In the construction process, careful planning of the building’s structure is essential to ensure optimal strength and stability. Proper planning not only affects the durability of the building but also ensures efficient use of materials and the safety of its occupants.
One critical structural element that should not be overlooked is the practical column. Choosing the appropriate spacing for practical columns helps evenly distribute loads, prevent cracks, and enhance the building's overall lifespan. Learn more about what practical columns are, the ideal spacing, and how to create them below!
What Is a Practical Column?
Practical columns are structural elements in a building, shaped like pillars, that assist the main columns in supporting the building’s structure. In general, practical columns are located within walls and are not visible from the outside, as illustrated in the following figure:
Source: Dekoruma
The illustration above shows an example of the use of practical columns within the walls of a building. These columns help to support the walls and prevent cracking, especially in the middle sections of long walls. Without practical columns, walls cannot be stable and are more likely to collapse when pushed or subjected to shocks, such as during an earthquake.
To put it simply, functional columns act like ribs for the walls, making them stronger and more durable. Although it does not always carry the main load, its presence is crucial in strengthening the overall structure and increasing the stability of the building.
Differences Between Practical Columns and Main Columns
Practical columns and main columns are two types of columns with different roles in the structure of a building. Although both are used to support loads, they have different characteristics and functions.
Main columns play a more dominant role in supporting the primary load of the building and determining the overall structural strength. Practical columns, on the other hand, provide additional support for the walls and increase the stability of the building, particularly for long wall sections.
Although functional columns are not calculated in detail during structural design, their presence is crucial to ensuring the strength and durability of the building. To better understand the differences between the two, see the table below:
|
Feature |
Practical Columns |
Main Columns |
|
Main Function |
Supports walls to prevent them from collapsing easily. |
Supports the main load of the building (floors, roof) vertically. |
|
Supported Elements |
Walls |
Beams, floor slabs |
|
Size |
Smaller, hidden within walls |
Large, flat, and elongated |
|
Foundation |
Continuous, the same as the wall foundation |
Deep, specifically designed for columns |
|
Structural Calculation |
Often not calculated in detail but affects the overall stability |
Precisely calculated in structural planning |
|
Visibility |
Hidden within the walls |
Clearly visible in the building's structure |
It is important to note that the differences between main columns and practical columns are general and may vary depending on the type of building and the structural system used. It is therefore essential to always consider the technical context and structural requirements of each project to ensure the correct selection of columns based on their function and the loads they will carry.
Read also: Proper Ways to Apply Finishing Plaster on Walls
Practical Column Spacing
The standard practical column spacing is generally 3 to 4 meters. However, for buildings with heavier loads or larger dimensions, the spacing may be closer. They can be placed at any intersection of brick corners.
Therefore, in order to determine the ideal spacing for practical columns, you must adapt them to the size and type of building itself. By taking these factors into account, practical columns can work optimally to support the structure of the building and ensure its stability.
Important Factors in Column Planning
The correct use of main and utility columns is essential to ensure their effectiveness in a construction project. There are several important factors to consider when incorporating columns into a building structure, including:
1. Room Function
The first factor is the function of the space, which will have a significant effect on the load that the column will carry. For example, if a room is designed as a garage on the second floor, the columns used will need to be stronger to support the heavier load compared to those required for a bedroom.
2. Distance Between Columns
The spacing between columns is directly proportional to the load carried by each column. The greater the spacing, the greater the size and strength of the columns required. In addition, the height of the columns is also a crucial factor in the structural calculations to ensure optimum stability and strength.
3. Geographical Location
The geographical location of a building has a significant influence on the selection of column types and structural calculations. For example, buildings in coastal areas require columns with extra protection against corrosion due to exposure to seawater.
On the other hand, mountainous areas may require columns designed to withstand seismic loads. Each building must therefore be specifically analysed to determine the type of columns and dimensions that best suit its environmental conditions.
Read also: Clay Brick as An Alternative Building Material for Walls
How to Build Practical Columns
Improper installation can affect the overall stability of a building's structure. Therefore, careful planning and execution are required to ensure practical columns function optimally and safely. Below are some steps to ensure effective and safe installation:
- Install the vertical reinforcement framework: Use reinforcement bars such as 4D10 with ties spaced at P8-150.
- Set up formwork: Place formwork on each side of the reinforcement framework, ensuring a minimum gap of 2 cm between the outermost reinforcement and the formwork.
- Prepare concrete mix: Combine coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and binding materials to create a concrete mix for filling the practical column.
- Gradually pour the concrete: Add concrete in stages and use a rod to compact the mix, ensuring it fills the column thoroughly.
- Work in stages: Build the practical column layer by layer, every 90-120 cm in height, to achieve a dense, void-free structure.
This concludes the information on practical column spacing and construction methods. By considering all the factors discussed, you can calculate practical column spacing more accurately, ensuring the strength and durability of the building and providing a safe and comfortable structure for its occupants.
To ensure a sturdy building, in addition to proper column spacing, selecting high-quality materials is a key factor. For maximum construction strength, choose top-grade products like Semen Merah Putih, which supports every structural element to make buildings stronger and more durable.
Semen Merah Putih offers innovative solutions through its flagship product, Semen Merah Putih Watershield. This premium multipurpose cement features Water Repellent technology and Triple Protection, providing comprehensive defense against water seepage from three main sources: external, internal, and ground. The result is a structure that is stronger, longer-lasting, and low-maintenance.
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Read also: The Right Ratio of Cement and Sand for a Sturdy Building
