications:
• Ensure the pipe/hose extends to the bottom
of the jacket.
• Fill the jacket with grout, allowing water to be displaced from the top of the jacket. To maintain flow, the tremie
hose may need to be retracted as the jacket fills, depending on the depth of the pour and the size of the
jacket.
• Fill the jacket until the grout level is 4" (100 mm) below the top of the jacket.
• To pump:
• Begin by pumping filler grout into the lowest port and move up from port to port.
• Grout should be continuously injected until grout level is 4" (100 mm) below the top of
the jacket.
• At the contractor’s discretion, multiple grout ports can be installed to minimize the pumping pressure. For
this method, injection should begin at the lowest port and continue until the grout appears at the port above.
When this occurs, close off the port and move up to the next injection location. The injection process must
be continuous, except for brief interruptions when the hose is being moved from port to port. Continue the
process until the grout reaches the intended level.

6.
3. Allow filler grout to cure overnight before proceeding with repair.

Pile columns
(optional - concrete
or steel piles only)
epoxy coating
FX-70-9TM

Beveled top seal of

FX-763 trowel-grade
Spacer epoxy mixed with FX-702 silica filler

4" (102 mm) layer of

FX-70-6MP or
(456-610 mm)

FX-70-6MP multi-purpose
FX-70-6FS marine epoxy grout or FX-70-6FS
18-24" (456–610

top seal fast-set epoxy bottom seal

18–24"

High-water level

© 2020 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. T-R-FX70INST20

FX-70
Damaged region

fiberglass jacket
Length

FX-225
cementitious Jacket
diameter
filler grout
mm)
(456–610 mm)

FX-225 non-shrink
18-24" (456-610

underwater grout

Spacer
18–24"

6" (152 mm) layer of

FX-70-6MP multi-purpose
FX-70-6MP or
marine epoxy grout or FX-70-6FS
FX-70-6FS 2" (51 mm) fast-set epoxy bottom seal
bottom seal annular void
Pile diameter
FX backer rod

Cementitious Grout Combination Method

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FX-70 Structural Repair and

®

Protection System Installation Guide

IX. Top Seal Application (FX-225 cementitious grout combination method only)
1.  Mix FX-70-6MP™ or FX-70-6FS per current Simpson Strong-Tie® Technical Data Sheet found at strongtie.com.
2. Pour FX-70-6MP or FX-70-6FS into the remaining 4" (100 mm) at the top of the jacket.
3. Allow the seal to cure before proceeding with the epoxy bevel.

4" (100 mm)

top seal
FX-70-6MP
or FX-70-6FS

FX-225
4" (102 mm) layer of
FX-70-6MP multi-purpose
marine epoxy grout or
FX-70-6FS fast-set epoxy
bottom seal

FX-70-6MP
or FX-70-6FS

X. Epoxy Bevel Construction

1.  Prepare FX-763 trowel-grade epoxy mortar per current Simpson Strong-Tie Technical Data
Sheet found at strongtie.com.
• After mixing the FX-763 trowel-grade epoxy, slowly add one part FX-702 oven-
dried rounded silica filler by volume per one part of mixed epoxy. Continue to mix for
approximately 2–3 minutes or until FX-702 is thoroughly wetted.
© 2020 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. T-R-FX70INST20

2. Using a steel trowel, immediately construct the bevel using the mixed FX-763 trowel-grade
epoxy mortar, taking care to construct a slope which will shed water.

Epoxy bevel
Epoxy bevel Epoxy bevel

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®

Protection System Installation Guide

XI. Completion of Work

1. Remove external bracing.
2. Clean any filler or other extraneous material from exterior surfaces of the jacket.

XII. Suggested Tool List

1. Equipment to properly prepare the pile surface — chosen by the contractor and Engineer of Record
2. PPE — gloves, safety glasses, respirators, etc.
3. Generator
4. Manual epoxy dispensing tool, Simpson Strong-Tie® ADT30S
5. Ratchet straps
6. Small (1/4") drill and 5/16" nut driver — to set self-tapping stainless-steel screws in interlocking joint
7. 1/2" slow-speed mixing drill and 1/2" mixing paddle
8. Clean measuring vessels
9. Clean 5 US gallon (18.9 liter) buckets for mixing
10. Mortar mixer (stationary drum with moving blades)
11. CG-550 Rugged Series Grout Pump by ChemGrout®, Quickspray® Carrousel® Pump #15020GR-3 or equivalent
12. Various hand tools — shovel, hammer, trowels, etc.
13. Hand-held grinder for jacket trimming
14. Drill and hole-saw for cutting holes for pumping ports

This technical bulletin is effective until December

June 30, 2020,
31, 2022,
and reflects
and reflects
information
information
available
available
as of as
July1,
of June
2018.
1, 2020.
This information is updated periodically and should not be relied upon after December
June 30, 2020.
31, 2022. (800) 999-5099
Contact Simpson Strong-Tie for current information and limited warranty or see strongtie.com.
strongtie.com
© 2020
2018 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. • P.O. Box 10789, Pleasanton, CA 94588 T-R-FX70INST20
T-R-FX70INST186/20
7/18exp.
exp.12/22
7/20

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