All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(1152 products available)
Beam and block floors are versatile ground-supporting structures constructed using beams and blocks.
Reinforced concrete beams:
Reinforced concrete beams, the primary component in beam and block floor systems, function as horizontal supports. These beams are made of concrete that has been strengthened with steel reinforcement bars (rebar). The purpose of the rebar is to improve the concrete's ability to resist tensile stresses, which are forces that pull and stretch the material. By incorporating the rebar, the beams gain added strength and stability, allowing them to safely support heavy loads and maintain their structural integrity over time.
Prestressed concrete beams:
Prestressed concrete beams are crucial elements in beam and block floor systems. These beams are designed to provide support for the entire structure. The unique aspect of prestressed concrete is that high-strength steel strands are tensioned within the concrete. This tensioning process imparts compressive stresses to the beams, which helps counteract the tensile forces that occur when the beams bear weight. As a result, the beams gain increased strength and durability, making them suitable for withstanding heavy loads and ensuring the stability of the floor.
Concrete blocks:
Concrete blocks are the key components that fill the gaps between the supporting beams in a beam and block floor system. These blocks are primarily made of concrete, which is a mixture of cement, aggregates, and water, molded into solid rectangular units. The primary function of concrete blocks is to provide load distribution across the supporting beams. By evenly spreading the weight of the structures or elements above the floor, the concrete blocks ensure stability and prevent excessive stress on the beams.
Precast concrete blocks:
Precast concrete blocks are an integral part of beam and block floor systems. Unlike traditional concrete blocks, which are cast in situ (on-site), precast concrete blocks are manufactured off-site in controlled factory conditions. This process allows for precise quality control and uniformity in block production. Once produced, the precast blocks are transported to the construction site for installation between the supporting beams. The primary function of the precast blocks remains the same as regular concrete blocks, providing load distribution and structural support within the beam and block floor assembly.
Materials
The beams are usually made of either precast concrete or prestressed concrete blocks, which are both strong and durable materials. The blocks are made of lightweight aggregate concrete, which are also strong but lighter than ordinary concrete to reduce the overall floor weight.
Dimensions
The dimensions of beam and block floors may vary, but generally the blocks are about 40cm wide and the beam depth is about 20-25cm. The length of the beams and blocks can be adjusted according to the needs of the building projects. The typical lengths range from 1.2 meters to 2.4 meters.
Load-bearing capacity
Load-bearing capacity is the maximum load that beam and block floors can sustain without deformation or damage. This needs to comply with building codes and regulations to ensure the safety of the buildings.
Regular inspections
Floor beams and blocks need to be inspected regularly for problems, such as cracks, deformation, or loosening. If any problems are found, they should be repaired or replaced in time to ensure the structural safety of the floor.
Prevent moisture
Beam and block floors should be kept away from moisture and water to prevent mold and damage. If there are leaks or water ingress, they should be dealt with promptly to dry the floor.
The beam and block floors have a wide range of applications in the construction industry.
Industrial Buildings
Beam and block floors are widely used in various industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing.
In these places, they are used as the second floor, roof, etc.
They bear heavy equipment and high floor loads well, meeting the needs of industrial activities.
Commercial Buildings
In beam and block floors commercial buildings, such as shopping malls, office buildings, and hotels, they are often used to construct load-bearing floors and roofs.
Their high strength and durability can meet the requirement of beam and block floor commercial use, which accommodates large numbers of people and complex commercial activities.
Residential Buildings
Beam and block floors are used to build ground-and multi-storey residences, including single-family and multi-family homes.
Their ability to withstand the weight of the whole house and noise well meets the needs of residential life.
Infrastructure
Beam and block floors play an essential role in constructing infrastructure.
For example, they are used to build the supporting floors and roofs of bridges, airports, and subway stations.
Their high load capacity and span ability ensure infrastructure stability and safety, meeting the needs of heavy traffic and large-scale operations.
Engineering Projects
Beam and block floors are widely used in various engineering projects, including water conservancy projects, municipal engineering, and electrical engineering.
For instance, they serve as the floors and roofs of hydraulic structures, municipal pipelines, electric substations, etc.
Their ability to withstand high loads and durability meets the requirements of engineering projects.
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding upon the use of a beam and block flooring system for a building project.
Building dimensions
Large spans and heights are ideal situations in which to employ beam and block flooring. If the dimension of the building means that a lengthy span is needed, then this system offers a way of doing so without needing a large number of supports or columns.
Supporting walls
This type of flooring requires supporting walls on which the beams will rest. If such walls will not be present naturally in a construction project, then an irregular or lower-level support system could be required, which may raise the cost of the overall project.
Weight load
A floor's weight is made up of its dead weight and live weight. The dead weight is the weight of the beam and block floor itself, whereas the live weight refers to any load that it will hold, such as furniture and other items. The weight of the floor must be properly calculated in order to determine whether a beam and block flooring system is suitable. The structure’s load-bearing capacity must also be examined to ensure it can accommodate the weight of the beam and block floor.
Cost
The cost of a flooring system is always an important factor in construction projects. The price of a beam and block flooring system will vary depending on the specifics of the project. Consideration needs to be given to the weight of the floor and the number of support columns or walls that will be used to hold the structure in place. With fewer support structures needed than with a lighter flooring system, this could help to lower the overall cost of the project.
Q1: Are there any noticeable disadvantages to using beam and block flooring?
A1: While beam and block floors have more advantages than disadvantages, it is still important to state that they are not the cheapest options available. Beam and block floors also need regular inspection and maintenance to ensure compliance with the set safety standards.
Q2: Can one use a different type of material for the beams in a beam and block floor?
A2: No. The design of a beam-and-block floor system is such that the concrete beams support the lightweight concrete blocks. Using a different material for the beams will compromise the strength and stability of the floor.
Q3: Can the gap between the blocks in a beam and block floor be left unfilled?
A3: No. The gaps between the blocks must be filled with mortar to provide adequate support and prevent cracking. Leaving the gaps unfilled can reduce the load-bearing capacity of the floor.
Q4: Does one need to obtain special building codes or permits to install a beam and block floor?
A4: This depends on the country or region in which the beam and block floor will be installed. In some places, local authorities may require building permits or approval for certain construction projects, including the use of specific flooring systems. Consult local authority guidelines to determine if any permits or approvals are necessary for using beam and block flooring.
