What is a Padstone in construction?

A padstone is a block made from stone or concrete that is used to distribute a point load evenly into a structure. In modern building, they are typically installed to distribute the load evenly at points where the ends of beams and lintels are built into a wall. They can be made from plain or reinforced concrete.

Are Padstones required?

padstones are provided, where required, and. the masonry supporting the steel beam is of at least 2.8N/mm2 blockwork (workface size 440mm x 215mm) or brickwork and the beam supports do not occur over a door or window opening.

How do you calculate Padstone size?

The calculation for A is a 45kN load divided by the width of the wall (100), bearing factor (1.5) and the strength of the masonry (0.24 N/mm2). The resulting load needs to spread over 715mm, but rounded up to 800 for a nice round number.

Can I use a concrete lintel as a Padstone?

The BCO wouldn’t accept it, even though a dense concrete block would do. The usual method is to use a 150×100 concrete lintel.

How strong is a Padstone?

Generally, precast concrete padstones are manufactured to a 50 N/mm2 compressive strength and they are suitable for the majority of applications where high-strength bearing pads are required. It takes about 28 days for a padstone to dry, which is what gives it such compressive strength.

Can I make my own Padstone?

If you want to make your own, go for a 1:1.5:3 mix (1pt cement, 1.5pts sand, 3pts 20mm aggregate). You can cast in situ or make up a box for it. Bear in mind it takes about 28 days for concrete to reach its full strength. The mix described above gives a (probable) crushing strength of about 40N/mm2.

Can I make my own Padstones?

Can you cut Padstones to size?

The size of the padstone will ideally be specified in the engineer’s specification and blueprints. You cannot cut a pre-made padstone down to size, as this could change the compressive strength of the block.

Can you double up Padstones?

With Padstones from KPC you get supreme versatility. Our standard sizes available ex-stock are listed below and can be installed in whatever orientation is appropriate for its purpose within the structure; they may even be doubled up if necessary. But as always our Padstones can be made to any size and specification.

Can I use engineering bricks instead of Padstone?

For padstone sizes less than 215mm x 100mm, engineering bricks will be suitable.

Can a Padstone bridge a cavity?

I wouldn’t be bridging the cavity with the padstone, could cause cold bridge/damp problems, 100mm bearing on a perpendicular wall is enough, 150mm is for linier walls. Padstone will be determined by the load its taking but are normally 3 courses deep, mainly so they tie in with block courses.

What kind of work does padstone construction do?

Padstone Construction is a friendly, family run company with over 20 years experience working on home improvements and property maintenance projects. We specialise in high quality new builds, extensions, conversions, all aspects of brickwork, and landscaping for both commercial and domestic premises.

When do you need a padstone for a steel beam?

Steelwork shall be supported by padstones where required to distribute point loads safely to the supporting structure without undue movement or deflection. Where a steel beam is supported by masonry, a padstone may be required to spread the load over a larger area to prevent overstressing.

What should the length of a padstone be?

– the minimum length of padstone should be 200mm – the padstone depth should match the coursing of adjacent masonry – the web of the beam should be over the centre of the wall. 3 The minimum length of steel bearing onto padstone should be 100mm.

Where do padstones not need to be used?

Padstones should be in accordance with: the guidance given in this chapter. not create a cold bridge. 1 Padstones are not necessary where the flange dimension of the beam exceeds the length of the padstone given in this table. – the web of the beam should be over the centre of the wall.