Thermalite 3.6n

[Geo57]

Hi

To meet the thermal u values on my two storey extension, my architect has specified Thermalite shield 3.6n blocks for the internal leaf

My structural engineer has indicated that it is likely I will need a steel ridge beam and he is currently drawing up the designs / plans

To put my mind at rest while I wait for these, is it likely that with padstones fitted above, that 3.6n Thermalites will be adequate?

I’ve bought them already so hoping not wasted my money!

Thanks
G

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

The SE is the right one to advise! Nobody else can, it requires calculations and knowledge of the load it's supporting.

They can support - up to 3.6N. So they're not useless. The upside is that, as you know, all that fluffiness gives extra insulation.

 

[stevie888]

This is a danger of split responsibility in design and a cautionary note to not start stuff until the design is complete and BC approved.

BUT perfectly common to put beams onto Celcons. The allowable working bearing stress will be 1N/sqm which doesn't sound a lot but you get an awful lot of square mm under a padstone.,

To give you a real example: I've just designed a beam for an extension for my own place. It spans 4m carries floor both sides, a wall over it and then 2 tiled roof sections running into a wide box gutter. Padstone will be 700 long. What I have done is avoid any openings below the beam but even if these were required it's merely a case of specifying the right lintel