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what are columns used for in buildings

by Nannie Feeney Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Columns are often used to hold up beams or arches on which the upper parts of walls or ceilings rest, like in a ceiling or wall. In architecture, the term column refers to a structural component that also has certain proportional and decorative characteristics.

A column is a vertical structural member intended to transfer a compressive load. For example, a column might transfer loads from a ceiling, floor or roof slab or from a beam, to a floor or foundations.Jun 1, 2022

Full Answer

What are the different types of columns used in building construction?

Square or rectangular columns are largely used in building construction. These types of columns are economically good and easy to construct because of it is easy shuttering and reinforcement arrangement. Circular columns are generally used in piling and elevation of the buildings for aesthetic intent.

What is a steel column used for?

A steel column is a vertical structure member used in construction to provide essential support. They may carry loads in compression or they may transfer loads from things like beams, ceilings, floor slabs or roof slabs to floors or foundations. Steel columns may also carry bending moments near cross-section axes.

What is the use of rectangular columns in construction?

They are generally used in the construction of buildings. It is much easier to construct and cast rectangular or square columns than circular ones because of ease of shuttering and to support it from collapsing due to pressure while the concrete is still in flowable form.

What is column column?

Column is a vertical structural member that carry loads mainly in compression. It might transfer loads from a ceiling, floor slab, roof slab, or from a beam, to a floor or foundations.

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Why are columns important?

Columns are very important components of a structure. Failure of columns results in the collapse of structure. In this article, I will discuss different types of columns used in buildings and structures.

What are the different types of columns?

The types of Columns can be classified depending upon several conditions, which are. 1. Based on the shape. 2. Based on the type of reinforcement. 3. Based on the types of loading.

What is composite column?

Composite Column: These columns consist of structural steel or cast iron column enclosed with concrete, reinforced with longitudinal as well as spiral reinforcement. Composite columns are mostly used in truss structures to avoid the corrosion of steel.

What is square column?

Square or rectangular columns are mostly used in building construction. These types of columns are economically good and easy to construct because of it’s easy shuttering and reinforcement placement.

When is a long column considered a long column?

When the ratio of the effective length of the column to its least lateral dimension exceeds 12 the column is considered as long column. Such columns are liable to fail due to buckling. Long columns are weaker compared to short columns of same cross-sectional area and not generally preferred.

When the resultant of the load coincides with the centroid of the cross-section of a column, it

When the resultant of the load coincides with the centroid of the cross-section of a column, it is called axially loaded or concentrically loaded column. These types of columns rarely used in construction.

What are columns used for?

The various types of columns are generally designed to evenly distribute compressed axial loads and additional forces such as ice, wind, and to maintain the structure in earthquakes or any other forces.

When the vertical load on the column doesn’t coincide with the center of gravity of the column and it doesn’t

When the vertical load on the column doesn’t coincide with the center of gravity of the column and it doesn’t act on the shock axis (X and Y axis), the column is known as a biaxial eccentric column.

What is a Column?

A column is a vertical structural element mainly carrying the compressive load and which length is higher than three-time to its least lateral dimension.

Purpose of Providing Column

Columns are used to transfer the axial compressive load and addition stresses that may lead to any failure.

Types of Columns

Square/rectangular columns are regularly used in building construction. They are suitable for square or rectangular shape rooms.

Why are spiral columns used?

Spiral columns are used when high strength and/or high ductility are required. Because the spiral acts to resist the lateral expansion of the column bars under high axial loads. The main bars are placed in a circle and ties are replaced by spirals. Spiral columns are used more extensively in seismic regions.

When to use circular columns?

Circular columns are used when higher elevation is needed like in piles, bridges pillars. Circular columns provide a smooth and aesthetic finish. On the other hand, rectangular columns are found in residential and official buildings. They are easy and less costly to cast.

What is axially loaded column?

If the compressive vertical loads act along the centroidal axis of the column, it is termed as an axially loaded column. This type of column without bending is not found practically so much.

What is the slenderness ratio of a long column?

The slenderness ratio exceeds 12 in long columns. This type of column is also known as the slender column. As the slenderness increases, bending deformation increases. Long column fails due to buckling effect which reduces load-bearing capacity.

Why are concrete columns called compression members?

Still, columns are called compression members because compressive forces dominate their behavior. Concrete columns can be roughly divided into three categories- Pedestals, Short reinforced columns, and Long reinforced columns. Besides in modern days columns can be classified in different categories on a different basis.

Why do short columns fail?

Short columns fail due to crushing or yielding of the steel bars. The loads that a short column may support depend on the dimension of cross-section and the strength of materials. Short columns show a little flexibility.

What is a pre-tensioned column?

Prestressed columns can be used as an extension of the reinforced concrete columns when bending moments due to wind and earthwork forces, eccentric loads, or frame action are applied to columns. Prestressing transforms a cracked section into a non-cracked one and resists significant bending.

Where do the columns come from?

These columns originated in the Middle Kingdom period with their tops shaped like the goddess Hathor, who had the head of a cow. It contains simple shafts with a round shape. You can typically find these columns in temples.

What is a postmodern column?

These are more contemporary columns designed in 1996. They're typically tall and thin with a square shape. As a construction worker, you may build and feature them in front of homes to complement their contemporary designs. They're usually featured in a row of several columns. Some buildings even have over 20 postmodern columns surrounding them to give off an interestingly modern look.

What is a bungalow column?

Also known as bungalow columns, these became popular to showcase on houses in the 20th century. Homeowners may ask construction workers to install these on the outside of their house. These contain a simple and basic square-shaped design to easily hold up the roof. Since they're primarily used to support homes, they're typically shorter and thicker than most columns.

What is fluted column?

A fluted column is a type of Egyptian column created to resemble plant stems and bundled reeds. They're typically made with unique designs as a taller decorative piece featured outside of older buildings. They usually only hold up single layers of foundation as they're not as durable as other columns. Known as the first types of columns made from stone, they're featured on many older ancient buildings.

What are Solomonic columns?

To give a more exotic look to various structures, Solomonic columns have shafts that twist and spiral. They're typically long, slim and used as decorative ornaments for most buildings, rather than as strong and supportive structures. Some hotels may use Solomonic columns as a unique piece displayed outside of their buildings.

What do papyriform columns represent?

There are several variations of this type of column. You may notice papyriform columns with either circular or ribbed shafts. The circular shafts represent single plants, while ribbed shafts showcase plants with several stems. The tops of these columns will either look open or closed to signify an open or closed bud. On the bases are triangular shapes and patterns. Other structures typically support these columns, as they don't often stand on their own.

What is steel column?

A steel column is a vertical structure member used in construction to provide essential support. They may carry loads in compression or they may transfer loads from things like beams, ceilings, floor slabs or roof slabs to floors or foundations. Steel columns may also carry bending moments near cross-section axes.

What is composite column?

Composite columns are a type of reinforcement column made of structural steel, concrete and reinforcement. They have a high load-carrying capacity and provide longitudinal reinforcement, and construction works often use them in high-rise building construction. Composite columns often have good fire performance, ...

What is a spiral reinforced concrete column?

Spiral reinforced concrete columns are concrete reinforcement columns with an embedded steel mesh, which is called rebar, that provides reinforcement to the column's structure. These are cylindrical columns with a continuous helical bar wrapped around each column. The spiral structure of the column provides transverse support across the width ...

How many longitudinal steel beams are needed for a square column?

They contain a minimum of four longitudinal steel beams to provide support. Square or rectangular columns often allow for easy shuttering, placing reinforcement and concrete pouring. This, combined with their general affordability, making them a popular choice in building construction.

What is circular column?

Circular columns are columns classified based on their shape. These columns contain more than four longitudinal steel bars within them that act as a reinforcement bar. Circular columns often have a higher bending resistance than rectangular or square columns. Common uses of circular columns in construction include for piling and elevating buildings for aesthetic reasons, and construction workers often use them as bridge pillars.

How many inches are in a short reinforced column?

These columns have a slenderness ratio of less than 12 inches, and they contain steel bars. Short reinforced columns have some flexibility, and the loads they support vary and depend on factors like the strength of the materials and the dimension of the cross-section.

What is a C-shaped beam?

C-shaped beams: C-shaped beams, also called C beams or structural C channels, feature a C-shaped cross-section with top and bottom flanges connected by a web structure.

What is a column in a building?

The column is a vertical strut that transmits loads of a structure from the beam and slab to the foundation. The effective depth of a column surpasses three times the lateral dimension. Mostly, columns transfer axial loads in compression. Columns are very essential components of a structure.

Why are square columns used?

These types of columns are economically good and easy to construct because of it is easy shuttering and reinforcement arrangement.

What is a spiral column?

Spiral Column: When circular columns are reinforced with closely and uniformly spaced spiral reinforcement, they are called spiral columns. The spiral acts to give support in the transverse direction and prevent the column from barrelling.

What is composite column?

Composite Column: These columns comprised of structural steel or cast iron column enclosed with concrete, reinforced with longitudinal as well as spiral reinforcement. Composite columns are largely used in truss structures to avoid the corrosion of steel.

What is a long column?

Long Column: When the ratio of the effective length of the column to its least lateral dimension exceeds 12 the column is known as a long column. Such columns are likely to fail due to buckling. Long columns are weaker compared to short columns of the same cross-sectional area and not generally desirable.

How many steel bars are in a circular column?

In the circular columns, more than 4 steel bars are used as reinforcement and its bending resistance is normally higher than the square or rectangular columns. Other than buildings, circular columns are also utilized as bridge pillars due to good deflection resistance.

When the resultant of the load coincides with the centroid of the cross-section of a column, it

When the resultant of the load coincides with the centroid of the cross-section of a column, it is known as an axially loaded or concentrically loaded column. These types of columns rarely utilized in construction.

What is the mix for columns?

According to Fuller, the mix for making columns “has a little polymer in it, and fiberglass, and concrete aggregate. Then it is sprayed up into a mold to give you the look and feel of stone – and if you want, the color too, but it can also be done in paint grade.”.

When did the Greeks start building stone columns?

Stone Columns. When ancient Greeks first saw the monumental stone pyramids and structures of Egypt around the 6th century BCE, they quickly abandoned wood-column temple construction in favor of stone, eventually perfecting the sublime vocabulary of Classical column orders. Stone columns still command the timeless appeal ...

What is a chopped fiberglass column?

Chopped/matt fiberglass columns generally are made in halves, so they can be released from the molds. Column halves may be assembled later around a structural member, or they may be assembled in the plant and beefed up to make them load-bearing.

Is there mold in a wood column?

With a wood column, however, there is no mold; the corners and details are crisper.”. Not surprisingly, the clear, rot-resistant, domestic wood species once used to make building columns have changed over the decades.

Is stone column popular?

However, stone columns are no less popular for new buildings of Classical or totally modern design. Though solid-stone building columns have supported large structures for millennia, there is no modern rule-of-thumb on their load-bearing capacity and it is important to first consult a structural engineer.

Can you put steel in a column?

And if there are uplift or shear considerations, you can install a piece of steel in the column as well. ”. Columns that employ chopped or matt fiberglass are typically manufactured similar to boats, where the glass fibers and resin are laid into a mold, then unmolded when the resin is hard.

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What Is column?

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Column is a vertical member which transfers loads of a structure from beam and slab to the foundation. The effective depth of a column exceeds three times the lateral dimension. Generally, columns carry axial loads in compression. Columns are very important components of a structure. Failure of columns results in the co…
See more on dailycivil.com

Types of Columns

  • There are different column types used in structures. The types of Columns can be classified depending upon several conditions, which are 1. Based on the shape. 2. Based on the type of reinforcement. 3. Based on the types of loading. 4. Based on the slenderness ratio. 5. Based on materials.
See more on dailycivil.com

Types of Columns Based on Shape

  • Square Column & Rectangular Column
    Square or rectangular columns are mostly used in building construction. These types of columns are economically good and easy to construct because of it’s easy shuttering and reinforcement placement.
  • Circular Column:
    Circular columns are mostly used in piling and elevation of the buildings for aesthetic purposes. In circular columns, more than 4 steel bars are used as reinforcement Its bending resistance is usually higher than square or rectangular column. Other than buildings, circular columns are als…
See more on dailycivil.com

Based on The Type of Reinforcement

  • Tied Column
    These columns have closed lateral ties spaced approximately and uniformly across the column. The spacing of the ties is limited in that they must be close enough to prevent barrelling failure between them, and far enough apart that they do not interfere with the setting of the concrete. If …
  • Spiral Column
    When circular columns are reinforced with closely and uniformly spaced spiral reinforcement, they are known as spiral columns. The spiral acts to provide support in the transverse direction and prevent the column from barrelling. Spirally reinforced columns generally consist of 6 bars as lo…
See more on dailycivil.com

Column Types Based on The Type of Loading

  • Axially Loaded Column
    When the resultant of the load coincides with the centroid of the cross-section of a column, it is called axially loaded or concentrically loaded column. These types of columns rarely used in construction.
  • Eccentrically Loaded Column
    When the resultant of the load does not coincide with the centroid of the cross-section of a column, it is called axially loaded or eccentrically loaded column. 1. Uniaxially Eccentrically Loaded Column When the eccentric load acts on either X-axis or Y axis is called uniaxially eccen…
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Column Types Based on Slenderness Ratio

  • Short Column
    When the ratio of the effective length of the column to its least lateral dimension is less than 12, it is called short column. In short column mechanical failure mainly occur due to shearing.
  • Long Column
    When the ratio of the effective length of the column to its least lateral dimension exceeds 12 the column is considered a long column. Such columns are liable to fail due to buckling. Long columns are weaker compared to short columns of same cross-sectional area and are not gener…
See more on dailycivil.com

Types of Columns Based on Materials Used

  1. 1. Reinforced concrete column.
  2. 2. Steel column.
  3. 3. Timber column.
  4. 4. Stone Column.
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