A padstone is used to spread the load from a steel beam, lintel or other structural member across a wider area of masonry. This reduces the risk of cracking or crushing the bricks or blocks beneath.
Concrete Padstones for Structural Beam Support
Padstones are pre-cast concrete blocks used to spread concentrated loads safely into surrounding masonry. Positioned beneath steel beams, lintels and other structural elements, they help prevent cracking or localised failure by distributing weight evenly across brickwork or blockwork. Commonly installed in loadbearing walls and structural openings, padstones play an important role in supporting beams specified within Steel Beams & Lintels, ensuring that imposed loads are transferred correctly to the foundation.
Typically made from high strength dense concrete and available in a range of sizes and load capacities, padstones are selected according to structural calculations and building control requirements. They are bedded on mortar and aligned carefully within masonry built using products from Concrete Brick & Blocks, forming a stable base before beams or lintels are installed. When forming new openings or extensions, they are often used alongside materials found in Cement & Mortar to achieve the correct bedding strength and level support.
Using the correct size and strength of padstone helps maintain structural integrity and compliance with UK Building Regulations. Pre-cast units provide consistent dimensions and compressive strength, reducing the need for on-site fabrication and helping to speed up installation. Their solid construction offers reliable load distribution, particularly where point loads from RSJs or other structural members need to be safely transferred into surrounding masonry.
Concrete Padstones FAQ's
The required size and strength are usually specified by a structural engineer based on load calculations, beam size and wall type. Building Control approval may also be required.
Cutting padstones is not generally recommended, as it can affect their structural capacity. It is better to select the correct size and load rating before installation.
Yes, padstones should be laid on a full bed of suitable mortar to ensure even load transfer and proper levelling within the wall.
In most structural applications involving steel beams in masonry walls, padstones are required to meet structural and building regulation standards, unless otherwise specified by an engineer.