Steel beam installed - padstones look tiny....

[Sunil237]

Hi All,

 

My builder has installed a steel beam that is used as a lintel and support for the roof that is scheduled to start going on tomorrow...

Although he's put it on we are looking at this picture and can tell the padstones are tiny and not as spec'd by the SE

 

The spec was a 440 x 100 x 215 pad stone, which is the size of the blocks

Am I worried about nothing or do they need to redo this? 

 

[Redbeard]

What does the builder's 'padstone' consist of? Assuming that your Building Regs application is Full Plans they could reasonably refuse to approve any lesser alternative, unless the builder has proof that his chosen solution is equally satisfactory. Better to ask for it to be changed now than when there's a whole wall built off the beam.

[Sunil237]

I don't know what he's put in to be honest. The build is under PD but my building control (independent) has reviewed the structural engineers docs and calcs.

I can't imagine it to be equally satisfactory as it's so small in comparison to the blocks when it should be the same size

 

I have also noticed on the right side the beam sits partly on the padstone and partly on mortar

Edited February 3, 2025 by Sunil237

[crispy_wafer]

My steels were installed onto pad10 stones like these https://www.builderdepot.co.uk/102mm-x-330mm-x-215mm-concrete-padstone-pad13?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA74G9BhAEEiwA8kNfpW7AdykZ7lJQ_1MUWQcu2QTXVMIk3iRFiHalWnLcnY_Lss5WgQ5kxhoCRcIQAvD_BwE

builder ought to be following the SE guidance, and not deviating, unless he can prove categorically what he has done is equal to or better than specification.

[nod]

The short and obvious answer is 
They are wrong and need changing 

[Jilly]

If you don’t want to confront the builder maybe ask for a BC inspection asap and they should make him change it? 

[Sunil237]

thanks all, I think the simple answer is an awkward conversation tomorrow morning, I have dropped them a text now for them to have a think about.. hopefully can have building control out too to confirm and help with the convo

 

thanks!

Edited February 3, 2025 by Sunil237

[Jilly]

Also is the beam too short? You could check if it’s been sized incorrectly from your SE drawings. 

[Canski]

They will need changing to the spec given by the SE. Don’t let it stop you putting the roof on though. They can be changed afterwards. 

[Sunil237]

10 hours ago, Canski said:

They will need changing to the spec given by the SE. Don’t let it stop you putting the roof on though. They can be changed afterwards. 

Thanks, they've agreed to change out. 

How long should they leave them propped up whilst new padstones set?

[Canski]

3 hours ago, Sunil237 said:

Thanks, they've agreed to change out. 

How long should they leave them propped up whilst new padstones set?

A day or two. Just make sure that the mortar bed has gone hard before removing. Also make sure it is properly packed in with a full bed below the padstone. 

[Sunil237]

Thanks Canski and all!

 

All rectified 

[Canski]

8 minutes ago, Sunil237 said:

Thanks Canski and all!

 

All rectified 

youre welcome. Roof on ?

[Sunil237]

On 05/02/2025 at 13:29, Canski said:

youre welcome. Roof on ?

Yes roof has gotten started, joists boards and insulation are all on.. but there's leaks as they've missed joists when screwing down the osb 😭

 

Rectified padstone work is on the picture here, and so far it's extremely level! +/-5mm over the 6.3m span 

 

Pads were still slightly wrong which the bco picked up on, but the structural engineer verified it was ok.

So they used slate instead of steel shims and they were positioned wrong, pads not central but 160mm on the stone minimum