Boyblue Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 Is there a difference between the straight T beam and the one that looks like a capital I with nods at the top that almost mirror the bottom? Is it just a style thing or are there critical differences that should be considered when selecting? Are there less consequential differences like might one or the other fit more snugly or require more screed material? Is one more popular, or more commonly used? When no screed is detailed on a beam span chart, does it mean that a screed is unnecessary, or is it that none can/should be applied? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 Some pics would help But I would imagine that all BB are the same Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyblue Posted January 13 Author Share Posted January 13 1 hour ago, nod said: Some pics would help But I would imagine that all BB are the same Those are the two styles to which I was refering. It may be an efficiency thing, less material means less weight and less cost, right Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 The top one is no doubt designed for greater loads / longer spans. Apart from that, no practical difference. A screed is normally required to even up the levels - the beams curve upward a little in the centre. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyblue Posted January 14 Author Share Posted January 14 2 hours ago, Mike said: The top one is no doubt designed for greater loads / longer spans. Apart from that, no practical difference. A screed is normally required to even up the levels - the beams curve upward a little in the centre. Thanks, I read that you can do a 25mm screed if you use bonder, is this something that is common? Would you advise this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 I’ve installed BB on two houses now Super Simple The bottom one is typical I wasn’t aware of any different types I would image the top one is for longer unsupported slabs like basements In any case screeding would be exactly the same on both Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 16 hours ago, Boyblue said: I read that you can do a 25mm screed if you use bonder, is this something that is common? Would you advise this? No, it's not that common, but possible If the product says it's suitable for the purpose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyblue Posted January 14 Author Share Posted January 14 10 hours ago, nod said: I’ve installed BB on two houses now Super Simple The bottom one is typical I wasn’t aware of any different types I would image the top one is for longer unsupported slabs like basements In any case screeding would be exactly the same on both Thank you that is helpful info. Based on your experience what's the longest span would you suggest be done manually and I'm wondering that for as long as the Brits have been doing beam & block why aren't there buggys or trollys made for moving beams? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyblue Posted January 14 Author Share Posted January 14 19 minutes ago, Mike said: No, it's not that common, but possible If the product says it's suitable for the purpose. Thanks Mike, I prefer to stay away from uncommon solotions, I'll have to ask the engineer to inclide the 50mm screed in the calculation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 16 minutes ago, Boyblue said: Thank you that is helpful info. Based on your experience what's the longest span would you suggest be done manually and I'm wondering that for as long as the Brits have been doing beam & block why aren't there buggys or trollys made for moving Not sure of the maximum span but I would put as many sleeper walls under as possible To reduce the bounce A lot of the big companies use a mobile crane I used a borrowed digger with forks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 31 minutes ago, Boyblue said: why aren't there buggys or trollys made for moving beams? A 2-wheeler like this would be fine: https://www.evosupplies.co.uk/shop-buy-furniture-skates-moving-dollies/construction-trolley/ But, as @nod says, they're usually placed mechanically. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 3 minutes ago, Mike said: A 2-wheeler like this would be fine: https://www.evosupplies.co.uk/shop-buy-furniture-skates-moving-dollies/construction-trolley/ But, as @nod says, they're usually placed mechanically. The problem you would have is The need lifting over the outer skin of brickwork Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyblue Posted January 15 Author Share Posted January 15 17 hours ago, nod said: A lot of the big companies use a mobile crane I used a borrowed digger with forks So the options are to build more internal walls to keep the spans to a managable length or rent a crane. manpower against the price of crane rental. About how long would it take to place beams on a 100 m2 foundation, give or take? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan Ambrose Posted January 15 Share Posted January 15 >>> crane Or depending on your beam length and weight a telehandler? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Punter Posted January 15 Share Posted January 15 4m maximum spans are fairly standard with beam and block or timber joist. Any longer and the beams or joists get heavy and the floor can be more bouncy. With a crane, 3 people would be able to do the floor beams and blocks in a day. If you are hiring a crane, get as much heavy material loaded out as possible to make full use on the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyblue Posted Saturday at 08:25 Author Share Posted Saturday at 08:25 On 15/01/2025 at 13:17, Mr Punter said: 4m maximum spans are fairly standard with beam and block or timber joist. Any longer and the beams or joists get heavy and the floor can be more bouncy. I notice that your foundations have lots of interior walls that make beam and block installation easier, we don't have that. On 15/01/2025 at 13:17, Mr Punter said: With a crane, 3 people would be able to do the floor beams and blocks in a day. If you are hiring a crane, get as much heavy material loaded out as possible to make full use on the day. Good point Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canski Posted Saturday at 08:53 Share Posted Saturday at 08:53 (edited) Due to the machine already being on site, we usually use a telehandler for the beam and block with a single chain attached to the forks to enable us to spin the beams to get them lowered into roughly the correct position. To speed things up we lift several beams in at once and then manually move them into the correct position. You need to ensure that they are lifted and not slid to prevent damage to the DPC. The placing of the beams doesn’t take too long maybe 33% of the time. The filing in with blocks about 33% and the rest of the time is allocated to infilling the perimeter edges and any other gaps and grouting. A team of 3 would take 2 to 3 days depending on access. If the telehandler can’t reach the rear of the property we use a dolly to move the beams over the infilled blocks. A crane is quicker but more costly. Edited Saturday at 08:54 by Canski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boyblue Posted 10 hours ago Author Share Posted 10 hours ago (edited) I'm good with using a crane because I beleive the long spans end up being more economical and I didn't have an issue hiring a crane, my issue was the minimum rental time. It wasn't looking good for a minute, I kid you not. All inclusive of riding time, the first company minumum 3 hours, second 4 hour minimum, third company one day minimum. That's when I started to purchase 🙂But through contacts I've been able to get the minimum reduced to two hours and I'm comfrotable with that. Edited 10 hours ago by Boyblue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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 accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now