Padstone Calculator

Padstone Calculator

At Liba Consulting, we provide a simple, accurate and professional Padstone Calculator to help engineers, builders, architects and homeowners determine the appropriate padstone size for structural applications. Correctly sizing a padstone ensures that concentrated loads are safely distributed onto masonry walls, reducing the risk of overstressing the supporting structure.

Our calculator provides quick and reliable results based on key design inputs, helping you make informed decisions during the early stages of your project.

If you require structural calculations, padstone design, or expert advice for your project, our structural engineers can provide detailed assessments and professional engineering solutions across London and the UK.

Padstone Design Calculator | Liba Consulting — UK Structural Engineers
Liba Consulting
Structural Engineering

Padstone Design Calculator

Steel Beam Bearing on Masonry — BS EN 1996-1-1 / BS EN 1990 / UK National Annex

Ref: BS EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012 & UK NA BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005 — Load combinations Not for regulatory use without engineer sign-off
Project Details
Design Inputs
1Beam End Reaction (Characteristic)
Dead + superimposed dead
Imposed load component
2Wall & Bearing Geometry
Length of beam bearing on padstone
Beam spans away from wall — bearing length lb measured along wall face
3Masonry Material Properties
Characteristic compressive strength calculated per BS EN 1996-1-1:2005, Eq. 3.1:
fk = K · fbα · fmβ — constants K, α, β from Table 3.3/NA
4Proposed Padstone
Along wall face
= wall thickness
Min. 0.5 × overhang
Calculated: (lp – lb) / 2
5Load Dispersion (Optional)
6Serviceability Limit State (SLS) Check
User-specified. Typical guidance: 0.4fk to 0.5fk (check with project specification)
SLS combination: NSLS = 1.0·Gk + 1.0·Qk (characteristic combination, BS EN 1990 Eq. 6.14b)

Padstone Design — Steel Beam Bearing on Masonry

Ref: BS EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012 with UK National Annex | BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005

Project
—
Job No.
—
Calc. Ref.
—
Date / Rev.
—
Engineer
—
Checked By
—
Overall Result
—
All checks combined
Bearing Stress UR
—
NEd / (fk/γM × Ap)
Min. Padstone Length
— mm
Required to satisfy bearing
SLS Bearing UR
—
NSLS / (fsls × Ap)
Schematic — Beam Bearing Detail
PADSTONE l_b = 150mm l_p = 215mm t_w = 215mm N_Ed
1. Design Actions BS EN 1990:2002+A1 — Eq. 6.10 —
2. Masonry Characteristic & Design Strength BS EN 1996-1-1:2005 — Clauses 3.6, 2.4.3 —
3. Bearing Stress Check — Padstone on Masonry BS EN 1996-1-1:2005 — Clause 6.1.3 —
4. Padstone Geometry & Material Checks Good practice guidance —
5. Load Dispersion in Masonry Below Padstone BS EN 1996-1-1:2005 — Clause 6.1.3 / Dispersal at 45° —
5a. SLS Bearing Stress Check BS EN 1990:2002+A1 — Eq. 6.14b (Characteristic combination) —
6. Summary of Checks Design verification summary —
Liba Consulting — Padstone Design Tool v2.1 BS EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012 · UK NA · BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005 · Not for regulatory submission without engineer approval

Notes

PADSTONE CALCULATOR OUTPUT

This Padstone Calculator is provided for general informational purposes only and is intended as an initial design aid to assist with estimating suitable padstone dimensions. It does not constitute a structural design, engineering calculation package, or professional engineering advice.

The calculations and results generated by this tool are based solely on the information entered by the user and may not account for all project-specific conditions, material properties, loading arrangements, or applicable design standards. Reliance on this calculator should not replace a detailed assessment or design by a qualified structural engineer. All structural designs should be verified before construction.

STRUCTURAL DESIGN FOR  YOUR PROPERTY

If you require padstone design, structural calculations, or verification of an existing or proposed structural arrangement, a professional assessment is recommended to ensure compliance with current design standards and Building Regulations.

Liba Consulting provides structural calculations, padstone design, and engineering advice for residential and commercial projects across London and the UK.

For structural design enquiries or technical advice, please contact us by email.