Does an RSJ always need padstones?

[Char1980]

We have had a structural internal wall removed and an RSJ installed. We didn't get building control sign off at the time so we are trying to get it done now.

It has now transpired that we don't think the builder put in padstones - despite it being in writing in the quote.

Do all RSJs always need padstones? Or has our builder completely messed this up?

Thank you

 

[tomfe]

No, padstones are only needed if the supporting material has not enough compressive strength and or needs to spread the weight.

 

[23vc]

Quite often blue bricks if that helps

 

[^woody^]

How long ago was this work done? If it's been a while, and the bearings have not cracked and the beam dropped by now, then there is an argument that no padstones are needed.

 

[garyo]

The first extension we did ten years ago, the SE said that no padstones were required for one of the steels that was only supporting upstairs floors. It was bearing on 3.5kn thermalite, so pretty soft. I still put a 7kn block under each end of the steel just in case

 

[Char1980]

Hi. It's supporting an upstairs floor with a wall directly above, and the roof above that. One end of rsj is sat on external wall, the other end is sat on an internal wall.

Work was done 2 and a half years ago.

Does this sound like padstones are needed?

 

[bsr]

I think you will need to provide the following information to get a useful reply:

1. What are the dimensions of the RSJ? Length, width and depth.
   
2. What is it sitting on? Thermalite, brick?
3. What is it holding up? Ceiling joists, purlin, floor above?

 

[John D v2.0]

there's no need for a padstone on a new build as long as the calculations show the blocks are strong enough, they are only needed routinely for existing construction when the strength of the existing brickwork is not known.
Having said that our builder decided to randomly add a whole column of concrete blocks below the beam bearing, and cast a padstone on top, for no particular reason given the calculations clearly said the weight of the upstairs and roof were well within the lightweight blocks strength.