6 Types of Columns That Are Essential for Building Construction

6 Types of Columns That Are Essential for Building Construction

Column is a vertical structure, which carries loads chiefly in compression. It can transfer loads from a ceiling, roof slab, floor slab, or from a beam, to a floor or foundations. Moreover, columns can also carry bending moments about one or both of the cross-section axes. There are several types of columns that are used in diverse parts of the structures.

Columns are classified based on different conditions including:

  1. Based on types of reinforcement
  2. Based on types of loading
  3. Based on slenderness ratio
  4. Based on shape
  5. Based on construction material

In this write-up, we will discuss different types of reinforced concrete columns. These are:

  1. Tied column

This type of column is basically constructed from reinforced concrete. Longitudinal reinforcement is confined within closely spaced tie reinforcement. 95% of the columns that are used in construction purposes are tied.

  1. Spiral column

Reinforced concrete is also used to build a spiral column. Longitudinal bars are confined within closely spaced and continuously would spiral reinforcement in this type of column. Spiral reinforcement offers lateral restraint, as well as delays axial load failure.

  1. Composite column

If the longitudinal reinforcement is in the form of a structural steel section or pipe with or without longitudinal bars, it is termed as a composite column.  This kind of column has high strength with a fairly small cross-section. Moreover, it can exhibit good fire performance.

  1. Axially loaded column

When vertical axial loads act on the center of gravity of the cross-section of the column, it is termed as an axially loaded column. It is rare in construction since coinciding vertical loads on the center of gravity of the column cross-section is not practical. An example of this type of column is the interior column of multi-storey buildings with symmetrical loads from floor slabs from all sides.

  1. Column with uniaxial eccentric loading

When vertical column loads don’t coincide with centre of gravity of column cross-section, however, act eccentrically either on X or Y axis of the column cross-section, then it is termed as uniaxially eccentrail loading column. Generally, these kinds of columns are encountered in the case of columns rigidity connected beam from one side only such as edge columns.

  1. Column with biaxical eccentric loading

If vertical on the column is not coincide with the center of gravity of column cross-section and does not act on either axis, then the column is called biaxically eccentric loaded column. These are common in corner columns with beams rigidly connected at right angles at the top of columns.

Besides these, based on the slenderness, the columns are categorized as a short column, long column, rectangular column, circular column, L-shape column, T-shape column, the shape of steel column, the shape of a composite column, etc. There are also several types of column that are used in construction. Based on the kind of property that will be constructed and other important things, the kind is determined and used. If you are going to buy columns for construction, then choose quality ones from a reputable shop.