How to Add Reinforced Concrete Columns to an Existing Building

Website design By BotEap.comReinforced concrete columns are mainly used to carry loads in 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 roofing or clay tiles. These will require more unit bracing to support these additional loads.

Website design By BotEap.comReinforced concrete columns in a building can be finished with plaster, cladding, or left in the color of the concrete. Whatever the finish, it should give a good aesthetic to the wall facades. These columns can be erected independently or within the structure of the building. They can have the usual rectangular or square shape, although they can also have a circular shape. It is important to evaluate the points where to erect columns. This is so that all necessary supports are in place before any cuts can be safely made.

Website design By BotEap.comThe 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 intersections of load-bearing walls. The wall is carefully cut to the level of the beam. The concrete at the level of the roof beams is cut and removed to expose the reinforcements. The wall opening must have a masonry notch. A pit is dug for the foundation pad and the initial bars of the column. Then the base and column are well molded and vibrated.

Website design By BotEap.comThe column starter cures after seven days. Additional reinforcement is added at the roof level and is joined with the steel beam. The iron rings are made in alternate rows that go through the steel from both ends of the wall. This is to allow the wall to be reinforced after the cut. Then the formwork work is carried out. The concrete is poured and vibrated. The formwork is removed after seven days of curing. The process is repeated at all the points where a reinforced concrete column will remain. Proper finishing is then done to match the existing wall surface facades.