Consider the type of columns in your building

At Barrier Mart we understand the significance of columns and corners. They are essential parts of a structure and often need products to protect them from damage. We supply a range of quality solutions that can accomplish this. It includes column & corner protection solutions that are durable plastic and highly visual.

It is quite common to see columns in different kinds of buildings. For example, you can find them in large office blocks, shopping centres, warehouses, and multi storey car parks. In many cases they carry loads, bearing them from a roof or floor slab, a ceiling, or a beam to a floor below or the foundations. However, there are also some that are purely decorative. It is a good idea to look closely at what type of column it is to see if it needs protection.

Type of reinforcement

One way to look at different types of column is the reinforcement. The majority of structural columns are tied, meaning it is concrete with a square or rectangle of steel rebar to reinforce it.

However, there are also spiral columns which have reinforced longitudinal bars and a wound spiral. They can provide better lateral restraint.

Or, it could be a composite column. Here the reinforcement comes from structural steel sections or pipes rather than bars. They can be wound or unwound depending on the needs. These columns tend to have higher strength with a relatively small cross section.

Shape

The most common column shapes are square or rectangular. This is because it is much easier to cast them. The formwork will also provide excellent support while the concrete is flowable, dealing with the pressure and allowing it to cure.

Circular columns, whether round or oval, are a popular alternative but are less likely for heavy load bearing. They are usually chosen for piling and elevation instead.

You can also find L and T shape columns in some structures. The first are usually at the corners of boundary walls to provide stability. The latter are common on bridges.

If the columns are raw steel they can be a huge array of shapes. This includes I, U, and T. There can also be built up columns that can be various shapes.

Composite columns tend to be a similar shape to standard angular or circular concrete ones. However, they can have all kinds of shape sections inside, including I steel beams.

Using our column & corner protection products

Now that you know a little more about the shapes, you may be able to see which are most likely to need protectors. Any column with angles can be more hazardous to people moving around a property or vehicles. This is because of the sharp protruding corners. Circular ones are safer but may still need some protection against impacts that could break them and compromise the stability.

Barrier Mart is proud to offer a full selection or column & corner protection products. These items can protect important parts of the structure from all kinds of wear and impacts. They will take the brunt of these so you don't need to worry about structural failure, injuries, or aesthetic damage.

You can find out more about all of these products on our website. In addition, you can contact us if you want to talk about your needs, budget, or anything else.