The importance of columns(pillars) and their roles in building and construction

Last Updated 7 months ago by Kenya Engineer

In furtherance of efforts to understanding the importance of columns(pillars) and their roles in building and construction, we have a detailed look at how they should be done.

Having the presence of pillar in itself isn’t good enough, we need strong and well fixed pillars. Many people lack detailed information on how it should be done, and what they shouldn’t do.

There are a lot of avoidable mistakes that need to be addressed. These practices ultimately defy the idea behind casting pillars and makes your home look like a rich man living on loans.

Let’s look at some Common mistakes artisans make and how to correct them;

1. They cut the iron rods the same height as the pillar demands, leaving no room for continuous pillars to overlap properly with existing pillars. Overlapping means, interlocking/joining a new iron rod with an existing iron rod in the building. If you don’t give enough allowance, there wouldn’t be any firm bond between the previous pillar and the new pillar, and any strong force can break them apart.

2. Because overlapping is almost impossible if enough allowance isn’t given, they hire welders to weld the continuing iron rods to existing pillars. This doesn’t make the pillar strong, just like laying blocks without mortar. A little push will cause the wall to fall.

3. Improper positioning of iron rods in the pillar mould. This causes the iron rods to shift to one side of the pillar, leaving the other half steel less. You might think you have a full pillar, but it’s just a half pillar standing there.

4. Using inappropriate sizes of iron rods to make pillars. You’ll find a big house with 11mm iron rods inside the pillars. You Dey whine me?

What must be done?
In casting pillars, make sure your iron rods are firmly moulded. Cut them longer than the expected pillar height in order to have extra allowance for overlapping.

If there’s no allowance for overlapping, Don’t weld them! or use wire to tie them half inch apart. Instead, chisel portions of the existing pillar and expose parts of the existing iron rods, and do the overlap. Ensure proper overlapping between the old  and continuing pillar, join them tightly.

We have different sizes of iron rods and each size is good for a purpose. Make sure you don’t interchange them. Use the right size for the right job.

Finally, ensure standard mixing ratio of water, cement, sand, and stone. Don’t use 1 bag of cement to cast 100 pillars.