BETONAMIT / 11LB. BAG
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. Always wear safety goggles, and never use drill holes larger than 1 1/2" diameter. Blow dust out of holes after drilling, and keep Betonamit cool before use.>>
Betonamit is pronounced Beh.tah.nuh.mite>>
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ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES
WHILE MIXING, FILLING HOLES, AND
WHILE IN THE VICINITY OF FILLED HOLES>>
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HOLE DEPTH
Maximum Hole Depth is 10 feet.
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.
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 3/4 of the rock's thickness. >>
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HOLE PATTERN
Holes must be drilled so as to allow a free face for theBetonamit to push toward. For example, drilling at a 450 angle in a flat surface of ledge will push it upwards, but drillingstraight down might not allow anywhere for the pressure to go.
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.
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".
Hole pattern also depends on how fast you need results. More holes spaced closer together will give faster break times and smaller pieces, but this costs more in labor and Betonamit.
Boulders are much easier to break than reinforced concrete or ledge, and drill holes can be spaced further apart, especially if breaking speed is not critical.
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, then fill every third hole. The empty holes form weak points and prevent cracks from spreading into the "keep" section.
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. This will save money compared to filling all the holes, but will slow down the breaking time.>>
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THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE ESSENTIAL
FOR SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF BETONAMIT.>>
TEMPERATURE CHART
caption Rock or Concrete Temp. Water Temp.(F) Hole Size>>
25 to 400 F 1100 F max 1 1/2" dia.
41 to 570 F 850 F max 1 1/2" or 1 3/8" dia.
58 to 720 F 650 F max 1 1/4", 1 3/8", or 1/2"dia
73 to 800 F 400 F max.(iced) 1 1/4" or 1 3/8" dia
81 to 950 F 300 F max.(iced) 1 1/4" dia.>>
When rock or concrete is above 730F, add 5 ounces of extra water per 5 kilo container,330F (iced). Halve this amount when using Type S in 2 1/2 kilo containers. Over 950F- cool holes with cold water, then blow out before installing Betonamit.>>
NOTES
Hole temperature can often be reduced by waiting until late night or early morning.
When rock or concrete is above 650F, keep the Betonamit as cool as possible before use.
When rock or concrete is above 850F, store Betonamit in a cooler with ice or in a refrigerator before use.
When rock or concrete is above 730F, do not mix more than one 5 kilo container at a time.
Measure the rock or concrete temperature-DON'T GUESS! Tie a string onto the thermometer and lower it into the drill hole.>>
WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES
WHEN MIXING, FILLING HOLES, AND
WHEN IN THE VICINITY OF FILLED HOLES>>
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MIXING BETONAMIT - TYPE R
Read this manual completely before using Betonamit.
Wear safety goggles and clear the area of all non-essential personnel.>>
Measure temperature of drill holes.
Add one liter of clean water of proper temperature to plastic mixing bucket. See Temperature chart .
Dump one 5 kilo container Betonamit into bucket with water.
Begin mixing immediately with a 1/2" electric drill with mixing attachment.
Betonamit will seem dry at first - do not add more water!
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.
Fill holes as quickly as possible. Do not use a funnel. Do not plug holes or place heavy objects on holes.
Cover holes with a tarp if people will remain in the area-especially in hot weather, when blowouts are more likely to occur.>>
NOTES
Never fill glass or metal containers with Betonamit, or any container which widens towards the bottom.
Never pump Betonamit.
Mixing by hand lengthens mix time and is more likely to result in a blowout.
When rock or concrete is above 730F, add 5 ounces of extra water per 5 kilo container (330,iced).>>
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ESTIMATING QUANTITY REOUIRED
TYPE R 5 kg.
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 7.5=number of 5 kg. containers needed.
For 1 3/8" holes: # of holes x depth in feet 10=number of 5 kg. containers needed.
For 1 1/4" holes: # of holes x depth in feet 11=number of 5 kg. containers needed.
NOTES
Betonamit is usually not cost effective in slabs less than 5" thick. A pavement breaker or hydraulic hammer works well, unless noise is a problem.
The most cost effective demolition technique for ledge is often a combination of Betonamit (to produce cracks) and a hydraulic hammer. Drill holes can be spaced out further in this case.
The best way to demolish underwater rocks or concrete is to build a coffer dam and pump out the area. Betonamit hardens in fifteen to twenty minutes, and after that the area can be flooded again.
Betonamit must be used in holes; pouring it into existing cracks in rock will not work.
Safety goggles must be worn at all times by everyone in the area. Hard hats and steel toed boots are a good idea on any construction or demolition site. As an added benefit, use of safety gear enhances your professional image in the eyes of the public, and avoids OSHA fines.
When using the temperature chart, bear in mind that the actual drill hole temperature may be much higher than the surrounding air temperature if it is in the sun or affected by nearby heat from machinery or from drilling the holes.
Cold temperature, hard rock, or holes spaced too far apart can lengthen breaking times. If it did not break overnight-wait a while before assuming failure. Betonamit continues to increase pressure for 3 days.
If Betonamit drops below freezing, the reaction will stop, but it will start up again once it thaws.
If mixed Betonamit begins to steam in the bucket, add 1/2 gallon or more of water, stir, and throw it away. Youve allowed too much time to pass from beginning to mix.
If filled holes start to smoke or steam, that is a sign they may be about to blow out. Immediately clear the area of people. The vapors are only steam, and are not hazardous or toxic in any way.>>
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Ledge, boulders, and concrete will vary in strength, but there
is nothing on Earth too strong for Betonamit to break, as long as
there is a free face to break towards. Always wear safety goggles
when working with Betonamit.>>
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WHAT CAN CAUSE A BLOWOUT?>>
Using too large a hole diameter. See temperature chart
Using too warm mix water. See temperature chart.
Using too little water, especially when rock or concrete is above 730 F.
Lots of dry dust in holes can absorb water from the mixed Betonamit, causing same result as #3 above.
Too much time passing between beginning to mix and filling holes.
Mixing by hand can result in #5 above.
Guessing at drill hole temperature instead of measuring it.
Guessing at water temperature instead of measuring it.
Holes that are too shallow. Depth must be 4 times diameter or more.
Allowing the Betonamit powder to become too hot before mixing with water.
A "know-it-all" attitude that causes some people to ignore this manual instead of reading it thoroughly, cover to cover.
Holes drilled closer than 10" apart in soft rock or concrete, in hot weather.
Always wear safety goggles when working with Betonamit.
NEVER USE DRILL HOLE DIAMETERS LARGER THAN 1 1/2".
Blowouts will usually not occur more than 3 hours after filling holes.>>
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CONSULT THIS CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU MIX>>
Are you wearing goggles? ____
Is everyone nearby wearing goggles? ____
What is rock/concrete temperature? ____( F)
What is water temperature? ____( F)
What is drill hole diameter? ____(in.)
Are numbers 3, 4, and 5 within correct ranges? ____
Have you measured extra water if rock/concrete is above 73 F? ____
Is the electric mixer all ready to go and operational? ____
Has the Betonamit been kept cool? ____
Are you going to throw a tarp over the filled holes? ____
Have you read this instruction booklet 100%? ____
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CONVERSION CHART:>>
1 liter = 34 fluid ounces.
1/2 liter = 17 fluid ounces.
5 ounces = 147 cc.>>
30F = 0.50C
400F = 4.50C
580F = 14.50C
650F = 180C
720F = 220C
800F = 26.50C
850F = 29.50C
950F = 350C
BETONAMIT® is a non-explosive, expanding agent used for the controlled demolition of rock, stone, and concrete. It offers a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional blasting methods, which often require permits and can cause vibrations and noise. BETONAMIT® works by developing an expansion pressure that fractures the material without the need for explosives
Key features include:
- Ease of Use: It can be used by both professionals and private individuals without special training or permits
- Versatility: Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and effective in various industries such as construction, mining, and agriculture
- Safety and Environmental Benefits: It is non-hazardous, produces minimal noise, and avoids vibrations, making it ideal for sensitive environments
Positioning of the drill holes
Principle
The crack formation always takes place in the direction of the least resistance. A larger borehole diameter means more force, shorter response time and wider cracking. Smaller spacing of the boreholes means smaller fragments and a shorter response time.
Split
The holes are drilled in a line with a short spacing. The crack formation thus takes place from hole to hole. In this way, objects can be separated or split relatively precisely during blasting work. The drill hole depth should be at least 3/4 of the total depth to ensure a complete tear and prevent lateral breakout. Smaller stones or concrete elements can usually be split with a central borehole.

Chop
The holes are usually drilled offset in several rows in order to obtain the smallest possible fragments. The more drill holes, the smaller the fragments. The crack formation occurs criss-cross. Again, larger boreholes generate a much higher expansion pressure, which leads to a better blasting result.

Remove
If there is no free side to displace the material, space must first be created. The target level (Dt) is usually drilled over by 5-15cm (2"- 6") in order to avoid subsequent chiseling work as much as possible. The expansion pressure (F) always develops 90° to the borehole. With oblique holes, it is therefore possible to create a free side where the pressure or material can escape, even in unfavourable situations. Ideally, all holes are drilled first and filled in at the same time so that they can work together.

Solve
To loosen the rock, the holes are drilled in several rows 10-15 cm (2"- 6") below the required ground level (Dt) was drilled and backfilled. The subsoil is thus broken and loosened so that it can then be removed with the excavator or, in some cases, by hand. Here, too, the source explosive works most effectively if the holes are drilled at an angle, so that part of the force (F) can act upwards. Several rows of bores can be filled with BETONAMIT® at the same time. First, cracks will appear in the front row. After that, the next row will follow suit.


In the first step, the holes are drilled. The drill hole diameter to be selected is 25-45mm (1" – 1 3/4"). The maximum borehole spacing is 10 times the borehole diameter and thus 25-45 cm (10" – 18"). Smaller drill hole spacing leads to even better results. The drill holes should be dry and as free as possible of drilling dust.

In the second step, add the Betonamit powder to the mixing container and fluff it up a little with the agitator. Then add exactly 1.2 liters (40oz) of cold and clean water per 5kg (11lb) of Betonamit and mix intensively with an agitator for 2 minutes until a flowable and homogeneous mixture is available. The mixture appears relatively dry at first, but the consistency changes abruptly during the mixing process.

In the last step, fill the mixture directly from the mixing tank into the drill holes. No additional mechanical closure is required. Dilute excess concrete mixture with plenty of water for deactivation and dispose of with the remaining construction waste. The total processing time should not exceed 5 minutes.
Now all that remains is to wait for the gentle blasting. The mixture hardens slowly in the borehole and sets. After that, the pressure to expand gradually begins to build up. The breakage time is mainly dependent on the temperature, the borehole diameter and the borehole spacing. The crack formation always takes place in the direction of the least resistance. A larger borehole diameter means more force, shorter response time and wider cracking. Smaller spacing of the boreholes means smaller fragments and a shorter response time. As a rule, small hairline cracks are already visible in some places after a few hours. These then continue to expand and new cracks appear. Don't make the mistake of starting to remove the fragments too early. It is best to let the product work for as long as possible, because with every hour it becomes easier to clear away or remove the blasted object. With a little experience, the blast pattern and blasting time can be guessed very precisely and almost all blasting work can be carried out explosion-free.
Tip: BETONAMIT continues to expand over several days. This means that the more time you give the product, the easier it will be to remove the fragments. Therefore, have a little patience and let BETONAMIT work for as long as possible to achieve the best result.

Material consumption
The consumption per metre of borehole to be filled depends on the borehole diameter. To calculate the amount of concreteamite required, the sum of all boreholes in meters or feet is multiplied by the respective factor.
| Drill hole diameter (ø drill) | 25mm | 30mm | 35mm | 40mm | 45mm | 1“ | 1 1/4“ | 1 1/2“ | 1 3/4“ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantity of Betonamit per Meter | 0.86 kg | 1.24 kg | 1.68 kg | 2.20 kg | 2.78 kg | 0.93 kg | 1.4 kg | 2.0 kg | 2.75 kg |
| Quantity of Betonamit per foot | 0.58 lb | 0.83 lb | 1.13 lb | 1.48 lb | 1.87 lb | 0.75 lb | 0.94 lb | 1.34 lb | 1.85 lb |
Examples
You have 10 drill holes (ø 40mm) with 0.3 meters depth
factor at ø 40 mm: 2.2 kg (table)
10 holes x 0.3 m x 2.2 kg = 6.6 kg of concrete amite
You have 10 drill holes (ø 1 1/2") with 5 feet depth
factor at ø 1 1/2": 1.34 lb (table)
10 holes x 5 feet x 1.34 lb = 67 lb concrete amite
SPECIFICATIONS AND RESPONSE TIME
The following table shows the expected reaction time depending on the temperature. In addition, you will find further helpful information on the application here. Since the borehole diameter has a huge impact on expansion force and response time, we recommend choosing the largest drill possible as much as possible.
| Temperature Object | 5 – 15 °C (40-60 °F) | 15 – 25 °C (60-80 °F) | 25 – 35 °C (80-95 °F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter of drill bit (ø drill hole) | 30 – 45 mm (1 1/4" – 1 3/4") | 25 – 45 mm (1" – 1 3/4") | 25 – 40 mm (1" – 1 1/2") |
| Maximum Drill Hole Spacing | 10x ø borehole | 10x ø borehole | 10x ø borehole |
| Water volume per 5 kg | 1.2 liters (40 oz) | 1.2 liters (40 oz) | 1.2 liters (40 oz) |
| Duration | 18 – 96 h | 12 – 72 h | 6 – 48 h |
Safety Regulations
- Wear safety glasses at all times when working with Betonamite.
- Use Betonamit only at an object temperature between 5°C and max. 35°C. (40-95°F)
- Protect the Betonamit powder from heat before use.
- Do not use warm water. (max. 20°C / 68°F)
- Maintain the correct amount of water: 1.2 litres (40oz) per 5kg/11lb of Betonamite / 0.6 litres (20oz) per 2.5kg(5.5lb) of Betonamite
- Make the mixture by machine (electric agitator) and not by hand. (Bad mix increases blow-out risk)
- Only use drill bits with a diameter of 25-45mm. (1“ – 1 3/4“)
- The minimum borehole depth corresponds to 5 times the borehole diameter.
- The maximum borehole depth depends on the situation, but is approx. 6 metres. (20ft.)
- The boreholes must be as clean and dry as possible.
- On hot days, fill the boreholes early in the morning.
- After mixing, immediately fill the Betonamite into the drill holes.
- Make sure that the expansion force cannot cause any unwanted damage.
- Dilute any material residue with plenty of water and dispose of it according to local regulations. (Construction waste)
- Never look directly into the filled boreholes (blow-out hazard)
- Block off work site against unauthorized access. (Blow-out or loosening material)
- Do not pour mixture into bottles or other closed containers. (explosive effect)
- Also observe the hazard and safety instructions on the packaging. (GHS)
ATTENTION: Failure to comply with regulations, improper handling or too warm conditions can lead to a blow-out. A blow-out is the sudden, explosive escape of concreteamite from the borehole. If you are hit in the face by the material that escapes with high pressure, this can lead to injuries and serious eye damage. Therefore, never look directly into the filled boreholes and always wear safety goggles when working with Betonamite. After a first blow-out has taken place, it is repeated about 3-6 times, and can also occur in further boreholes. Lock the workspace to anyone for at least 3 hours.
Betonamite is not toxic, but contains a large proportion of unslaked lime (calcium oxide).
- In case of contact with eyes: Rinse gently with water for a few minutes. Remove any contact lenses if possible. Continue to rinse.
- In contact with the skin: In case of allergic reactions, wash with soap and water and consult a doctor.



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