Concrete Padstone 440mm x 215mm x 102mm – PAD12
The Concrete Padstone 440mm x 215mm x 102mm, also known as PAD12, is a high-strength precast concrete unit designed to provide a strong and stable bearing surface beneath structural beams and lintels. It helps distribute concentrated loads across the supporting brickwork or blockwork, reducing the risk of excessive pressure being placed on a small area of masonry.
Padstones are commonly installed beneath steel beams, reinforced concrete lintels and other load-bearing structural elements. Their dense concrete construction provides considerably greater strength and resistance to concentrated loading than a standard masonry block.
The PAD12 format measures 440mm long, 215mm wide and 102mm high, making it suitable for applications where a broad bearing area is required without the additional height of a full-depth padstone.
What is a concrete padstone used for?
A padstone creates a solid intermediate bearing between a structural beam or lintel and the masonry below. When a beam carries loads from floors, roofs or walls, those forces are transferred through its bearing points.
Placing the beam directly onto ordinary brickwork or lightweight blockwork may concentrate too much pressure in a small area. A correctly specified concrete padstone spreads that load over a larger bearing area and transfers it more effectively into the surrounding structure.
Typical applications include:
- Supporting structural steel beams
- Providing bearings beneath concrete or steel lintels
- Supporting beams used during wall alterations
- Extensions and refurbishment projects
- New-build residential construction
- Commercial and industrial masonry work
- Creating level structural bearing points
PAD12 dimensions
The nominal product dimensions are:
- Length: 440mm
- Width: 215mm
- Height: 102mm
- Product reference: PAD12
- Approximate imperial size: 18″ x 9″ x 4″
- Material: High-strength precast concrete
The 440mm length provides an extended bearing area, while the 215mm width corresponds with common solid-wall and masonry dimensions. Its 102mm height can be useful where the design requires a lower-profile padstone.
Precast for dependable site use
Because the padstone is manufactured under controlled conditions, it arrives ready to incorporate into the masonry. This removes the need to construct formwork, mix concrete and wait for an in-situ padstone to cure before continuing with the work.
Precast manufacture also provides more consistent dimensions and material properties than concrete mixed and poured on site. This can help save labour and keep structural work moving efficiently.
The padstone must still be installed correctly on a suitable mortar bed and allowed to achieve an adequate bond before the structural element is fully loaded.
Installation and specification
The required padstone size depends on several factors, including the load imposed by the beam, the beam’s end bearing, the strength of the surrounding masonry and the overall structural design.
PAD12 should only be used where this size has been specified or approved by a qualified structural engineer or other suitably competent professional. A larger padstone is not automatically suitable for every application, and the product should never be selected solely by matching it to the width of a beam.
The supporting masonry must be sound, level and capable of carrying the transferred load. The padstone should be fully bedded and installed in the position and orientation shown on the structural drawings.
Do not cut, drill or otherwise modify a structural padstone unless the alteration has been specifically approved. Any damaged unit should be checked before installation and replaced where its structural performance may have been affected.
Appearance and manufacturing tolerances
Concrete is manufactured from natural aggregates, cement and water. Minor variations in the colour, shade, texture and surface finish of concrete padstones are normal and do not necessarily indicate a product fault.
Please note: Colours and sizes may vary slightly due to the manufacturing process. Product images should be treated as a representative guide only.
Small surface marks, air pockets and edge variations can also occur during precast concrete production. These are generally cosmetic, provided they remain within the manufacturer’s permitted tolerances and do not affect the structural integrity of the unit.
Key benefits
- High-strength precast concrete construction
- Creates a strong bearing beneath beams and lintels
- Helps distribute concentrated structural loads
- Ready to install without on-site concrete casting
- Suitable for new construction and refurbishment
- Nominal size of 440mm x 215mm x 102mm
- Commonly identified as PAD12
- Broad bearing area with a lower 102mm profile
The Concrete Padstone 440mm x 215mm x 102mm PAD12 offers a convenient and reliable way to create a high-strength structural bearing within masonry. Always confirm the required dimensions, orientation and installation detail against the structural engineer’s specification before ordering or installing the product.
