Cast Iron Columns....

[LPPE]

OK, I've got an old building with cast iron columns. Due to many many many years of neglect (among other things), the lower portions of the cast iron columns have rusted away to almost nothing.
I would like to cut the columns at a point where it is still good, attach a base plate to the existing column, and a new column down to the footing.
Any ideas on how to attach a plate to cast iron? or any other ideas that just may be crazy enough to work?!

 

[MotorCity]

LPPE,

My preference would be to completely replace the column and provide temporary shoring while doing so. Another option (probably cheaper) would be to cut out the corroded portion and pour a concrete pier down to a new footing. The remaining portion of the column could bear directly on the new pier. I would try to avoid a steel to cast iron connection if possible.

Good luck.

 

[LPPE]

I agree with you. However, the columns are part of a 3 story building and a full basement, which extends under the sidewalk. The columns have rusted starting from the sidewalk level downward.

 

[LPPE]

Some additional thoughts, or so I've been told-

Cast Iron rusts like aluminum does (no delamination like steel)

Cast Iron was banned as a building material in 1904.


Can anyone confirm or deny these claims?

 

[unclesyd]

Here is book you maybe interested in.

http://www.wiley.ca/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0471315451.html

 

[dicksewerrat]

Can you replace the Cast col one at atime with steel? The cast will continue to corrode above any repairs.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

The claim about cast iron being banned as building material in 1904 does not seem to be true - Reference:
"Structural Members & Connections" by Hool & Kinne, Second Edtion, Published 1943 by McGraw-Hill.
There are several pages that describe the use, properties, manufacture, inspection, testing, allowable loading, and design of cast iron columns. Specifically, one formula given to determine the allowable loading on cast iron columns is quoted as coming from the "New York Building Code (1938)".

 

[LPPE]

Yes, I was incorrect. The use of cast iron was not banned in 1904. Mr. Donald Friedman stated "The decline in use in 1904 was an industry consensus, driven by reporting in professional journals and therefore national but not absolute."