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.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.