When it comes to construction, a lack of structural stability can lead to catastrophic consequences, leading to the potential loss of human life and the destruction of substantial financial investments. Several factors contribute to a structure’s stability, with columns being one of the most critical elements. This blog will explain what a column is, its importance in construction and explore its different types.
What is a Column?
The first thing you notice in any structure, whether it’s a residential building or a civil construction like a bridge, is the column. This is because a column is tall and wide, hence evidently visible. A column is a vertical structural element that transfers the weight of the beams and slabs placed above it to the structure’s foundation. This provides essential support to the beams and slabs, enabling them to effectively contribute to the structure’s overall strength. Furthermore, the weight transfer to the structure’s foundation facilitates even weight distribution on the ground. This ensures the structure remains stable while preventing the ground from overloading and potentially breaking. Given its nature, the column plays an indelible role in construction. The failure of the columns results in the instant failure of the entire structure, which puts a lot at stake. Hence, construction professionals exercise great care when constructing columns. Though columns are tall and wide, they are more significant in depth. Typically, their depth is three times greater than their lateral dimensions. Columns are made of concrete, steel, wood and stones. They may be further reinforced with steel to enhance their strength. This increases their ability to support significant loads.
What is the Importance of a Column Design in Construction?
Below is an explanation of the importance of column construction: Columns are pivotal in transferring compressive stress from the superstructure to the substructure. This ensures that the superstructure does not fall or cause damage to the substructure. This is essential to maintaining the integrity and functionality of the structure.
- The superstructure is the part of the structure above the ground level, such as walls and roofs. The substructure is the part associated with the ground, like foundations and basement walls.
- Compressive stress is the force that reduces the structure’s material or size. In simple terms, it causes the structure to compress or compact, compromising its appearance and integrity.
Proper column positioning is equally crucial in construction. The columns should be positioned consistently across the structure so that all superstructure parts receive adequate support. Typically, the strength and positioning of columns are fundamental to a structure’s resilience in the face of natural disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis. These are the harshest conditions the structure faces, and it must withstand them to protect human life. Estimate the cost of materials required for construction with the JK Cement House Construction Cost Calculator.
What are the Different Types of Column In Construction?
There are different types of columns. Each type is suitable for a specific kind of construction, ensuring that the project’s key requirements are effectively addressed. Therefore, construction professionals must carefully consider and select the appropriate column type for their project. Columns are generally classified based on shape, construction material, type of reinforcement, slenderness ratio and the loading they bear. Below is a brief and simple description of each classification.
Types of Columns Based on Shape
- Square/Rectangular Columns: They are commonly used to construct buildings, given their natural shape. Besides seamlessly integrating with the structure, the columns’ strength enhances the building’s durability.
- Circular Columns: They are used to create pilling and elevation of a structure, enabling you to scale your building to desirable heights. They are visually appealing, so even when left exposed, they enhance the overall design of the construction.
- L-Shaped Column: As the name suggests, the column takes the shape of the letter “L” when used in construction. It is widely used to create corners of buildings. It ensures a seamless finish yet firm boundaries.
- T-Shaped Column: As the nomenclature suggests, these columns are designed in the shape of the letter “T.” They have significant depth, making them suitable for constructing deep underwater bridges.
Types of Column-Based on Loading Type
- Axially Loaded Column: The vertical axial loads act on the centre of gravity of the cross-section of the columns. They are rarely used in construction. But you may see them as interior columns in high-rise buildings having symmetrical loads from all sides.
- Uniaxial Eccentric Loaded Column: The vertical axial loads coincide and act eccentrically on the column’s cross-section Y or X axis. They are used to make rigid connections between two sides of the structure.
- Biaxial Eccentric Loaded Column: The vertical axial loads neither act on the centre of gravity nor act on the column’s cross-section Y or X axis. They are used to create corner columns, as they are capable of forming the right angles (90°).
Types of Column-Based on Slenderness Ratio
- Short Column: The column’s slenderness ratio is less than 12. A short column generally fails under high compression loads. In the case of short columns it normally failure occurs due to the crushing of material not by buckling
- Long Column: The column’s slenderness ratio is more than 12. It effectively manages significant compressive stress and, hence, is widely used in construction. However, it is prone to bending and buckling, so caution must be exercised.
Note: The slenderness ratio is the ratio of a column’s effective length to its lateral dimensions.
Final Note
Columns are the first structural element you would notice in a bridge, building, or any other structure, given their dimensions. They are tall, wide, and have considerable depth. They link the beams and walls above and the foundation below, transferring the weight from the top to the bottom. They are pivotal in making a structure strong, stable, and resilient. They come in various types and must be positioned correctly to achieve optimal results. Strengthen your construction columns and reinforce the overall structure with the power of JK Cement.
FAQs
What is a column?
A column is a vertical structure that transfers weight from the beams and loads above it to the foundation. This transfer of weight is important to prevent overburdening the column and ensure proper load distribution onto the foundation, ensuring the structure’s integrity and functionality.
What are the columns are made of?
The columns are made of concrete, steel, wood and stone. These materials are strong and transfer that same strength to the columns during their construction.
What are the different types of columns in building construction?
Columns can be classified into five main categories based on their shape, construction material, reinforcement, slenderness ratio and type of loading. These categories have further sub-classifications.
A column is a vertical structure that transfers weight from the beams and loads above it to the foundation. This transfer of weight is important to prevent overburdening the column and ensure proper load distribution onto the foundation, ensuring the structure’s integrity and functionality.
The columns are made of concrete, steel, wood and stone. These materials are strong and transfer that same strength to the columns during their construction.
Columns can be classified into five main categories based on their shape, construction material, reinforcement, slenderness ratio and type of loading. These categories have further sub-classifications.
