Concrete columns: construction and installation

Concrete bearing structures are used in construction to provide buildings with vertical stiffness. They convey the entire load of the building to the ground and are a very important element in the construction.

There are several varieties of such constructions. Each type has a certain load capacity, coefficient of flexibility, advantages and disadvantages. Usually, columns are used in the construction of multi-storey houses, the strengthening of balconies and terraces. Designs can be executed in an original way and give the building a richer, interesting appearance. Also, concrete columns can have a round, square or rectangular shape.

Varieties of concrete structures

There are monolithic and prefabricated concrete columns. Prefabricated structures are attracted by their cost and speed of assembly, due to the fact that the blocks are manufactured in factories, delivered to the construction site and only after that they are assembled. Monolithic constructions are poured directly on the site of construction, which means that you will have to spend a lot of time waiting for the mixture to dry out. Also for monolithic structures, it is necessary to prepare in advance a quality frame and formwork.

Advantages of concrete columns

Concrete columns have high strength. Such structures are durable, fire-resistant and perfectly cope with atmospheric influences. Due to the prevalence of materials, the price for them is quite low.

Disadvantages of concrete columns

Despite the large number of advantages, reinforced concrete structures also have shortcomings.
If calculations of the assumed load were made with errors, then in the future, cracks in the structure and even its destruction are possible.

Choosing the type of concrete column

When choosing the type of concrete columns, several important factors should be considered. These factors include:

• Type of climate;
• Features of the soil at the site of construction;
• The assumed level of load on the structure;
• Number of storeys and the size of the building.

To select a design, it is recommended that you consult a few specialists for advice. Calculation of the concrete column is better to be done together with professionals in construction companies, since making calculations on your own, you can make serious mistakes. If there is no possibility to apply for help to a construction company, then calculations can be made online. Remember that this is a very important and responsible stage of construction. From the correct choice and calculation depends the strength and reliability of the reinforced concrete structure and the entire building as a whole.

When calculating a concrete column, it is necessary to take into account:

• Column type.
• Number and class of reinforcement.
• Expected load (it should be noted that this factor also takes into account the weight of the column itself).
• Quality and class of concrete.
• The size of the column.

Concrete column construction and filling process

In order to assemble prefabricated concrete structures, we need technics and labor, it will not take long, so we will not consider this process.

It is much more difficult to pour monolithic concrete columns. Installation must be carried out at the construction site.

After choosing a monolithic type of construction and calculating the required amount of material, you should start preparing the process of pouring columns. It is necessary to choose such metal for armatures, which has strength and weldability. It should also have good adhesion to concrete.

Before you begin to assemble the formwork, you need to clean the space around. Formwork should preferably be in the form of a cylinder, the diameter of which coincides with the diameter of the future column. Around the cylinder is filled with earth, and inside it is poured a concrete mixture. The frame of the column should be mounted from a solid, thick reinforcement. The armature should be as long as possible and fastened with a wire to the rods protruding from the previously prepared foundation. When the frame is completely assembled, the reinforcement should be wrapped with a sheet of galvanized steel. Galvanized steel must be secured as best as possible, because At the time of filling, a large load is assumed for them. After the preparation of the structure, it is possible to start pouring a concrete mixture, which must also be taken with full responsibility. The fill should be made in equal layers. The mortar must be periodically rammed in order to avoid air bubbles in the structure. If necessary, the formwork and the frame from the reinforcement should be adjusted.

After casting the concrete structure, it is necessary to complete the dismantling of the formwork. Dismantling should be started only after the concrete has completely hardened, when the design fully acquires the necessary characteristics. Dismantling is not an easy process, so it is advisable to entrust it to specialists who know in what order the formwork should be disassembled. It is important in the process of dismantling not to damage the column and keep it intact, so before starting you need to make sure of the strength of the concrete.

Further, the concrete columns are graphically depicted. Installation of them in the ground is clearly shown.

Features of installation of reinforced concrete structures

Concrete supports are recommended to be installed along the edges of structures and buildings. Mount the structure to the base and the ceiling using anchors.

The installation of columns is a very time-consuming process and it is quite difficult to handle it independently, so we recommend that you turn to specialist builders for help.

If desired, this construction can be replaced by a small wall made of bricks. This wall can be done independently, and it will cost less. Its disadvantage is that it can not withstand too much stress.

Also, do not forget about the supporting structures in the center of the building, since they are a very important element of the structure. The mounting of such supports is practically the same as the installation of supports located along the edges of the structure. The only difference is that the reinforcement must be used with a metal section.

Replacement of concrete columns

Depending on the purpose of using the columns, they can be replaced by the following materials:

• Square steel pipes (can be used in the construction of a single-story or two-story house, at the corners of the building).
• Brick columns (it is undesirable to use, if a large load is planned, because the material is less durable and can not withstand the severity of the structure).
• Wooden structures that can be made of timber or logs (it is possible to use a gazebo in structures similar to a veranda).

Practically for all these structures, as well as for the installation of concrete slabs, it is necessary to use a construction crane and attract several specialists.

It is worthwhile to note once again that the process of pouring columns with a concrete mixture is very time consuming, which means that it is difficult to carry it out with your own hands. It requires great responsibility, skills and skills to work with these materials. During the concreting process, it is necessary to observe the set of rules listed above.