Types of pillar construction techniques and materials they require

Pillars are essential structural elements that support and stabilise various architectural structures, including buildings, bridges, and monuments. They have been used for centuries and are integral to architectural design. The construction techniques and materials used for pillars have evolved, reflecting advancements in engineering and the availability of different resources.

Explore pillar construction techniques and the many facets of construction materials. Register now for insights.

In this blog post, we will delve into the various pillar construction techniques and the materials commonly used to create them.

1.Load-Bearing Pillars:

Load-bearing pillars, or compression pillars, carry the structure's weight above them. These pillars are designed to resist and transfer the vertical load to the foundation.

Sign up now to access exclusive content on construction.

The materials used for load-bearing pillars can vary depending on the construction style, local availability, and structural requirements. Some common materials used include:

a) Stone: Historically, stone pillars were widely used due to their strength and durability. Stones like granite, limestone, and marble were hewn into cylindrical or polygonal shapes to create load-bearing pillars.

b) Concrete: Reinforced concrete pillars are extensively used in modern construction. Concrete provides excellent compressive strength, and when reinforced with steel bars, it enhances the pillar's load-carrying capacity.

c) Brick: Brick pillars are commonly used in residential and smaller-scale constructions. Bricks are stacked and mortared to form load-bearing pillars, offering good structural stability.

2. Column and Beam Construction:

Column and beam systems are prevalent in contemporary construction, particularly in multistory buildings. In this technique, columns and beams work together to support the structure's load. Columns, which are vertical members, provide support to beams, which span horizontally between the columns. Materials commonly used for column and beam construction include:

a) Steel: Steel columns are widely used due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. Steel offers excellent load-bearing capacity and can be fabricated into various shapes and sizes, making it a versatile choice for pillar construction.

b) Reinforced Concrete: Reinforced concrete columns are commonly used in modern construction. The concrete provides compressive strength, while the steel reinforcement enhances the column's tensile strength, ensuring its structural integrity.

3. Architectural Pillars:

Architectural pillars serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They are often used to enhance the visual appeal of a structure while providing a sense of grandeur. Architectural pillars come in different styles, such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, each with distinctive design elements. The materials commonly used for architectural pillars include:

a) Marble: Marble is popular for architectural pillars due to its elegance and beauty. It can be intricately carved and polished, creating stunning decorative elements in buildings.

b) Fibreglass: Fibreglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pillars are gaining popularity due to their lightweight nature, durability, and versatility. They can be moulded into various shapes and mimic the appearance of traditional materials like stone or wood.

4. Masonry Construction:

Masonry construction involves the use of individual units, such as bricks or stones, bonded together with mortar to create pillars. Different types of masonry techniques include:

a) Solid Masonry: In this technique, solid blocks of stone or bricks are stacked on top of each other to form a pillar. The units are bonded using mortar, creating a sturdy load-bearing structure.

b) Cavity Wall Construction: Cavity wall construction involves creating an outer and inner wall with a gap or cavity between them. The gap provides insulation and prevents moisture penetration. Cavity walls can be used to construct pillars by filling the gap with reinforcing bars and concrete to enhance strength.

5. Reinforced Concrete Construction:

Reinforced concrete construction is widely used in modern construction due to its excellent strength and versatility. Pillars made from reinforced concrete typically consist of steel reinforcement bars embedded within a concrete matrix. Some common reinforced concrete construction techniques include:

a) Cast-in-Situ Construction: In this technique, the pillars are cast on-site using formwork to shape the desired size and dimensions. Steel reinforcement bars are placed within the formwork, and concrete is poured and cured to create the pillar.

b) Precast Construction: Precast construction involves casting pillars in a controlled factory environment before transporting them to the construction site. Precast pillars are manufactured in various shapes and sizes, providing ease of installation and time-saving benefits.

6. Steel Construction:

Steel construction is often used for large-scale structures, such as high-rise buildings and bridges, where high strength and flexibility are required. Steel pillars are fabricated off-site and then transported and installed at the construction site. Common steel construction techniques include:
a) Welded Steel Construction: Steel columns are fabricated by welding together steel plates, beams, and other structural components. Welded steel construction allows for precise customisation and offers high strength and durability.

b) Bolted Steel Construction: In this technique, steel components are bolted together to create the pillar. Bolted steel construction provides flexibility during assembly and disassembly and is often used in structures that may require modification or relocation in the future.

7. Composite Construction:

Composite construction involves combining different materials to take advantage of their individual properties. In the context of pillar construction, composite pillars may combine materials like steel, concrete, or fibreglass to create a hybrid structure that optimises strength, weight, and other factors.

These are just a few examples of pillar construction techniques used in architecture and construction. The choice of the appropriate pillar construction technique for a construction project is a crucial decision that depends on various factors. The structural requirements, including load-bearing capacity and stability, must be carefully assessed to ensure the chosen technique meets the project's specific needs.

Compliance with local building codes and regulations is essential to ensure safety and legal compliance. Cost and time constraints should also be considered, taking into account the availability of resources. Additionally, aesthetic considerations play a role in determining the desired architectural style and appearance of the pillars.

Architects and engineers carefully evaluate these factors to determine the most suitable construction technique for a given project.