SUSPENDED BEAM & BLOCK FLOOR

The Supreme Beam and Block Flooring System saves time and cost on site. The floor is quick to install without the need for specialist skills. Site preparation is reduced and no hardcore or oversite concreting is required. Also, internal foundations can be reduced. Once installed the system is rot and draught proof creating an excellent base for the addition of thermal insulation. The floor provides an immediate working platform allowing building works to continue without delay. The Supreme Beam and Block Flooring System is ideal for a wide range of uses ranging from housing to flats and offices.

Two beam sizes are available; 120mm wide for standard span and load applications and 170mm wide for heavy duty and longer span requirements, for example in commercial construction. Both beams are the same height and can be used together ensuring the most economical construction options.

120mm

170mm

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SUSPENDED BEAM & BLOCK FLOOR

Ensure that the ground beneath the floor is cleared of top soil and vegetation. No oversite concreting is required. Ventilation Provision should be made for a void beneath the floor, the depth of which should be at least 150mm but may vary depending on site conditions. To meet Local Authority and NHBC requirements, the void should be ventilated. Ventilation openings should be placed to enable the free flow of air to the complete under floor area. Ventilators should be placed frequently enough to the perimeter of the building to give suitable ventilation. Supreme supply plastic telescopic void ventilators with a range of coloured plastic air bricks.

Installation It is essential that the floor beams be handled and stacked the correct way up, they should be lifted as close to the ends as possible and no damaged beams should be used in the installation. It is important that all mortar in the preceding work is adequately cured, having enough strength to give support to the floor being installed. Ensure that all mortar and debris is removed from the bearing points and they are level and true. Generally a DPC should be placed over all bearings before laying a ground floor. Beams should have a nominal bearing of 100mm on the masonry. Please adhere to starting beams on our working drawings and set beams out bay by bay. Take note of critical partition walls etc. Ensure all beams are parallel and that there is a nominal 18mm bearing for the block. Install closure blocks after laying infill blocks.

Infill blocks Ventilation void to Local Authority approval

Supreme T beam DPC

Ends filled in with precast closure blocks Grout brushed in

Subsoil after removal of topsoil, vegetation etc. & treated with approved weedkiller Vapour barrier of 1000g poly sheet weighted down with sand

Foundation brickwork or blockwork (or trenchfill)

SUSPENDED BEAM & BLOCK FLOOR

The floor should be completed as soon as possible by brushing in a wet grout mix of 1:3 cement and sharp washed sand, a stiffer mix of the same proportions should be used to fill any double or multiple beams, these joints should be "hard packed". The floor should be cleaned and wetted prior to grouting to enable grout to penetrate and to provide a firm construction. Prestressed floor beams have an upward camber. The camber should be considered especially on larger spans and / or when non-screed finishes are specified. A levelling screed could be incorporated. Note! Closure blocks should not be used to space the beams; they should be installed using mortar when all blocking out is complete. Domestic Garage Use When a beam and block floor is used in a domestic garage or similar application where high concentrated loads are evident, a reinforced screed must be applied directly to the top of the beams and blocks. The screed should have a compressive strength of 21N/mm2 with light steel mesh reinforcement, such as an A98 steel mesh. Beam Properties & Structural Calculations Where the design layout drawings have been produced by Supreme then full structural calculations can be provided upon request.

1
Beams supported on inner leaf of cavity wall. Closure block bedded.

2
Two beams grouted together to support block partition.

3
Beam adjacent to support wall and grouted solid.

4
Coursing Slip with block out from beam into adjacent support wall bedded on coursing slip.

5
Closure Block on internal support.

6
Shared bearing on internal support wall less than 200mm thick.

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Beams on angles supplied to site at standard lengths. To be cut to suit by others.

Plan shown here using standard face size 440 x 215 infill block. (with cuts when required as shown) All measurments in mm

FLOOR SELF-WEIGHTS
Centres S 520 S 407 S 295 D 640 D 527 D 415 T 760 T 647 T 535
INFILL BLOCK LIVE LOAD EFFECTIVE BEAM CENTRES CASE A
520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535

EFFECTIVE CENTRES
Blocks@2000KG/m3 2.31KN/m2 2.41KN/m2 2.58KN/m2 2.60KN/m2 2.74KN/m2 2.95KN/m2 2.80KN/m2 2.95KN/m2 3.15KN/m2
440 x 215 (1350 KG/m3) Medium Weight Aggregate LIVE LOAD BEAM CENTRES 1.5KN/m2 DOMESTIC FLOATING FLOOR 65mm Screed 75mm Screed 440 x 215 (2000 KG/m3) Dense Concrete LIVE LOAD BEAM CENTRES 2.5KN/M2 65mm Screed 4.0KN/M2 65mm Screed

Blocks@650KG/m3 1.19KN/m2 1.35KN/m2 1.61KN/m2 1.69KN/m2 1.92KN/m2 2.26KN/m2 2.04KN/m2 2.28KN/m2 2.62KN/m2

Blocks@1350KG/m3 1.768KN/m2 1.893KN/m2 2.107KN/m2 2.160KN/m2 2.340KN/m2 2.613KN/m2 2.428KN/m2 2.621KN/m2 2.892KN/m2

440 x 215 (650 KG/m3) Thermal Block 1.5KN/m2 DOMESTIC FLOATING FLOOR NO PARTITIONS
5650 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 4900 5400 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 4750 5350 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 2600 2650 2750 4300 4450 4550 5000 5100 5250 4700 5200 5800 5700 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 4200 4700 5400 5150 5600 5800 5650 5800 5800 4050 4600 5350 5100 5550 5800 5650 5800 5800 2400 2500 2650 4000 4150 4300 4600 4750 4950 4550 5100 5800 5550 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 4100 4600 5300 5050 5500 5800 5550 5800 5800 3700 4500 5250 5000 5450 5800 5500 5800 5800 2350 2500 2600 3750 4100 4300 4550 4700 4900 520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535 520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535 520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535 520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535

65mm Screed

75mm Screed

Figures below are MAXIMUM permissible CLEAR SPANS in millimetres (ie between supports)
5200 5750 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 4550 5100 5800 5600 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 4400 5000 5800 5550 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 2500 2600 2700 4200 4350 4500 4900 5000 5200 4400 4950 5700 5450 5800 5800 5800 5800 5800 4000 4500 5200 4950 5400 5800 5450 5800 5800 3600 4350 5150 4900 5350 5800 5450 5800 5800 2350 2450 2600 3700 4050 4250 4500 4700 4850 4300 4800 5550 5300 5750 5800 5800 5800 5800 3700 4400 5100 4850 5300 5800 5350 5750 5800 3500 4250 5050 4800 5250 5800 5350 5750 5800 2300 2400 2550 3650 4050 4200 4450 4650 4800 520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535 520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535 520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535 520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535 3600 4300 5000 4800 5250 5800 5300 5700 5800 3350 4000 4650 4450 4900 5450 4950 5350 5800 2600 3650 4550 4350 4800 5400 4900 5300 5800 2100 2300 2450 3450 3650 4050 4200 4400 4600 2700 3650 4500 4300 4750 5300 4800 5150 5650 2550 3450 4250 4050 4450 5000 4550 4900 5350 2350 2700 4150 3750 4400 4950 4450 4850 5300 1850 2100 2350 2700 3400 3650 3750 4150 4350

CASE B
520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535

STUDWORK PARTITIONS @ 1.0KN/M2

CASE C
520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535

3.0KN/M RUN LIGHTWEIGHT BLOCK PARTITION AT 90 DEG TO SPAN

CASE D
520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535

3.0KN/M RUN LIGHTWEIGHT BLOCK PARTITION PARALLEL TO SPAN, FULL SPAN

CASE G

DOMESTIC GARAGE IMPOSED LOAD 2.5KN/M2 OR 9.0KN CONCENTRATED LOAD

Table to the right gives maximum clear spans for garage load case applying up to a 75mm thick reinforced screed with the differing density infill blocks shown.

BEAM CENTRES
520 407 295 640 527 415 760 647 535

BLOCK 650KG/m3
3750 4300 4650 4950 5200 5450 5550 5800 5800

BLOCK BLOCK 1350KG/m3 2000KG/m3

3500 4050 4450 4700 5000 5300 5350 5750 5800 3350 3600 4300 4550 4800 5200 5250 5600 5800

Where clear spans for floating floors are shown, no allowance for the weight of a screed has been incorporated. The clear spans shown for the domestic garage loading condition rely on a reinforced screed directly applied to the top of the beams & blocks. The screed should have a compressive strength of 21N/mm2 with light steel mesh reinforcement.

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Beam Manufacture Beams are manufactured by the slip form method providing a textured finish to facilitate improved bonding performance. They use both wire and 7 wire strand as prestressing reinforcement. The characteristic T-profile of the Supreme floor beam also lends itself to a strong bond being established between the beam and the in-fill grout. They are designed in accordance with BS 8110 1997. They are produced using concrete with a cube strength in excess of 60N/mm2 at 28 days and have a 1-hour fire rating. In terms of durability they are capable of "moderate" to "severe" exposure. The raw materials used comply with British Standards and in addition suppliers have to satisfy our own quality requirements. Random samples of beams are tested for accuracy, stiffness and strength. Ground Floor (Application) Supreme beams are 155mm deep, and manufactured in two widths with the same side profile. They are 120mm and 170mm wide. Note! Wide beams are available at lengths over 4000mm only. They can be used with any suitable infill block by any manufacturer, subject to design requirements and specification. For example: densities between 480kg/m3 and 2000kg/m3 are common. Standard blocks are 100mm thick with a face size of 440 x 215mm. For specially supplied floor blocks the face size can vary. For domestic applications, the block strength should be transversely tested to 3.5KN on a 420mm span. Note! Most blocks with a standard crushing strength of 7N/mm2 will achieve this (please consult block manufacturer for a specific case). The infill block may be selected to suit budget, strength or thermal and sound recommendations as required. Aerated blocks sometimes have a larger face size than standard blocks. Care must be taken when the infill block is bedded into a load bearing wall as the floor blocks must be of the same crushing strength, or stronger, than the requirement of the wall. Upper Floor (Application) Supreme T Beams are also suitable for upper floors in domestic dwellings where for example a dense floor is required to create a "quiet home" or the first floor partitions are to be of block work, which can be supported by the floor.

Compartment Floors between Dwellings Specific performance specifications are required in accordance with the building regulations in respect of infill blocks and directly applied screeds. Thermal Considerations Building Regulations Approved Document Part L (The conservation of fuel and power). The document gives advice on limiting heat loss through the fabric of the building and gives methods of assessment to show compliance. The choice of materials used in the construction of the ground floor will obviously have an effect on the U value of the floor. The beam and infill block are only two elements in the make up of the floor however the chosen infill blocks will have bearing on the U value and/or level of additional insulation required. For example when using dense concrete infill blocks a layer of insulation over the structural floor but below the finish of either screed or timber would suffice, the thickness of insulation would vary depending on U value required to be achieved. However, the thickness of insulation could be reduced if the infill blocks in the floor were of aerated concrete. Upon request Supreme Concrete can produce bespoke designs for projects where polystyrene infill panel floors are preferred to conventional infill blocks for their thermal properties. Your floor can be designed in conjunction with panels from leading suppliers in the market. Safety Until the floor is grouted, shuttering board or scaffold planks should be used as a spreader over the beams and blocks to take any barrow or other wheeled loads at all times. Any loads placed on the floor should not exceed the load for which the floor was designed; these loads should be short term and kept to the minimum.

For more specific advice please contact the Supreme Technical Department on 01795 433580

WIDE BEAM LOAD / SPAN TABLES FLOOR SELF WEIGHTS

Centres S 570 S 458 S 345 D 740 D 628 D 515 T 910 T 798 T 685 Blocks @ 1350KG/m3 1.92KN/m2 2.06KN/m2 2.30KN/m2 2.33KN/m2 2.52KN/m2 2.78KN/m2 2.60KN/m2 2.78KN/m2 3.02KN/m2 Blocks @ 2000KG/m3 2.41KN/m2 2.52KN/m2 2.70KN/m2 2.71KN/m2 2.85KN/m2 3.04KN/m2 2.90KN/m2 3.04KN/m2 3.22KN/m2

LOAD / SPAN TABLE - DOMESTIC APPLICATION WITH MEDIUM WEIGHT AGGREGATE INFILL BLOCKS
Note: Figures below are MAXIMUM permissible CLEAR SPANS in millimetres (ie between supports)
Centres 570 458 345 740 628 515 910 798 685 Open Areas with 65mm Screeded Finish 5450 6000 6550 6500 6550 6550 6550 6550 6550 Centres 570 458 345 740 628 515 910 798 685 Allowance of 1.0KN/m2 For Timber Stud Partitions with 65mm Screeded Finish 4950 5500 6200 5950 6400 6550 6450 6550 6550 Centres 570 458 345 740 628 515 910 798 685 Domestic Garage Application with 75mm Thick Reinforced Screed 4850 5350 5900 5850 6300 6550 6350 6550 6550

The clear spans shown for the domestic garage loading condition rely on a reinforced screed directly applied to the top of the beams and blocks. The screed should have a compressive strength of 21N/mm2 with light steel mesh reinforcement.

LOAD / SPAN TABLE - NON-DOMESTIC APPLICATION WITH DENSE CONCRETE INFILL BLOCKS
2.5KN/m2 Imposed load with 65mm Screed
Centres 570 458 345 740 628 515 910 798 685 Open Areas 4750 5300 6000 5800 6250 6550 6300 6550 6550 Allowance of 1.0KN/m2 For Timber Stud Partitions 4400 4900 5600 5400 5850 6350 5900 6250 6550 Centres 570 458 345 740 628 515 910 798 685

4.0KN/m2 Imposed load with 65mm Screed

Open Areas 4250 4750 5450 5250 5650 6150 5750 6100 6500 Allowance of 1.0KN/m2 For Timber Stud Partitions 4000 4500 5100 4950 5350 5850 5400 5750 6150

In our design process the wider beam can be fully interchangeable with the standard beam in the same floor. The wider beam provides a superior design for larger span floors replacing the need for double or triple beams.

Wider beams mean faster installation due to: . Fewer units to lift . Simpler layouts . Less grouting

Only one formula to remember Wider Beams = Cheaper Floors!

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ASSOCIATED FLOORING PRODUCTS

PLASTIC VOID VENTS
Designed for ventilating the void below suspended ground floors. Manufactured from high density polypropylene, the unit is non-corrosive and telescopic. Vertical and horizontal extension sleeves are available, please call for details. Designed to meet requirements of the NHBC, Local Authorities and Gas Company regulations, and being a sealed unit there is no danger of the ventilator becoming blocked when cavity wall insulation is carried out.

AIR BRICKS
Air bricks to be used in conjunction with the telescopic void vent. Available in four colours: Terracotta, Buff, Blue-black and Brown.

T Beam and Block Floor

TECHNICAL NOTE!
Airbricks when used with void vent will provide a minimum of 6600mm free air flow.

COURSING SLIPS
Concrete slips 390mm long x 100mm wide x 40mm thick. These slips save a split brick course at side bearing or between end bearing.

Straps welded to underside of plate and fixed to wall maximum 1000mm centres

BRICK SLIPS

10mm thick x 180mm wide bearing plate (Jumbo Butt Plate)

172mm x 90mm x 40mm slips for 100mm / 150mm Load bearing blockwork wall finishing the floor onto load-bearing walls, parallel edges and between the end of beams. In all cases floor blocks of suitable strength should be bedded on top.
200 75 135

75

Spot welds

Tray Wings

CLOSURE BLOCKS
Designed and manufactured in two sizes to fit between the beams on the bearing ends. This saves cutting bricks or blocks when building the wall through the ends of the beams using standard centres.

CEILING CLIPS
Used with battens to facilitate fixing of ceiling, clips can be fixed after the flooring blocks have been laid but prior to grouting. The loops are then bent under the batten and nailed upwards against solid support of T-Beam.

100 (or 150)

100

BUTT PLATE
Designed to increase bearing locally where beams clash on 100mm or 150mm thick supporting walls at upper floor levels. Available for standard 120mm wide beams to suit both 100mm and 150mm wide walls.

JUMBO BUTT PLATE

Bespoke wall plates to give bearing for more than one beam up to the full length of the bearing wall.
T Beam and Block Floor

Safe working load for securely fixed clips = 22Kg per clip. Patent No. 205 1941.

Straps welded to underside of plate and fixed to wall maximum 1000mm centres

10mm thick x 180mm wide bearing plate (Jumbo Butt Plate)

100mm / 150mm Load bearing blockwork wall