Composite columns
Composite columns
(OP)
I have a situation where I have 10x10 tube columns. The architect wants to encase them in a 16x16 concrete to protect them and give them the "parking garage look". I'm not relying on the concrete to provide any structural value. I'm still plan on puting a #4 in each corner and having #3 ties. Do I have sufficient cover? Will there be any problems with doing this?
Thanks
Thanks






RE: Composite columns
Will you be filling the 10x10 tubes or just encasing?
RE: Composite columns
RE: Composite columns
Couldn't the parking garage concrete look be more reasonably obtained with a mesh and thin stucco coating, or something similar? Architects... *sigh*
RE: Composite columns
(I'm not really a bitter person)
As a side question, why not have the columns be made solely out of reinforced concrete?
RE: Composite columns
RE: Composite columns
RE: Composite columns
Is there a tile or panel out there that will give you the look and durrability of concrete that you can just affix and seal-up the seams?
RE: Composite columns
RE: Composite columns
Questions I have:
1. Is the clumn painted or black?
2. Do you provide a bond breaker between column & concrete?
3. Sonotube forms leave the tell tale marks, what do you do about that? Is there a inexpensive circular form that does not?
RE: Composite columns
RE: Composite columns
I've seen many steel columns encased in concrete for fire protection requirements in parking garages. If this is in a situation where there will be lots of outside air-moisture, or where moisture may be dropping down from above, what usually happens is that the moisture gets in between the steel and concrete and initiates some surface rusting - with the resulting expansion, you end up with longitudinal cracks in the encasement and eventually chunks falling off.
Most of the "bad" conditions I've seen have no reiforcement at all so by adding some nominal rebar and ties you will probably keep the concrete fairly intact. If you are not in a moisture prone environment I wouldn't worry about it as long as you do reinforce it as you've stated.
Just remaining is the issue of cost which other members have implied above.
RE: Composite columns
To me, "parking lot columns" are frequently circular. I can not see how sonotube "marks" can ruin anyone's day. In fact, there is an underground parking area where the maintenance crew wrapped the columns in carpet, since it is a tight squeeze for parking.
RE: Composite columns
RE: Composite columns