block n beam vs wooden floor

[Steve]

What are the load bearing characteristics of these two floor types?

I ask because the retail unit (3000sqft) we trade out of has a wooden floor. It used to be a job centre - office space, when it had a concrete block n beam floor (cellar below).

During the conversion, they calculated that the block n beam floor was not strong enough to take the weight of food retail premises, therefore it was stripped out and a wooden floor put in.

Given we move half ton cages of stock about regularly, and similar weight pallets, does this sound right? I would have assumed (naturally) that concrete, being used for car parks, shopping centres etc, would be much stronger than wood. Or could it be to do with the supporting structure, but even then, this could be beefed up, no? (the cellar is empty, unused space now)

Cheers.

 

[noseall]

Wood tends to bend and buckle, moan and groan before giving.

Concrete just snaps.

 

[ColJack]

block and beam is only about 8-10 inches deep isn't it? with seperate blocks inbetween the beams.
the pre-cast or cast in situ decks for car parks and shopping centers etc tend to be a lot thicker with re-inforcing mesh in it so a more solid structure.

 

[alittlerespect]

Seems unusual that you would swap a beam and block floor for a timber floor, but it may be that the beam and block was not designed to take the weight loading and choosing to use a timber floor was probably down to ease of installation (and perhaps cost compared to a reinforced concrete floor.)

You should raise your concerns with the landlord and ask them to verify the design loadings for the floor - you may find that the floor was not designed to take the loading of a 1/2 tonne pallet truck that is when added to the other dead and live loads.

Regards

 

[Nige F]

Could be to do with the point loading from -eg. the cage trolley wheels. I saw a hotel kitchen fitted on a existing wood joist floor . New joists were put in and there was barely 50mm gap between them and the existing -all across the floor . then heavy duty ply on top.