Types Of Columns Used In Construction

What Is Column?

Column is a vertical member which transfers loads of a structure from beam and slab to the foundation. The effective depth of a column exceeds three times the lateral dimension. Generally, columns carry axial loads in compression.

Columns are very important components of a structure. Failure of columns results in the collapse of the structure. In this article, we will discuss different types of columns used in buildings and structures.

Types Of Columns

There are different column types used in structures. The types of Columns can be classified depending upon several conditions, which are

1. Based on the shape.
2. Based on the type of reinforcement.
3. Based on the types of loading.
4. Based on the slenderness ratio.
5. Based on materials.

Types Of Columns Based On Shape

Square Column & Rectangular Column

Square or rectangular columns are mostly used in building construction. These types of columns are economically good and easy to construct because of their easy shuttering and reinforcement placement.

Circular Column:

Circular columns are mostly used in piling and elevation of buildings for aesthetic purposes. In circular columns, more than 4 steel bars are used as reinforcement.

Its bending resistance is usually higher than square or rectangular columns. Other than buildings, circular columns are also used as bridge pillars due to good deflection resistance.

L Type Column

L type columns are used in boundary wall construction and in the turning of metro rail or in flyover construction.

T Type Column

T type column has same feature as square/ rectangular column and is mostly used in bridge and retaining wall construction.

Y Type Column

These types of columns are mostly used in bridge and flyover construction.

Some other types:

• Hexagonal column
• Octagonal column.

Based On The Type Of Reinforcement:

Tied Column

These columns have closed lateral ties spaced approximately and uniformly across the column. The spacing of the ties is limited in that they must be close enough to prevent barrelling failure between them, and far enough apart that they do not interfere with the setting of the concrete. If ties are spaced too far apart, the column will experience shear failure and barrelling in between ties.

Spiral Column

When circular columns are reinforced with closely and uniformly spaced spiral reinforcement, they are known as spiral columns.

The spiral provides support in the transverse direction and prevents the column from barrelling. Spirally reinforced columns generally consist of 6 bars as longitudinal reinforcement.

Composite Column

These columns consist of structural steel or cast iron columns enclosed with concrete, reinforced with longitudinal and spiral reinforcement. Composite columns are mostly used in truss structures to avoid the corrosion of steel.

Column Types Based On The Type Of Loading

Axially Loaded Column

When the resultant of the load coincides with the centroid of the cross-section of a column, it is called axially loaded or concentrically loaded column. These types of columns rarely used in construction.

Eccentrically Loaded Column

When the resultant of the load does not coincide with the centroid of the cross-section of a column, it is called axially loaded or eccentrically loaded column.

1. Uniaxially Eccentrically Loaded Column

When the eccentric load acts on either X-axis or Y axis is called uniaxially eccentrically loaded column.

2. Biaxially Eccentrically loaded column

When the eccentric load does not act on either X-axis or Y-axis it is called biaxially eccentrically loaded column.

Column Types Based On Slenderness Ratio

Short Column

When the ratio of the effective length of the column to its least lateral dimension is less than 12, it is called short column. In short column mechanical failure mainly occur due to shearing.

Long Column

When the ratio of the effective length of the column to its least lateral dimension exceeds 12 the column is considered a long column.

Such columns are liable to fail due to buckling. Long columns are weaker compared to short columns of same cross-sectional area and are not generally preferred.

Types Of Columns Based On Materials Used

• 1. Reinforced concrete column.
• 2. Steel column.
• 3. Timber column.
• 4. Stone Column.
• 5. Brick column.

Also Read

Difference Between Short Column And Long Column

Reinforcement Details In Columns

Standard Sizes Of Columns

Design Of Columns According To ACI

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