Concrete @ your Fingertips

Masonry - Ancillary applications

Concrete masonry can be used in other applications other than walling. The most common is in beam and block flooring systems, particularly where economics or practicalities preclude the use of other forms of construction. Concrete masonry units are placed between prestressed or reinforced concrete beams to provide a floor capable of taking domestic loading at ground and upper floors. Additional insulation may be required for exposed situations and a levelling concrete or screed laid to take flooring finishes. A ventilated air void needs to be maintained below the ground floor and provision made for adequate drainage. The design and arrangement of the beams would be capable of accommodating loadbearing and non-loadbearing partition walls. A structural concrete topping can be applied where higher point loads are anticipated, e.g. garage floors.

For further information see the Concrete Block Association or the Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products Association 

Acknowledgement: Concrete Society