Jump to content

What type of block will support concrete beam floor?


carlosdeanos

Recommended Posts

I have been set on a concrete slab for a while now but I am suddenly thinking of changing to a concrete block and beam. I have been specified Quinn Lite blocks for my internal leaf. They are 5.2n. This provided further insulation for my concrete slab at the sides. If I do change to beam floor, is there a specific type of block I should be using to rest the beams on? Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What has your structural engineer said? 

I wanted a slab but had to go block n beam it is very diy friendly, I would say more so than slab as you do each individual job at a time, with a slab you have to get 3-4 jobs all correct before you pour that concrete, and that job is certainly not a diy job, you will need lots of help with that bit. 

 

Im upset I didn’t do a slab, but it just was so much more trouble with my site. 

however 

im glad I didn’t do a slab as I have just changed the position of a bathroom which was easy by lifting some blocks and re positioning a pipe, practically impossible with a slab. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Russell griffiths said:

What has your structural engineer said? 

I wanted a slab but had to go block n beam it is very diy friendly, I would say more so than slab as you do each individual job at a time, with a slab you have to get 3-4 jobs all correct before you pour that concrete, and that job is certainly not a diy job, you will need lots of help with that bit. 

 

Im upset I didn’t do a slab, but it just was so much more trouble with my site. 

however 

im glad I didn’t do a slab as I have just changed the position of a bathroom which was easy by lifting some blocks and re positioning a pipe, practically impossible with a slab. 

But you will also need a crane or similar with Block and beam

and in our case 6 mtrs of concrete and a central drain periscope vents also 

and to top it a sand and cement screed 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@nod @Russell griffiths I only have an engineer to work out my steel calcs at the moment. I might just wait to see what the BC inspector says once he checks out the foundations. The extension is 8m wide and only 3.3 out, so I would only need 3m beams I think. I am just a bit confused about how they tie into the existing wall as it looks like it would be below current DPC to me, in order to get the insulation and screed on and be at the same level as the current floor.

Edited by carlosdeanos
Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 minutes ago, carlosdeanos said:

@nod @Russell griffiths I only have an engineer to work out my steel calcs at the moment. I might just wait to see what the BC inspector says once he checks out the foundations. The extension is 8m wide and only 3.3 out, so I would only need 3m beams I think. I am just a bit confused about how they tie into the existing wall as it looks like it would be below current DPC to me, in order to get the insulation and screed on and be at the same level as the current floor.

They don't need to tie into your existing wall. You need to work out from the finished floor you have what depth of screed and insulation you intend to use for the extension. This will then give you the top of the beam. From that you can easily work out what height they need to sit on and thus how many courses of block/brick to get to this height and your finished concrete height of the foundations.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So you can either build another wall along your existing wall to hold the beams. More money.

Or bust out holes in the wall and have them sit on the existing wall. More time

Use a slab. Best option.

What is the floor construction of the house. Is  there any air bricks on the perimeter which would indicate a suspended floor, block and beam.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think we have got a bit mixed up here, I certainly have

i thought originally you where talking about a house slab that the whole house would sit on, if it’s an extension then just talk to building control they will have a good idea of what is used locally for your ground conditions. 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have a beam and block ground and first floor. Think our SE recommended 14N blocks in certain areas. It's less a problem for the ground floor because sleeper walls carry some of the load and reduce the span.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...