Types of Columns in Building Construction

Columns are vital for any building, acting as sturdy pillars that transfer the weight from the top parts of the building down to the foundation. They ensure that buildings remain stable and strong. There are various types of columns, each designed for specific needs and built with different materials. Here’s a look at 14 common types of columns used in construction:

1. Tied Column

Tied columns are reinforced concrete columns held together with lateral ties. These ties keep the main reinforcement bars in place and stop them from bending. They’re simple and effective, making them popular in homes and commercial buildings.

2. Spiral Column

Spiral columns have a helical reinforcement around the main bars. This spiral adds extra strength, making the column more flexible and better at carrying loads. These columns are ideal for high-rise buildings and areas prone to earthquakes.

3. Composite Column

Composite columns combine materials like steel and concrete. The steel gives them tensile strength, while the concrete provides compressive strength and fire resistance. These columns are found in bridges and multi-story buildings where performance and cost-efficiency are important.

4. Axially Loaded Column

Axially loaded columns carry vertical loads directly along their length. They don’t bend much and are common in simple residential buildings where the weight is mostly straight down.

5. Column with Uniaxial Eccentric Loading

These columns carry loads that don’t align with the centre, causing them to bend in one direction. They need to handle both compression and bending, often used in buildings with uneven load distribution.

6. Column with Biaxial Eccentric Loading

Columns with biaxial eccentric loading deal with loads that cause bending in multiple directions. They are designed for stability under complex load conditions, common in intricate structures.

7. Short Column

Short columns have a height less than 12 times their diameter. They mainly fail by crushing and can carry heavier loads. They’re used in low to medium-rise buildings.

8. Long Column

Long columns, with a height more than 12 times their diameter, tend to buckle under axial loads. They require careful design to prevent buckling and are typical in tall buildings and towers.

9. Square or Rectangular Column

These columns are easy to build and offer efficient load distribution. They are often used in both residential and commercial buildings because of their simple shape and straightforward construction.

10. Circular Column

Circular columns provide uniform strength in all directions and are visually pleasing. They are used in structures needing balanced load distribution, like bridges and modern architectural elements.

11. L-Shape Column

L-shape columns are used where space constraints or design needs require a non-rectangular shape. These reinforced concrete columns effectively transfer loads in corner areas.

12. T-Shape Column

T-shape columns are designed for heavy loads, commonly used in industrial buildings and parking structures. The T-shape offers good support for beams or girders.

13. Shape of Steel Column

Steel columns come in various shapes like I-sections, H-sections, and hollow structural sections (HSS). They are strong and lightweight, used in high-rise buildings, bridges, and industrial structures. The shape is chosen based on load requirements and design needs.

14. Columns of Different Materials

Columns can be made from materials like reinforced concrete, steel, timber, brick, block, and stone, depending on structural and aesthetic needs. Concrete columns are versatile and strong, steel columns are ideal for high-rise buildings, timber columns are eco-friendly, and brick or stone columns are durable and rustic, often used in historical buildings.

Conclusion

Columns are key components in construction, ensuring the stability and load distribution of a building. The choice of column type depends on factors like load requirements, building height, available materials, and design. Knowing the different types of columns helps in selecting the best option for various construction projects.