Concrete Padstone 215mm x 215mm x 102mm – PAD11
The Concrete Padstone 215mm x 215mm x 102mm, also known as PAD11, is a compact, high-strength precast concrete unit designed to create a stable bearing beneath structural beams and lintels. It helps distribute concentrated loads over the supporting brickwork or blockwork, reducing the pressure placed on a small area of masonry.
When a structural beam supports weight from a floor, roof or wall, the load is transferred into the structure through its bearing points. Ordinary bricks and standard building blocks may not always be suitable for accepting this concentrated pressure directly.
A correctly specified padstone provides a stronger intermediate bearing between the structural element and the supporting wall. It helps spread the load over a greater area and transfer it more effectively into the masonry below.
PAD11 measures 215mm long, 215mm wide and 102mm high. Its square footprint and relatively low profile make it suitable for particular wall, pier and beam-bearing details where this exact size has been specified.
Typical uses for PAD11
Concrete padstones are used in a range of residential, commercial and general construction projects. Typical applications include:
- Supporting structural steel beams
- Providing bearings beneath concrete lintels
- Supporting steel lintels where specified
- Forming new openings in masonry walls
- Supporting beams during wall alterations
- Residential extensions and renovations
- New-build construction
- Commercial masonry projects
- Creating load-bearing points within masonry piers
- Providing a level base for suitable structural elements
A padstone is a structural component and should not be treated as a general-purpose concrete block. Its size and installation must form part of an approved structural design.
PAD11 dimensions
The nominal product dimensions are:
- Length: 215mm
- Width: 215mm
- Height: 102mm
- Product reference: PAD11
- Approximate imperial size: 9″ x 9″ x 4″
- Material: High-strength precast concrete
The 215mm x 215mm footprint creates a compact, square bearing surface, while the 102mm height provides a lower-profile option than deeper padstone formats.
Although these dimensions may correspond with certain wall and pier arrangements, the size alone does not determine whether PAD11 is suitable. Structural calculations must take account of the imposed load, beam reaction, required end bearing and strength of the supporting masonry.
Manufactured from high-strength concrete
PAD11 is manufactured from dense, high-strength precast concrete. This provides a stronger bearing surface than an ordinary masonry unit and helps it withstand the concentrated loads associated with structural beams and lintels.
Controlled precast manufacture helps produce more consistent dimensions and concrete performance than a bearing mixed and cast on site. The completed padstone is supplied ready to incorporate into the masonry.
Using a precast padstone offers several practical benefits:
- No on-site concrete casting required
- No individual shuttering or formwork needed
- Reduced waiting time compared with in-situ concrete
- Consistent factory-manufactured dimensions
- Durable, high-strength concrete construction
- Ready to incorporate into structural masonry
- Suitable for new-build and refurbishment work
The bedding mortar and supporting masonry must still be given sufficient time to develop the required strength before the full structural load is applied.
Choosing the correct padstone
The correct padstone size depends on the structural loads, available bearing length, wall construction and strength of the surrounding brickwork or blockwork.
PAD11 should only be installed where a 215mm x 215mm x 102mm padstone has been specified or approved by a qualified structural engineer or another suitably competent professional.
Do not select a padstone solely because it fits within the available space or matches the width of the beam. A padstone must provide the bearing area required by the structural calculations.
The product should not be substituted for a different size without professional approval. Always check the structural drawings and calculations before ordering or commencing work.
Installation guidance
Ensure the supporting masonry is sound, level and capable of accepting the transferred load. Install the padstone on a continuous bed of suitable mortar so that the full underside is properly supported.
Position the padstone in the orientation shown on the structural drawings. The beam or lintel should sit correctly on the padstone and achieve the specified end-bearing distance.
Check the unit for damage before installation. Minor surface imperfections are common on precast concrete, but a padstone with severe cracks or damage that could affect its structural performance should not be used without professional assessment.
Do not cut, drill or otherwise alter the padstone unless the modification has been expressly approved by the structural engineer. The mortar and surrounding masonry should achieve adequate strength before the structural element is fully loaded.
Colour, finish and size variations
Precast concrete is made using cement, water and naturally sourced aggregates. Differences in raw materials, manufacturing conditions and curing can create variations between individual units.
Please note: Colours and sizes may vary slightly due to the manufacturing process. Product images are provided as a representative guide, and the item supplied may differ slightly in appearance.
Minor shade differences, surface marks, small air pockets and slight edge irregularities are normal characteristics of precast concrete. These cosmetic variations do not necessarily affect performance, provided the product is structurally sound and remains within the manufacturer’s permitted tolerances.
Padstones are functional structural components rather than decorative products, so exact colour and finish matching cannot be guaranteed.
Key benefits
- High-strength precast concrete construction
- Provides a stable structural bearing
- Helps distribute concentrated loads through masonry
- Suitable for supporting specified beams and lintels
- Ready to install without on-site concrete casting
- Compact square bearing surface
- Nominal size of 215mm x 215mm x 102mm
- Commonly identified as PAD11
- Suitable for new-build and renovation projects
- Consistent factory-manufactured component
The Concrete Padstone 215mm x 215mm x 102mm PAD11 provides a strong and compact bearing solution for specified structural masonry applications. Always confirm the required size, orientation and installation details against the structural engineer’s drawings and calculations before ordering or fitting the product.
