A column or pillar in a structure plays a pivotal role in transmitting the weight of the construction to all other structural elements. The most commonly used shapes of columns in the construction are rectangular, circular, and square shapes. In most of the projects, you can see rectangular shapes over square and circular for some practical reasons.
Deciding the types of columns is as important as the orientation and position of columns. In this blog, you will see why rectangular shaped columns are most commonly used and their typical applications and advantages.
What is a Rectangular Column?
A rectangular column is a long-bearing structural element with a depth-to-width ratio of 2:3. It actively provides sufficient support to bear the weight of a building and transfers the loads to the foundation. It’s often made of concrete and used in numerous construction projects such as offices, industrial buildings, institutional structures, residential buildings, and agricultural facilities.
Its rectangular cross-section provides stiffness in one direction, which helps minimise drift and deflection.
Applications of Rectangular Columns in Construction
Rectangular columns offer several advantages in construction and are explained below:
Bridges and Infrastructure: Rectangular columns can efficiently transfer the vertical loads from the building to the foundation. They offer strong and secure support to the structures, which makes them well-suited for bridges, multi-story buildings, and other areas where robust support is needed.
Residential Buildings: Rectangular columns play a pivotal role in carrying heavy loads of floors, walls, and roofs. They are often concealed within structural cores or walls to support the weight of typical loads.
Commercial Buildings: They are strategically used in commercial buildings to support the weight of multiple floors and heavy loads such as occupants, furniture, and other equipment. Beyond handling the loads, the designs are awe-inspiring and improve the overall appearance of architecture.
Industrial Buildings: Industrial constructions like factories, warehouses, or industrial plants are supposed to withstand heavy loads. Rectangular columns are extremely durable and can tolerate harsh industrial environments.
Advantages of Rectangular Column
Let’s discuss the significant advantages of rectangular columns:
Support Heavy Loads: Rectangular columns are popular in carrying and transferring vertical loads to the foundation. They can be widely used in projects where the structures are essential to withstand significant weight.
Design Flexibility: rectangular columns can be easily integrated into the design and style you want. More than structure stability and strength, they offer design freedom to the construction than circular columns. Builders can express their creative expression and customisation to enhance the overall style of the construction.
Efficient Space Utilization: Unlike other column types, rectangular columns can be strategically placed in the available space of the building. This minimises the interference with other structural elements and causes no trouble while installing.
Construction Efficiency: Rectangular columns are quick and simple to construct, particularly when using prefabricated formwork. This typically reduces the construction timeline and overall cost and is suitable for projects with strict deadlines.
Disadvantages of Rectangular Column
Construction Challenges: Rectangular columns in construction often require complex formwork and shuttering, which is typical to handle in all situations. Even a small error can cause notable variations in column shape and size, impacting the structural integrity. Ensuring proper alignment is necessary to prevent defects and simultaneously and achieve accurate column dimensions.
Complexity in Reinforcement: When compared to circular columns, obtaining reinforcement design in a rectangular column is quite difficult. It typically requires proper placement and spacing of reinforcement bars to achieve the desired strength and durability. Importantly, incorrect or inappropriate reinforcement bars can cause potential failure and reduce overall structural performance.
Design Considerations for Rectangular Columns
When choosing rectangular columns, there are several important key factors to be considered. They are uncovered below:
Load Consideration: Ensure the column is capable of withstanding axial loads and must resist wind or seismic forces. If the structure is subjected to lateral loads, the column may bend.
Right Material Selection: Choosing the right material ensures the compressive strength and stiffness of the columns. Both the concrete and steel are excellent choices to use in industrial structures and high-rise buildings.
Geometric Properties: The cross-sectional dimensions are crucial to consider, as they determine the overall load-bearing capacity of the structure. The ratio of the longer side to the shorter side of the dimensions creates a great impact on the column’s behaviour, which can be evaluated under different load conditions.
Why Rectangular Column Shape Preferred Over Circular Column?
Here are the lists of reasons to consider a rectangular column over a circular column:
Cost and Difficulty in Formworks: The formwork of a rectangular column is much simpler than that of a circular one. In general, achieving a circular-shaped column requires specified edges and corners and better formwork materials and workmanship. It results in additional costs and time. If it is a medium-scale project and the client has certain budget constraints, then rectangular columns would be the best choice.
Functional Requirement: In most of the buildings, columns are used as images, signage, and notice boards. When compared to circular, rectangular columns offer a plain surface that is suitable for use in parking areas, warning boards, basements of shopping malls, and other commercial establishments.
In a Word
The rectangular column is one of the common column types used in most construction projects. Compared to other types, it offers a simple design and doesn’t require any complicated equipment or the support of any high expertise. Hopefully, this article provides a comprehensive guide about rectangular columns, their applications, and their advantages.