What is Column Kicker?

Why it is Used in
the Construction?
Column Kicker is a small concrete step used at the bottom of columns or walls to make
sure that correct coordinates of columns or walls are maintained between floor slabs. So,
column kicker should be used at all position where columns or walls are constructed.
After the construction of kicker is completed, then the formwork of columns or slabs can
be placed immediately, and the kicker will guarantee exact column base alignment and
location.

Dimensions and Formwork of Column

Kicker
The thickness of column kicker ranges from 50mm to 150mm whereas its width and
length is the same as the column for which the kicker is constructed. The best height of
column kicker is 150mm because it provides good structural start for column or wall.

Structurally, the thickness of kicker less than 150mm is not desired. If the kicker
thickness is greater than 150mm, then it tends to slump with the weight of concrete in
them.

Advantages of Column Kicker

o Maintains column and wall dimension between slabs

o Prevent the movement of longitudinal reinforcement of columns

o Helps the maintaining of vertical alignment of column

o Simplify the installation of column formworks, so it enhances quality speed of construction.

o It ensure the provision of designated column concrete cover

o Disadvantages of Column Kicker

o The most outstanding disadvantage of kicker is the possible formation of joints at
the bottom of columns or walls. That is why it is sometimes eliminated, and
acceptable techniques are used to install column and wall shuttering. But the risk
of errors is increased if kickers are not used.

COLUMN FORM DESIGN

As with wall forms, column forms are designed according to step-by-step procedures. Wooden forms for
a concrete column should be designed by the following steps:

1. Determine the materials available for sheathing, yokes, and battens. Standard materials for columns
forms are 2 by 4s and 3/4-inch plywood.

2. Determine the height of the column.

3. Determine the largest cross-sectional dimension of the column.

4. Determine the yoke spacing, as shown in table 3-4, by reading down the first column until the correct
height of the column is reached. Then read horizontally across the page to the column headed by the
largest cross-sectional dimension. The center-to-center spacing of the second yoke above the base yoke
will be equal to the value in the lower interval that is partly contained in the column height line. All
subsequent yoke spacings may be obtained by reading up the height column to the top. This procedure
gives maximum yoke spacings.

Table 3-4 is based upon use of 2 by 4s and 3/4-inch sheathing. For example, if you had to construct a 9-
foot column, the spacing of the yokes starting from the bottom yoke would be 8", 8", 10", 11", 12", 15",
17", 17", and 10". The space between the top two yokes has been reduced because of the limits of the
column height.

Because of their height and relatively small cross-sectional area, column forms require four-way bracing
to ensure alignment and resistance to wind and various other lateral forces that may occur during the
placement of the concrete