Padstones
(6 Products)Padstones are load-bearing blocks that are used to distribute weight evenly, preventing undue stress on a single point within a structure. They are typically made from stone or concrete and are often used to provide bearing at the ends of beams and concrete lintels where they meet a wall or surrounding block or brick structure. Stronger than masonry blocks, they are an essential preventive measure against structural failure.
Precast Concrete Padstones are blocks of high-strength dense concrete which are embedded underneath a lintel or beam in a building structure. Their purpose is to distribute structural weight so that it does not accumulate in one particular area, which could result in structural damage such as the cracking and crushing of blockwork.
Utilising a precast concrete padstone ensures that the concentrated weight of a steel beam is able to disseminate into a bearing wall. The high-density form of padstones ensures they can comfortably manage the load of steel beams, concrete lintels and similarly weighty elements where regular masonry blocks would crumble and fail.
To add to their convenience, precast padstones eradicate the need to pour the padstones yourself and meet the relevant CE regulations. Here, at Materials Market, we stock an extensive range of supreme concrete padstones (and padstone sizes) which can be utilised in conjunction with both concrete and steel lintels. Among their many benefits, these structural products are engineered to offer unmatched load-bearing performance so you can tick off your project list with the utmost confidence.
Concrete Padstone Specifications
- Typically manufactured to a 50 N/mm2 compressive strength
- Provides a sound base for lintels and steel beams
- Prevents cracks and structural damage
- Minimises the risk of lintel load transfers
- No need to cast in-situ - ready for instant application, saving you time on-site
- Can be used in any orientation
Frequently Asked Padstones Questions
What Does Cast In-Situ Mean?
Cast in-situ, otherwise known as cast-in-place concrete, refers to a process in which a building's structural components are poured, moulded and cured at the site in formwork.
With precast concrete, however, slabs are cast on a different site and are instead, delivered to the construction site prior to their assembly.
Why Is Better: Precast Concrete Or In-Situ Concrete?
Precast concrete tends to be more durable than cast-in-place concrete. The carefully monitored curing process of precast concrete sets the seal on the quality of the product's finish.
Another factor which lends itself to precast's supremacy is the lack of disruption from external factors such as weather conditions. With in-situ concrete, you have to be wary of rain, hail and other elements which may serve to harm the final form of the casting. Of course, it also saves time as it rids you of the need to form, pour and cure. Another advantage of this is the likely uniformity of a factory-made product.
What Is The Manufacturing Process Behind Pre-Cast Padstones?
Precast padstones unite and mix a particular measure of aggregates, cement and water, the result of which is then poured into a mould.
Additional materials can sometimes be incorporated to enhance the qualities of the cured product. For example, the padstones can be prestressed with cable reinforcement - to maximise the concrete's strength.
Finally, it is cured in a closely monitored environment.
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