U a

Introduction to Beam and

Block Floors
What are Beam and Block Floors?
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 suspended floor does not rely on support from the

ground below but instead is supported by the external walls,
and therefore the foundations below.

Scroll to the end to download this article as a

handy PDF guide!

Ground bearing floor

 Suspended floor

Suspended concrete floors can be constructed using

different methods. They can be cast in situ reinforced
concrete slabs, precast concrete planks or slabs, or the
focus of this article, beam and block floors.

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.

Main components of a beam and block

floor
Beams

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.

Blocks

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.

Concrete Infill

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.
Why Choose Beam and Block Floor
Systems?
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.

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.
How Beam and Block Floors Work
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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.
Principles of Beam and Block

Design & Detailing

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.

Main factors to consider during the detailing process

include:

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.

Connections – ensure robust detailing of the connections

between beams and supporting elements, using appropriate
fixings, anchors and transfer of loads.

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.

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

Buildability – consider ease of build when designing and

detailing the floor system to ensure that the arrangement
can safely be built on site.

Ventilation – Suitable cross-ventilation must be provided to

allow air circulation in the void under the beam and block
floor.

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.
Regulatory Considerations for

Beam and Block Floors

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:

Building Regulations
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.

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.

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.
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.

Thermal and Sound Insulation

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:

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.

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.

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.
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.

Planning Permission & Building Control

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.

Any structural works such as foundations will need a

structural design, calculation and building control approval.
More Beam and Block Detail

Examples
If you are looking for reference details to use as a starting
point in your own projects, our partner website Detail
Library has a huge database of details ready for you to
download and use.

Below we share a few beam and block detail examples from

the Detail Library.
Masonry external wall insulation with trench foundation and beam and block

floor (DL322A)
Partial fill 150mm masonry cavity wall with trench foundation and beam and

block floor (DL315B)

150mm masonry cavity wall with trench foundation and beam and block floor

(DL274B)
 Beam and block floor detail showing change of span direction (DL185)

Get the books!

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.

FIND OUT MORE

If you are interested in joining our
community, head over to the Detail Library to
learn more about our platform and get
yourself signed up.

The Detail Library provides hundreds of construction

details for you to download and use adjust for your own
projects. The details are available in 2D Revit, CAD dwg,
and 3D SketchUp. You can start downloading straight away
and build your own detail reference library. Not like other
BIM libraries, the Detail Library contains fully resolved
details rather than individual components.
JOIN THE DETAIL LIBRARY
Further Reading

British Standards (BS)

– 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

Approved Documents
The approved documents provide guidance on ways to
meet the building regulations.

Guidance Documents

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

The Building Research Establishment (BRE)

Offers publications, research reports, and training courses
on various aspects of building design, construction, and
sustainability.

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

Online Courses and Webinars

Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)

Offers online courses and webinars on various structural
engineering topics, including concrete design and
construction.
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Author
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.

You might be interested in

We have loads of other incredible architecture content. Be
sure to check it out.
Other recent posts…
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15 Comments
Rebecca Berrisford on June 11, 2019 at 9:59 pm
Reply
Amazing book!!! I will be buying.
I’m studying a MSc in Construction but I’m
also a visual person, this book really helps.

John Shardelow on November 25, 2020 at 5:47 pm

Reply
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.

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.

Emma on November 26, 2020 at 7:17

Reply
am

Thank you John, appreciate

your comments.

Doug Mynard on January 15, 2021 at 1:43 pm

Reply
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.
Terry Robinson on January 26, 2021 at 9:24 pm
Reply
If I want to span 4.8m by 3.6m, should my
T beams be 4.8m length ways of 3.6m
widthways, given a 5% slope lengthways.

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.

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

mike on August 15, 2022 at 7:48 pm

Reply
hi we have a floor 4.4x26meter

Vance Thompson on July 26, 2021 at 11:40 pm

Reply
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

Chris Stewart on December 7, 2022 at 9:07 pm

Reply
How can an access hatch be formed in
beam and block floor construction?

Luke roberts on February 9, 2023 at

Reply
3:09 pm

Hi Chris, drop me and email

and I can help you with
anything block and beam floor
related!

John Connett on
Reply
August 5, 2023 at 4:52

pm

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.
Francis Lambert on March 2, 2023 at 11:59 am
Reply
I’ve seen the recommended minimum void
for this type of beam and block floor, but
what is the maximum void recommended?
Francis

Quinn on August 5, 2023 at 9:02 am

Reply
 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.
Carina Silva on April 17, 2024 at 10:08 am
Reply
Hello,

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?

Abigail Ford on May 16, 2024 at 1:57 pm

Reply
Hi

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?

Emma on May 17, 2024 at 6:02 am

Reply
Hi Abigail, I’m afraid we don’t
have an example of that detail,
sorry we can’t be of more
assistance.
Emma
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