CONCLUSION ON COLUMNS

Columns have been a staple in architecture since Ancient Egypt (1580-1085 B.C.). The
column shafts of Ancient Egypt were not only architectural elements that served structural
purposes, but they were decorative – typically with color depictions and carved reliefs. The
Egyptian architectural element made its way to the Greco-Roman Period when Egyptian
columns were exported to Greece and Rome. Aside from their rich history, columns and
beams are necessary functions of the superstructures made in today’s modern world.
Columns act as a structural element that transfers loads from the slab, (i.e., roof, upper floor)
to the foundation and finally to the soil beneath a structure.
They are typically vertically oriented. In construction, columns are used in trusses, building
frames, and structure support for bridges. Columns support loads from roofs, floors, or bridge
decks. Loads can be considered dead and live loads. Dead loads are fixed loads from
permanent attachments, while live loads change in movement because they are temporary
loads that can be applied on and off to the structure. The size of a column is calculated
primarily based on the value of the axial loads that will be on them.

Some of the loads to be calculated include the following:

1. Vertical forces
2. Lateral forces

Some of the main column types are listed below:

Concrete Columns
A reinforced concrete column is a structural member designed to carry compressive loads,
composed of concrete with an embedded steel frame to provide reinforcement. For design
purposes, the columns are separated into two categories: short columns and slender columns.
Concrete columns can have a rectangular section or circular section.
1. Rectangular sections
2. Circular sections

Steel Columns
A steel column is a vertical structure member used in construction to provide essential
support. They may carry loads in compression or they may transfer loads from things like
beams, ceilings, floor slabs or roof slabs to floors or foundations. Steel columns may also
carry bending moments near cross-section axes.
Steel columns can have three types of horizontal sections.
1. C-section
2. I-section
3. Hollow section
Composite Columns
Composite columns are galvanized steel sections that are coated or filled with concrete.
Typically, these columns are used when there are large loads on them or when additional
corrosion protection or fire protection is warranted. These columns are usually used in the
construction of multi-story buildings and industrial facilities. Although they are not
architecturally appealing, composite columns can reduce the column section area.