How Do You Make Concrete Column Caps And Moldings?

How Do You Make Concrete Column Caps And Moldings?

Concrete columns are frequently capped. These hats are manufactured by pouring concrete into wooden molds and allowing it to dry into the shape of the cap.

These caps are frequently purchased pre-molded from manufacturers. You may save money, though, by creating your own mold and casting your own concrete top.

Depending on the size and complexity of the project, a concrete cap mold can be made in six to eight hours.

• Measure the column to be capped with molded concrete. Columns are typically 16-by-16 inches in size, which equates to one concrete block long and two concrete blocks broad. Columns, on the other hand, can vary in length and breadth.
• Increase the length and breadth of the column measures by five inches to account for cap overhang and 2-by-4 framing. Transfer the dimensions to 3/4-inch plywood. Make a chalk line and square the dimensions.

Using a circular saw, cut the plywood. Wear a dust mask and protective eyewear before cutting the board for your own protection.

• Cut 2-by-4 pieces to match the length and breadth of the plywood. To account for the connections to the other two 2-by-4s, subtract three inches from two of the 2-by-4s.

For example, if your measurements are 21 by 21, you would generally cut four 21-inch-long 2-by-4s. However, because you’re making a box mold, you’ll put two 2-by-4s on opposite sides and two 2-by-4s in between the first two to surround the box.

• Use 3-inch screws to secure the 2-by-4s to the plywood. 3-inch screws are used to join the 2-by-4s at the corners. To keep the concrete from adhering to the mold, grease the interior of the plywood box with Crisco. Pour half of the mold into the mold with the 2-by-4s facing up.
• Lay half-inch rebar over the concrete. To prevent the rebar from being revealed once the molded concrete cap has cured, cut it two inches shorter than the cap mold.

Make sure the rebar is one inch away from each side of the mold. Tap the side of the mold gently to eliminate air bubbles from the concrete mixture. Fill the mold to the brim with concrete and put it aside for 30 minutes.

Allow the concrete to set for 24 hours after smoothing it with a concrete hand trowel. To remove the cap, flip the mold over and tap it. Sand the top to smooth off any rough edges.

What Are Reinforced Concrete Columns Used For?

Columns are an important part of any building, framing the space and supporting the roof. In reinforced concrete construction, steel reinforcing bars are embedded in the concrete to provide extra strength and stability.

Columns may be used to carry gravity loads, such as the weight of the roof and upper floors, or they may be used to carry lateral loads, such as wind or seismic forces.

One common use of columns is in the frame of a steel-frame building. The steel frame is used to carry the gravity loads, while the reinforced concrete columns carry the lateral loads. This type of construction is very common in high-rise buildings, where the weight of the building can be distributed evenly among a number of columns.

Reinforced concrete columns can also be used in buildings made of other materials. For example, a masonry building may have a reinforced concrete column in the center of the building to carry the lateral loads.

Reinforced concrete columns are also common in bridges and other large structures. In fact, just about any structure that needs to be strong and stable can use a column made of reinforced concrete.

Can You Pour Concrete Around Steel Columns?

No, you can’t pour concrete around steel columns. The column is surrounded by a steel cage or metal lath that you secure in place while the concrete is wet. You must then drag the cage off before the concrete hardens.

Usually, the concrete fill is just placed up against the steel column. Have never noticed any problems with cracking around the column. This is the method we used on our project and it worked out well.

There are a few things to keep in mind, however. First, you will need to make sure the column is clean and free of any debris or obstructions. Second, you will need to make sure the concrete is mixed properly and is of the correct consistency.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you should have no problem using concrete to fill the space around your column.

While it is possible to pour concrete around steel columns, it is not always the best solution. In some cases, it is better to use a different material for the column.