A common way is to get a precast concrete lintel and cut it to the appropriate length, which means you dont need to wait and the concrete strength is more than adequate.
No, sorry if my last comment was a bit misleading. The cut down precast concrete lintel would be the padstone, and the length should be just as if it were a cast in-situ concrete padstone, sized to suit the relevant loads and masonry strengths being used, usually specified by the same person that specified the beam size - i.e. structural engineer ?
That could work if the beam is lightly loaded but if you use a concrete block, you need to make sure the block is quite a high strength block (and be stronger than the masonry below it - which it is unlikely to be if the wall is brickwork ?) otherwise it will crush under the concentrated load from the beam and not really be much use. Engineering bricks can also be used as a padstone.
I created the padstone with a 1:3:6 mix of cement:sand:20mm gravel,
One side was a good mix but the other side a bit sloppy and ended up tamping it down to make sure with a batton. Not sure what happens if its too sloppy. Anyone have any ideas?
The two 8'' x 4'' x 13ft support a non weight bearing gable end.
How long do people leave the concrete to set before removing acrows ?
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below,
or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Please select a service and enter a location to continue...
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local