BS EN 15037-1
BS EN 15037-1:2008 ‘Precast concrete products. Beam-and-block floor systems. Beams’ is a British-adopted European Standard which came into force in 2008.
It provides requirements, test methods and evaluation of conformity for precast beams using reinforced or prestressed normal or lightweight concrete intended for use in structural floor and roof systems.
It refers to concrete beams which provide the final strength of the floor system, independently of any other component part of the system. It also refers to semi- or resisting concrete blocks that transfer the floor load onto the self-bearing beams. The final strength of the floor is achieved in conjunction with a concrete topping and can also be with concrete blocks.
It is published is published in parts 1 to 5:
- Part 1 - Beams
- Part 2 - Concrete Blocks
- Part 3 - Clay Blocks
- Part 4 - Expanded Polystyrene Blocks
- Part 5 - Lightweight Blocks for simple formwork
In addition to the beam and block/infill specification, consideration must also be given to the floor finish. This will largely be dependent on the type of substrate, the beam and infill system used and whether that system is deemed to be self-bearing or non-self-bearing.
The standard states that it is essential that the beam’s total depth is between 60-300 mm and beams are placed at centres of no more than 1 m. Precast concrete beams of higher depth should comply with EN 13225.
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