10 Steel/Metal Column Ideas and Designs

Steel columns are meant to be workhorses of construction, silently bolstering buildings and structures. However, notwithstanding their structural strength, steel columns can also be aesthetic features and elements of decoration, adding visual interest and elegance to a space. This guide takes a look at ten steel column ideas and designs for your inspiration.

The column designs and ideas

1. Composite Steel Columns

Composite columns provide strength and support and are made up of structural steel and reinforced concrete. They offer longitudinal reinforcement and possess outstanding load-bearing ability. So, many a time they are utilized in the construction of high-rise buildings. Composite columns exhibit higher than average fire resistance, with its concrete acting as a protection layer and they deliver great sturdiness and firmness within a small cross-section.

2. L-shaped Steel Columns

One of the steel column ideas to have materialized is called an L-shaped column with an L-shaped cross-section. These columns can be easily created and cast and because of the kind of foundation or underpinning they provide, they are routinely used for erecting large structures and buildings. Construction projects mostly utilize these columns in corners of boundary walls.

3. Square or Rectangular Steel Columns

As the title implies, this column is made up of two separate groups of columns with different shapes. The shapes could be square as well as rectangular. This type of column incorporates four or more longitudinal steel beams for offering support. Concrete pouring, shuttering and placing reinforcement are conveniently achieved with these columns.

4. T-shaped Steel Columns

A T-shaped column is classified based on its shape. T-shaped columns are generally used for more heavy-duty or larger spans such as bridges.

5. Circular Steel Columns

A circular column or round column is one of the column designs, mainly utilized for piling and elevation of buildings while adding an aesthetic touch to them. It has more than four longitudinal steel bars as reinforcement, so many a time its bending resistance is higher than a rectangular or square column.

6. Spiral Steel Columns

These columns are usually cylindrical with a continuous helical bar wrapped around the column. This helical reinforcement is also known as spiral reinforcement. The reinforcement provides transverse support while preventing the column from barreling. Spiral steel columns generally have 6 bars for longitudinal reinforcement.

7. Tied Columns

Tied columns are usually built in a similar fashion to other reinforced column types because a tied column’s foundation too has an embedded mesh called rebar, surrounded by concrete. These columns have longitudinal bars and thinner bars interconnected with each other.  However, perfect spacing of ties and accuracy are crucial here. These columns are mostly deployed in the construction of buildings.     

8. Tension Steel Columns

This is a column type classified based on its peak loading capabilities. Tension columns are made of steel, concrete and various other types of materials. But these columns are used occasionally. Builders utilize them only in special circumstances like bridge construction or the fabrication of sizable foundation-based columns for gigantic projects.

9. Stub Steel Columns

These columns are short but can provide mighty support. They are known for their compact size and are typically placed on slabs. The shorter size makes them ideal for situations where space is limited, like supporting overhead water tanks and underpinning machinery or equipment bases.  They can be oriented vertically or horizontally and can be produced from either steel or concrete, offering flexibility based on project requirements and funds available. 

10. Camouflaged Steel Columns

Steel columns can be dressed in different other elements like wood, stone veneer, or even concrete to bring forth a new elegance or aesthetic appeal. In this approach, the columns blend in with the surrounding design scheme and offer the required structural support at the same time. Cladding the steel columns with wood can add warmth to a modern space, whereas stone veneer can generate a more traditional appearance.

In brief

Steel or metal columns have the potential to be design elements that elevate a space, adorning it with personality, functionality, and gorgeousness. By exploring different steel column ideas and designs, a space can be developed that is not only structurally sound but also aesthetically attractive and desirable.