Reinforced concrete columns are mainly used to carry loads of a building. They transfer these loads to an adequate and safe bearing capacity of the soil. Sometimes a building may have only load-bearing walls. These structures may not safely support an additional story above. The house may also need a roof change from lightweight materials such as galvanized iron sheets to heavy concrete roofs or clay tiles. These will require more unit bracing to support these additional loads.
The reinforced concrete columns of a building can be finished with plaster, coating or leave the color of the concrete. Whatever the finish, it must give a good aesthetic to the facades of the walls. These columns can be erected independently or within the building structure. They can have the usual rectangular or square shape, although they can also have the circular shape. It is important to evaluate the points where to erect columns. This is so that all necessary supports are in place before making any cuts safely.
The procedure to add reinforced concrete columns is marking all the points to add columns. The walls and roofs are supported by struts and bracing. Columns should be placed at all corners of the building and at the intersections of load-bearing walls. The wall is carefully cut down to the level of the beam. The concrete at the level of the roof joists is cut and removed to expose the reinforcements. The wall opening should have a masonry notch. A pit is dug for the foundation base and the initial bars of the column. The base and column are then molded and well vibrated.
The column starter is cured after seven days. Additional reinforcement is added at roof level and attached to the steel beam. Iron hoops are made in alternating courses running through the steel from both ends of the wall. This is to allow the wall to strengthen after the cut. Then the formwork work is done. The concrete is poured and vibrated. The formwork is removed after seven days of curing. The process is repeated at all points where a reinforced concrete column will remain. Then proper finishing is done to match the existing wall surface facades.