3 Construction Columns and Shuttering Techniques

A structural drawing is a blueprint created by a structural engineer, showing the size, shape, and reinforcement of columns used in a building.

The structural drawing specifies the dimensions (width, height, and depth) of the concrete column, as well as the spacing between reinforcements, based on the intended load and safety factors.

The structural drawing indicates the quantities of cement, sand, and aggregate needed for the concrete mix, based on the desired strength and size of the column.

The structural drawing shows the number and placement of steel bars (reinforcement) within the concrete column, ensuring structural integrity.

The structural drawing details the spacing between stirrups, which are small, curved steel bars that hold the main steel bars in place and provide additional resistance to shear forces.

The vertical bar of the stirrup should form a right angle with the edge of the stirrup.

The stirrup must be securely fastened with binding wire.

The top of the stirrup should be even with the edge of the stirrup.

The binding wire should be wrapped securely around the stirrup to ensure it is firmly in place.

The stirrup must be properly bound with wire to ensure it is firmly attached and will not come loose.

The process of carefully removing formwork to prevent damage to the concrete.

The supporting structures that hold the formwork in place during concrete pouring.

The edges of concrete columns that can be damaged during formwork removal.

The process of pouring concrete into the formwork to create a column.

The movement of the formwork during the concreting process, which can lead to defects in the column.

Checking the column's levelness (horizontal) and uprightness (vertical) after concrete is poured and vibrated.

Different types of columns are used in buildings depending on their function and the loads they need to support.

Columns are vertical structural elements that transfer the weight of a structure to the foundation.

Vibrating concrete after pouring helps remove air bubbles, making the column stronger and denser.

The process of ensuring the column is perfectly level and straight after the concrete is poured.

A short column is a structural element where the ratio of its effective length to its least lateral dimension is less than 12. This means the column is relatively short compared to its width.

Short columns fail by crushing under excessive compressive load. This is due to their low slenderness ratio, making them more susceptible to direct compression failure.

The effective length of a column is the distance between points of zero lateral displacement. It takes into account the supports and bracing of the column.

The least lateral dimension of a column is the smallest width or diameter it has. This is relevant for understanding the column's ability to resist bending forces.

The slenderness ratio of a column is the ratio of its effective length to its least lateral dimension. It helps determine how prone the column is to buckling under load.

A column that carries a load primarily from one direction, usually from a beam connected on only one side. This loading scenario often occurs in edge columns where beams are attached to only the outer edge of the building.

Columns subject to uniaxial loading are commonly found at the edge of a building where a beam is connected only on one side. The load acts primarily in one direction along the length of the column.

A single beam connected to a column on one side results in a uniaxial loading condition. The column experiences the load primarily along its length, creating a stress pattern in one direction.

Columns supporting beams at the edge of a structure are often subjected to uniaxial loading. The beam creates a load on the column primarily from one direction, making it an important design consideration.

The distribution of stress in a column that is loaded from a single direction. This is in contrast to biaxial loading, where the stress acts in two perpendicular directions.