The terms ‘pillar’ and ‘column’ are often used interchangeably, although in some instances, they may be attributed with slightly different meanings, as described below.

A pillar is a vertical support member and may be constructed as a single piece of timber, concrete or steel, or built up out of bricks, blocks and so on. A pillar may have a load-bearing or stabilizing function but it may also stand alone as an ornamental element, such as a commemorative pillar, or to maintain symmetry.

However, whereas a pillar does not necessarily have a load-bearing function, a column is a vertical structural member that is intended to transfer a compressive load. For example, a column might transfer loads from a ceiling, floor, or roof slab, or from a beam, to a floor or foundations. Columns are typically constructed in masonry, concrete or structural steel.

Columns have good compressive strength, but have a tendency to buckle or bend under extreme loading. This can be due to their:

Length.
Cross-sectional area.
Method of fixing.
Shape of the section.

The cross-sectional area and the section shape are incorporated into a geometric property of section, known as the radius of gyration. This refers to the distribution of an object’s components around an axis.

Columns can be classified according to their cross sectional shape. Common column shapes include:

Rectangular.
Square.
Circular.
Hexagonal
Octagonal.

In profile, they can be tapered, non-tapered, or ‘barrel’ shaped, their surface can be plain, fluted, twisted, panelled, and so on.

For more information please call Chuks 0802-2263632 or 0804-2263632 or 0809-22263632