Beam and Block

Floor beams are designed and manufactured to BS8110: Part 1 and satisfy the ‘moderate’ exposure condition as defined in BS8110. We offer three profiles for the 150mm deep beam section and a 225mm deep section.
 
Their low self weight and rapid construction offers the designer a flexible and economic answer to flooring situations. A beam and block floor provides a simple all weather form of construction and an immediate working platform.          .                                                                                                                                                                                     
 
The pre-stressed floor units will provide a fire resistance of one hour when used with concrete infill blocks. This can be enhanced by the application of suitable finishes.        .                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Floor beams are manufactured to the nearest 50mm increments and if necessary can be cut to suit any lengths required.

Beams supported on masonry structures require a minimum bearing of 100mm, steel structures require a minimum bearing of 75mm in accordance with BS8110.
 
Floor beams can be delivered on a variety of delivery vehicles to suit the site conditions.
 
The Contractor must inspect the floor units at the time of delivery on Supply Only contracts and sign the delivery ticket, as no liability for damage can be accepted at a later date

Infill Blocks should be concrete or aerated concrete blocks, generally 440 x 215 x 100mm and be a minimum 3.5N/mm2 compressive strength and able to support a transverse load of 3.5kN. Blocks are to 100mm thick, solid and manufactured in accordance with BS6073. Block densities vary between 650kg/m3 and 2000kg/m3 depending on the block used.

For industry best practise on installation please visit the MPA website for the Code of Practice- Safe Installation publication(New window)

Ensure before lifting that the crane is sited on firm level ground and there is a sufficient clear working area for turning and slewing with no overhead obstructions

For supply and fix orders we will provide a method statement and lifting plan to cover the installation.

For industry best practice on lifting and installation please visit the Precast Flooring Federation website for the Code of Practice for the  Safe Installation of precast concrete flooring and associated components.

Choke-hitched chains or slings should ideally be positioned no more than 300 mm in from the ends of the beams (600mm is the absolute maximum) otherwise specific permission must been received from the manufacturer.
 
Lifting chains or slings should be of sufficient length so that the included angle is not greater than 90o (45o from vertical).
 
Care must be taken if more than one beam is lifted at the same time as they will fold in on themselves when the chains come under tension.

Packs of infill blocks should be lifted with the correct lifting equipment in conjunction with the use of a safety net where appropriate. 

Ensure before the installation commences that the crane is sited on firm level ground and there is a sufficient clear working area for turning and slewing with no overhead obstructions.
 
For supply and fix orders, we will provide a method statement and lift plan to cover the installation process.

For the industry best practice on lifting and installation please visit the Precast Flooring Federation website for the Code of Practice for the safe installation of precast concrete flooring and associated components.

Ensure all bearing surfaces are level and clear of any debris. DPC should be set out prior to the beams being positioned. Floor beams being supported on masonry structures require a minimum bearing of 100mm, steel structures require a minimum bearing of 75mm in accordance with BS8110.

Beams should be positioned in accordance with the Charcon supplied layout drawing. Space each beam with an infill block at each end to ensure correct dimensional spacing is achieved. Blocks widths need to be in accordance with the drawings as this will affect the structural integrity of the floor.

Beams and blocks can be cut with a concrete cutting saw and block splitter where necessary.

Split course bricks can be provided and should be used between the ends of the beams and along the parallel load bearing walls. They need to be bedded onto the walls and between the end block and supporting wall where structural loading of the walls above is required.

When all the beams and blocks are installed a 4:1 sharp sand and cement grout must be thoroughly brushed onto the floor. Where double or treble beams occur a C30 concrete mix should be used to fill the gap between the tops of the beams.

We would always recommend a leveling screed is applied to the floor prior to the finishes being installed.

The designed insulation, screed and floor finishes can then be applied to the completed beam and block floor.

When used in a garage application a reinforced concrete screed should be applied directly to the top of the beam and block floor.

The installation of Hollowcore does require a certain level of expertise and we strongly recommend that installation work is only undertaken by fully trained installation operatives.
 
The Precast Flooring Federation has published a Code of Practice for the Safe Erection of Flooring and the advice within this document should be strictly adhered to Hollowcore products are designed and manufactured to suit your particular contract, and each slab must be positioned exactly in the location shown on the layout drawings provided.
 
Please contact us for further information on Hollowcore installation.