A beam-and-block reinforced concrete floor is an essential element in the construction of a house or building. Strong and durable, it offers greater stability and strength. As the name suggests, it is a floor made of precast blocks and reinforced concrete, all resting on a structure of steel beams. In addition to being strong and long-lasting, this type of floor provides thermal and acoustic insulation. Building it takes precision and know-how. Here are the steps for building a beam-and-block concrete floor, a project we completed in Nice:
1. Preliminary studies
Before you begin, always make sure your project is feasible. We strongly recommend contacting a professional who can carry out a feasibility study. Do not skip this step: savings made at the planning stage can turn into never-ending expenses by the end of the project!
2. Steel structure
To build the floor, you first need to build its structure. In this case, we built a structure of steel I-beams (IPN) of different sections. The I-beams are set into the walls and rest on reinforced concrete bearing pads cast into the wall beforehand.
3. Laying the blocks
The blocks are precast elements made of concrete or terracotta, designed to form the base of the floor. They are placed on the beams at regular intervals. This step requires care and precision to ensure the loads are evenly distributed.
4. Placing the steel reinforcement
The steel reinforcement, often welded wire mesh, gives the floor its strength and resistance. It is placed over the blocks, spaced according to the technical recommendations, and must be firmly secured so that it stays in place while the concrete is poured.
5. Pouring the concrete
Once the blocks and reinforcement are in place, we pour the concrete. The concrete used must be suited to the load and structural requirements of the floor.
6. Smoothing and curing
After pouring, the concrete surface must be smoothed to get an even finish. The concrete then needs to dry and cure for the recommended period.
Building a beam-and-block reinforced concrete floor takes time, planning and precise execution. By following these steps and working methodically, you get a strong, durable floor that meets safety and quality standards.
To get a free quote for our services and estimate the cost of your project, fill out the quote request form and our team will contact you within 48 hours!
