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

FORMWORK FOR RAFT FOUNDATION
This is basically a material that holds the wet reinforced concrete of the raft foundation in place until it cures. This material is mostly of wood, but this idea of formwork become obsolete internationally and it is gradually becoming obsolete in the country with the introduction of our steel shutters, steel panel or steel formwork.

STEEL SHUTTERS (ADVANTAGES)

1) ITS CHEAPER
It is cost effective and economical. The average cost of formwork using wood for a raft foundation is about five hundred thousand naira (500,000.00) while with steel shutters it’s a about half the cost of wood for an average building.

2) BETTER QUALITY END PRODUCT
The finished work when steel shutters are used gives perfect quality with no honey combs on the surface of raft foundation unlike wood that will bulge with lots of honey combs.

3) IT ELIMINATES WASTE
Steel shutters are reusable as justified by the fact that it is made of steel, therefore it can be use subsequently as against wood that is condemned after use due to water and weather.

4) IT MAINTAINS A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
Steel shutters when dismantled after use is easily removed from site with no extra cost unlike wood that litters around site thereby making the entire surroundings unkempt.

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