Building Construction Handbook, Eighth Edition

Precast Reinforced Concrete Beam and Expanded Polystyrene
(EPS) Block Floors ~ these have evolved from the principles of
beam and block floor systems as shown on the preceding page.
The light weight and easy to cut properties of the blocks provide
for speed and simplicity in construction. Exceptional thermal
insulation is possible, with U-values as low as 0.2 W/m^2 K.

Typical detail ~

structural screed gas membrane (if required)

heel

toe

inverted reinforced

concrete `T' beams at 600 c/c

EPS infill block

1200 long, density

approx. 17 kg/m^3 ,

cut to fit wall at periphery

(^150 210)
Cold Bridging ~ this is prevented by the EPS ``toe'' projecting
beneath the underside of the concrete beam.
Structural Floor Finish ~ 50 mm structural concrete (C30grade)
screed, reinforced with 10 mm steel Type A square mesh or with
polypropylene fibres in the mix. A low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
methane/radon gas membrane can be incorporated under the
screed if local conditions require it.
Floating Floor Finish ~ subject to the system manufacturer's
specification and accreditation, 18 mm flooring grade moisture
resistant chipboard can be used over a 1000 gauge polythene
vapour control layer. All four tongued and grooved edges of the
chipboard are glued for continuity.
Domestic Suspended Concrete and EPS Ground Floors