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The use of column casings for structural columns has become a standard in the modern construction industry. Whereas in the past the application of a desired look to columnar structures required weeks of intensive finishing work, bare concrete columns may now be quickly adorned by pre-fabricated column casings.
The following discussion provides a brief introduction on the concept behind as well as the available options for present-day column casings.
PROTECTIVE ROLE OF CASINGS
Uncovered concrete and steel columns do their jobs well but hardly articulate architectural design. Stylised casings lend attractiveness to the overall look of the edifice. However, it does more than being an eye-candy. Column casings also play an important role in protecting the internal structure from wear and tear.
This point applies especially to exterior columns as they are open by design to the elements. Without column casings, the support columns themselves will easily be weathered down perhaps even prematurely. This, in turn may lead to an overall weakening of the entire structure. Column casings become the skin of the structure protecting it from the damaging effects of the exterior environment.
Similarly, interior columns also benefit from the protection afforded by casings. Not only will it deter early corrosion to the column structure, enclosures also provide effective barriers to impact forces. Should there be crawling pipeworks for heating and other utility mounted on the columns, which is a very common practice, column casings will also safeguard these items as well as conceal them for aesthetic purposes.
DESIGN ASPECT OF CASINGS
The use of columns in architecture dates back to ancient times. Whilst its primary use of holding up and stabilising man-made structures, remains constant, methods of adding aesthetics to columns have evolved throughout history.
Massive single stone columns of antiquity, as were those in ancient Egyptian temples and palaces, were mostly designed with carvings of deities and monarchs. Later, construction methods utilised plaster to achieve a considerable number of finish and style, even mimicking the classical orders of column design. Earlier contemporary methods utilised laminated veneers either clad directly onto the pre-finished column or layered on top of a separate substrate. This was quite simply to acquire the prescribed finish and design without labouring over more manual techniques.
Today’s column casings not only beautify structural columns but they do so in record time. The pre-fabricated methodology has undeniably sped up construction period to a matter of days. Many casings come pre-finished in the intended colour and style. Other casings may be purchased either as paint-grade or stain-grade depending on the client’s requirements.
Column casings may come in various colour and material, for instance GRG or GRP casings, pre-formed plywood and metal column enclosures. However, the choice of material for casings is largely a matter of cost and suitability – whether it is for an interior or exterior column. The use of appropriate and properly installed column casings as a protective and design element leverages significant cost savings and advantages during the construction phase and in the structures lifespan.