Obtaining planning permission for foundation works may be necessary, especially in sensitive or environmentally protected areas. Engaging with local planning authorities and stakeholders early in the design process can help navigate planning requirements and ensure compliance with local regulations.

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Beam and block floors have become popular in UK house construction. Their versatility allows for adaptation to different ground conditions, structural layouts and load requirements.

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The suspended floor does not rely on support from the ground below but instead is supported by the external walls, and therefore the foundations below.

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Connections – ensure robust detailing of the connections between beams and supporting elements, using appropriate fixings, anchors and transfer of loads.

Thermal Bridging Minimise thermal bridging by ensuring continuity of insulation around beam and block floor edges, penetrations, and junctions with walls and other structural elements. Thermal bridging can lead to heat loss and cold spots, reducing energy efficiency and comfort.

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Infill blocks are then positioned between the T-beams, these blocks are usually lightweight concrete. A sand cement grout is often brushed over the surface, filling any gaps providing a good load distribution and avoiding movement in the blocks. The grout also keeps insects and vermin out and assists with air tightness.

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Compliance with building regulations is a primary consideration in the design and construction of beam and block floors in the UK. Key regulatory considerations include:

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Beam and block floors work on the principle of distributing loads from the floor surface to the supporting walls or structures below. The structural integrity of the system relies on the combined strength of the beams, blocks and concrete.

I was wondering if we could start the top of the strip foundation at the bottom of the void? Do we need to have the block wall with soil both sides?

Is block and beam suitable for constructing a factory floor that must carry heavy machines and a forklift truck with a lifting capacity of 2 tonnes, therefore gross weight of 7 tonnes rolling across it.

Damp proof course and membrane – Correct installation and positioning of the damp proof course and membranes is key to ensure long term durability and protection against damp-related issues and moisture penetration.

Precast concrete beams, typically in an inverted T-shape, provide the primary structural support for the floor. These beams are designed to carry the imposed loads and distribute them to the supporting walls or structures.

There are two types of concrete floor system commonly used in residential construction; ground bearing and suspended. In this article we will be focusing on the suspended concrete floor, particularly beam and block floors.

The precast concrete inverted T-beams are supported by the perimeter walls and internal load bearing walls. The beams vary in depth, and can be 130mm to 250mm made up to lengths of around 6m, they are usually designed and manufactured to span specific distances. Beam depth and profiles are selected according to span and loading requirements, along with the type of block specified.

This is important as a rigid timber floating floor can be unsatisfactory as the finished surface will displat the camber whereas an insitu screed can be laid to a flat surface.

Ventilation – Suitable cross-ventilation must be provided to allow air circulation in the void under the beam and block floor.

Whether I use 4.8 lenghthways of 3.6 widthways, how many of each beam would I need. For each options how many 440mm block would I need.

Compliance with building regulations often requires careful attention to thermal and sound insulation properties, particularly in floor constructions. Beam and block floors can contribute to achieving these requirements through various design and construction strategies:

NHBC Standards NHBC provide technical performance requirements and standards for the design and construction of new homes. A really useful document.

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Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Offers online courses and webinars on various structural engineering topics, including concrete design and construction.

Beams are not reinforced with “steel bars” as stated. Reinforcement is provided by high-tensile, pre-tensioned strands producing a prestressed concrete unit. The pre-tensioning exerts a contracting force in the bottom of the beam which in turn creates and upward curvature, or camber, in its length. This camber is typically 1/300th of the span.

A void is left under the beam and block floor of at least 150mm between the soil and underside of the beam. If heavy clay soil is present it is good practice to increase the void depth to as much as 225mm or possibly more. All organic material must be removed from the soil and the surface should be treated with weedkiller. This void must be ventilated with air bricks or ventilation sleeves positioned in the external walls in order to avoid the potential build up of gas. If radon is present, extra care must be taken to correctly detail radon barriers to prevent ingress. Ground levels under floor should be relatively level, otherwise external walls become retaining walls and would need to be designed accordingly.

Once the beams and blocks are in place, a concrete infill layer is poured over the top to provide additional strength and stability, creating a monolithic floor structure.

Written by Emma Walshaw, Architectural Technologist and founder of First In Architecture and Detail Library. Emma has written a number of books about construction and architectural detailing.

Approved Document L – Conservation of Fuel and Power This document focuses on energy efficiency and thermal performance. It includes requirements for the insulation of floors, walls, and roofs to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

UK building regulations govern various aspects of foundation and floor design and construction, including structural stability, ground movement, waterproofing, and thermal insulation. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory to obtain building control approval and ensure the safety and integrity of the building.

I’ve seen the recommended minimum void for this type of beam and block floor, but what is the maximum void recommended? Francis

Precast concrete blocks, often with hollow cores, are placed between the beams to fill the gaps and form the solid floor surface. These blocks are typically lightweight yet strong, offering durability and ease of installation.

A DPM or concrete oversite is not usually required, unless needed for gas or vapour protection as per the Building Regulations. Some manufacturers do recommend a DPM over the beam and block floor before insulation – be sure to check manufacturers instructions.

Emma has written a number of books on construction detailing, ranging from residential construction, to Passivhaus to Loft Conversions. Check out the full range below.

Buildability – consider ease of build when designing and detailing the floor system to ensure that the arrangement can safely be built on site.

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The Building Research Establishment (BRE) Offers publications, research reports, and training courses on various aspects of building design, construction, and sustainability.

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Expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks are also used as infill between the beams. Not only do these blocks provide excellent thermal performance, they increase construction times as they are lightweight and easy to work with. The blocks are either designed to lap under the concrete T-beam in order to prevent cold bridging, or an additional insulation layer is positioned over the EPS infill blocks. More manufacturers are developing EPS block systems which have varying profiles and methods of construction. They are fast, efficient and would be likely to over take the concrete blocks in popularity over the years due to their enhanced benefits.

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It is an economical option due to off site manufacture of the beams and blocks, fast assembly and little requirement for specialist labour or equipment. The installation of a beam and block floor is not usually weather dependent and therefore specifying this form of construction can reduce site delays that other methods might encounter. Beam and block flooring demonstrates good noise reduction and fire resisting properties, and is also suitable to host underfloor heating systems.

Do you have standard level change detail without having to build a supporting wall and footing inbetween as the beams are parallel to the level change?

Detailing plays a crucial role in the successful design and construction of beam and block floors. Proper detailing ensures structural integrity, durability, and performance while facilitating efficient installation and coordination with other building elements.

Approved Document E – Resistance to Sound This document sets out requirements for the acoustic performance of buildings, including airborne and impact sound insulation between floors. Proper design and construction of beam and block floors can help achieve compliance with sound insulation requirements.

Timber deck finish can also be used – if this is specified a vapour control layer must be included in the design under the timber deck.

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Testing and Certification Ensure that insulation materials and construction methods comply with relevant British and European standards for thermal and sound insulation. Testing and certification by accredited bodies provide assurance of performance and compliance with building regulations.

Insulation Materials Select insulation materials with appropriate thermal and acoustic properties to enhance the performance of the floor system. Common insulation materials include rigid foam boards, mineral wool, and recycled materials.

Approved Document A – Structure  This document provides guidance on structural design and stability, including requirements for floor loading, structural integrity, and resistance to disproportionate collapse.

Hi Luke. Is it possible to pass 2 x 68mm pipes through an existing block and beam floor? I’m interested in connecting to the indoor unit of an Air Source Heat Pump.

Airtightness – ensure airtightness is maintained between the floor and wall junctions using appropriate airtightness materials and tapes.

am being a based of a Summer residentual Log Cabin on clay soil near trees on a slight slode. The log cabin foot print is 4m x 3m

Amazing book!!! I will be buying. I’m studying a MSc in Construction but I’m also a visual person, this book really helps.

Concrete Centre Provides technical guidance, design tools, and case studies related to concrete construction, including beam and block floors.

Loadings, span and reinforcement – the required beam size and reinforcement based on the anticipated loads of the structure, floors, partitions and imposed loads. This will be discussed with the structural engineer.

I have a block and beam floor with a two storey passage floor space void underneath. The blocks have cracked in two areas leading to concerns the could eventually fall. How is this best remedied.

Acoustic Separation Incorporate measures to enhance acoustic separation between floors, such as resilient layers or acoustic underlays between the concrete floor slab and finishes. These measures help reduce airborne and impact noise transmission, improving the acoustic comfort of the building.

Radon protection – refer to specific guidance for correct detailing of radon protection membranes. We have a selection of examples later in this post showing radon membrane taping and lapping.

Beam and block floors are a popular type of suspended flooring system commonly used in UK construction. The system comprises precast concrete beams spanning between supporting walls or structures, with precast concrete blocks placed between the beams to create a solid floor surface.

Thermal continuity – ensure that the insulation is continuous, particularly at the edges of the floor where thermal bridging is more likely to occur. Refer to insulation manufacturers for vapour control, and membrane requirements.

Insulation is usually positioned on top of the beam and block floor, a concrete topping or screed is then laid onto the insulation. An upstand perimeter insulation is installed around the edge of the concrete topping or screed in order to prevent thermal bridging. Some insulation manufacturers recommend a separation/vapour control layer between the insulation board and the screed to prevent interstitial condensation and the seeping of screed into insulation board cracks.

Do you have a specification you could provide me for my scope of works to give to the contractor. I’m after 1-2 paragraphs outlining sizes, types, and BS standards and codes. Many thanks

– BS 8110-1:1997 Structural Use of Concrete – Part 1: Code of Practice for Design and Construction – BS EN 1992 Eurocode 2: Design of Concrete Structures – BS EN 1993 Eurocode 3: Design of Steel Structures – BS EN 1994 Eurocode 4: Design of Composite Steel and Concrete Structures – BS 8204-1:2003+A1:2009 Screeds, Bases and In-situ Floorings – Part 1: Concrete Bases and Screeds to Receive Floorings – Code of Practice