Concrete load-bearing structures are used in construction to provide buildings with vertical stiffness. They transfer the entire load of the building to the ground and are a very important element in the construction.
There are several varieties of such designs. Each type has a specific carrying capacity, a coefficient of flexibility, advantages and disadvantages. Typically, columns are used in the construction of multi-storey buildings, strengthening balconies and terraces. Designs can be made in an original way and give the building a richer, more interesting appearance. Also, concrete columns can have a round, square or rectangular shape.
Varieties of concrete structures
There are monolithic and precast concrete columns. Prefabricated structures are attractive for their cost and speed of assembly, this is due to the fact that the blocks are made at the plants, delivered to the construction site and only after that they are assembled. Monolithic structures are poured right on the construction site, which means that you have to spend a lot of time waiting for the mixture to dry. Also for monolithic structures, it is necessary to prepare a high-quality frame and formwork in advance.
Advantages of concrete columns
Concrete columns have high strength. Such constructions are durable, fireproof and perfectly cope with atmospheric influences. Due to the prevalence of materials, their price is quite low.
Concrete Column Disadvantages
Despite the large number of advantages, reinforced concrete structures also have disadvantages.
If the calculations of the expected load were made with errors, then cracks in the structure and even its destruction are possible in the future.
Concrete column type selection
When choosing the type of concrete columns, several important factors should be considered. These factors include:
- type of climate;
- soil features at the construction site;
- the estimated level of load on the structure;
- number of storeys and size of the building.
To select a design, it is recommended to consult several specialists for advice. Calculation of a concrete column is best done together with professionals in construction companies, because, making calculations on your own, you can make serious mistakes. If it is not possible to turn to a construction company for help, then calculations can be made online. Remember that this is a very important and crucial stage of construction. The strength and reliability of the reinforced concrete structure and the entire building as a whole depend on the selection and calculation.
When calculating a concrete column, it is necessary to take into account:
- Type of column.
- Quantity and class of fittings.
- Estimated load (it is worth noting that the weight of the column itself is also taken into account in this indicator).
- Quality and grade of concrete.
- The size of the column.
Concrete column design and pouring process
To assemble prefabricated concrete structures, you will need equipment and labor, it will not take much time, so we will not consider such a process.
It is much more difficult to fill in monolithic concrete columns. Installation has to be carried out at the construction site.
After choosing a monolithic type of structure and calculating the required amount of material, you should start preparing the process for pouring columns. It is necessary to choose a metal for reinforcing bars, which has strength and weldability. It should also have good adhesion to concrete.
Before proceeding with the assembly of the formwork, you need to clean the space around. It is desirable to formwork in the form of a cylinder, the diameter of which coincides with the diameter of the future column. Around the cylinder, it is covered with earth, and concrete mixture is poured inside it. The column frame should be mounted from strong, thick reinforcement. The fittings should be as long as possible and wire fastened to the rods protruding from the previously prepared foundation. When the frame is fully assembled, wrap the reinforcement with a sheet of galvanized steel. Galvanized steel must be fastened as best as possible. at the time of pouring, a large load on them is assumed. After preparing the structure, you can proceed to pouring the concrete mixture, the choice of which must also be taken with full responsibility. Fill should be done in equal layers. The solution must be tamped periodically so that air bubbles do not appear in the structure. If necessary, formwork and reinforcement cage should be adjusted.
After pouring the concrete structure, it is necessary to dismantle the formwork. Dismantling should only begin after the concrete mixture has completely solidified, when the structure has fully acquired the necessary characteristics. Dismantling is not an easy process, therefore it is advisable to entrust it to specialists who know in what order the formwork design should be disassembled. It is important in the process of dismantling not to damage the column and to maintain it in integrity, therefore, before starting, it is necessary to verify the strength of concrete.
Next, concrete columns are graphically depicted. Their installation in the ground is clearly shown.
Features of the installation of reinforced concrete structures
Concrete supports are recommended to be installed along the edges of structures and buildings. The structure should be fixed to the base and ceiling using anchors.
Installation of columns is a very time-consuming process and it is quite difficult to cope with it on your own, so we recommend that you contact the builders - specialists for help.
If desired, this design can be replaced with a small wall made of brick. This wall can be done independently, and it will cost less. Its disadvantage is that it will not withstand too much load.
Also do not forget about the supporting structures in the center of the building, because they are a very important structural element. The installation of such supports practically does not differ from the installation of supports located along the edges of the structure. The only difference is that the fittings must be used with a metal section.
Replacing concrete columns
Depending on the purpose of using the columns, they can be replaced with the following materials:
- Square steel pipes (can be used in the construction of a one-story or two-story house, at the corners of the structure).
- Brick columns (it is undesirable to use if a large load is planned, because the material is less durable and may not withstand the heaviness of the structure).
- Wooden structures that can be made of timber or logs (it is possible to use in structures similar to a veranda, arbor).
For almost all of 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 worth noting once again that the process of pouring columns with concrete mixture is very time-consuming, which means that it is difficult to do it yourself. It requires great responsibility, skills and abilities to work with these materials. In the process of concreting, it is necessary to observe many of the rules that have been listed above.