Columns, Posts and beams

Question 1

What is the most common shape for in-situ concrete columns?

Answer 1

Square or rectangle.

Question 2

Besides square, what other shapes can in-situ concrete columns be?

Answer 2

Circular and I-Shaped.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a column in a structure?

Answer 3

To support and transfer vertical loads from the structure down to the foundation.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a beam in a structure?

Answer 4

To support horizontal loads (like floors and roofs) and transfer them to the columns.

Question 5

What type of beam is supported at only one end?

Answer 5

A cantilever beam.

Question 6

What are the three main materials listed for constructing different types of columns?

Answer 6

Concrete, Steel, and Timber.

Question 7

How is a steel column typically connected to a concrete footing?

Answer 7

Using a base plate with anchor bolts set into the footing.

Question 8

Name one method for securing a timber post to the ground.

Answer 8

A post bracket set in the ground, burying the post with a concrete footing, or hardware bolted to a suitable footing.

Question 9

What is the first step in the construction of an in-situ concrete column

Answer 9

Mark out the column position.

Question 10

What reinforcing steel is installed after marking out a column’s position?

Answer 10

Starter bars.

Question 11

What components make up the steel reinforcement cage for a column?

Answer 11

Main bars and stirrups.

Question 12

What must be done immediately after constructing the formwork for a column?

Answer 12

The formwork must be braced.

Question 13

What two actions are performed on the concrete after it’s poured into the formwork?

Answer 13

Pour and vibrate the concrete.

Question 14

When can the formwork be removed from an in-situ column?

Answer 14

Once the concrete has gained enough strength.

Question 15

What is the final step in the construction of an in-situ concrete column after formwork is removed?

Answer 15

Cure the concrete.

Question 16

What four materials are listed for constructing beams?

Answer 16

Concrete, Steel, Timber, and Glue Laminated Timber (LVL).

Question 17

What does LVL stand for?

Answer 17

Laminated Veneer Lumber (often referred to as Glue Laminated Timber).

Question 18

What is the purpose of formwork in concrete construction?

Answer 18

To act as a mold, containing and shaping the wet concrete until it becomes self-supporting.

Question 19

The formwork for concrete columns is similar to the formwork for which other structural element?

Answer 19

In-situ concrete walls.

Question 20

Where are the locations of concrete columns identified before being transferred to the site?

Answer 20

On the site plan.

Question 21

What are the two common materials used to construct shutters for formwork?

Answer 21

Plywood or sheet metal

Question 22

What is the first step in assembling the shutters for a four-sided column formwork?

Answer 22

Prop the first shutter and attach two other shutters to it.

Question 23

Before bracing the first three shutters, what two checks must be performed?

Answer 23

Straighten and level the shutters.

Question 24

How is formwork bracing typically secured?

Answer 24

It is anchored to the ground and braced with a support.

Question 25

After attaching the final shutter, what three things must be done?

Answer 25

Level, brace, and check for accuracy.

Question 26

What is the general name for the system that supports in-situ concrete beams until they are self-supporting?

Answer 26

Falsework.

Question 27

What two main components does falsework consist of?

Answer 27

The formwork and the bracing system that supports the formwork.

Question 28

Name two examples of components used in a bracing system for falsework.

Answer 28

Anchor bolts, timber nailed to an anchor plate, or Acrow props.

Question 29

Why is it critical for formwork to be sufficiently braced?

Answer 29

Because it will be holding a large force of pressure from the wet concrete.

Question 30

What is another name for an adjustable steel prop used in falsework?

Answer 30

Acrow prop.

Question 31

What is prepared on the foundation before erecting a precast concrete column?

Answer 31

Starters (or anchor bolts).

Question 32

How is a precast column secured to the foundation starters?

Answer 32

It is lifted onto the starters/anchor bolts and bolted down.

Question 33

After bolting down a precast column, what two checks must be performed?

Answer 33

Check for level and plumb.

Question 34

In one method, what material is used to secure a precast beam after it's lifted onto starters?

Answer 34

Epoxy

Question 35

Describe the components of a precast beam bolt connection before assembly.

Answer 35

An anchor bolt is cast into the column and a steel plate is cast into the beam.

Question 36

How is a precast beam with a bolt connection secured to the column?

Answer 36

The beam is lifted onto the column so the anchor bolt passes through the steel plate, and a nut is tightened.

Question 37

What is the final step after a precast beam has been connected via the bolt and nut method?

Answer 37

The beam is then filled with grout.

Question 38

What is the role of stirrups in a reinforced concrete column?

Answer 38

To provide lateral reinforcement and prevent the main vertical bars from buckling under load.

Question 39

What are the key materials in a steel column's base connection?

Answer 39

A steel base plate and anchor bolts.

Question 40

What must be done to the ground before marking out a column's position?

Answer 40

The location must be identified on the site plan and accurately transferred to the ground.

Question 41

Why is vibrating concrete important?

Answer 41

To remove entrapped air pockets and ensure the concrete is dense and strong.

Question 42

In formwork construction, what are shutters?

Answer 42

The panels (usually timber or steel) that form the face of the mold against which the concrete is poured.

Question 43

Why must measurements be rechecked for accuracy multiple times during formwork construction?

Answer 43

To ensure the final concrete element has the correct dimensions and is positioned correctly.

Question 44

What does it mean for a beam to be 'self-supporting'?

Answer 44

The concrete has cured and gained enough strength to support its own weight and any applied loads without the help of props.

Question 45

What heavy machinery is typically used to erect precast columns and beams?

Answer 45

A crane.

Question 46

What does it mean to check if a column is 'plumb'?

Answer 46

To check if it is perfectly vertical.

Question 47

In a precast beam connection, what is the purpose of grout?

Answer 47

To fill the space between the connected elements, ensuring a solid, uniform load transfer.

Question 48

Which construction method is faster on-site: in-situ or precast?

Answer 48

Precast, because the elements are manufactured off-site and only need to be erected and connected.