Understanding Pedestals in Construction: Definition, Types, and Uses
Pedestals act as the compression elements in the construction process which helps to provide support to the elements including statues, columns, and others below the ground level. The concrete pedestals have been constructed to provide elevation, support or separation for the various types of applications in the design and construction process.
The pedestal has been used for both functional and aesthetic purposes which has been crafted for bearing loads and elevating specific elements. The construction process of concrete pedestals focuses on careful considerations for the design specifications which helps to ensure that the pedestal meets the intended functionality as well as meet the visual requirements of the overall construction structure.
Functions of Pedestal
There are various important functions of pedestals which include:
➢ Pedestals have been designed for transferring the loads from the supporting structures to the below the footings.
➢ Very little chance has been provided for the column section by the pedestals which come into contact with the subsoil earth.
➢ In the case of placing the pedestals placed between the footings and the column, the height of the column is short as the elevation has increased. This helps to reduce the tendency of the column to buckle.
➢ In the case of the bearing capacity of the soil is low, a wide footing can be used to provide appropriate load-bearing capacity.
➢ Another function of a pedestal is to provide aesthetic features. The integration of the pedestals is done to create an elevated platform or add aesthetic value to the designs. In this case, the pedestals are not designed primarily as the compression members and these pedestals are furnished with minimal reinforcement.
Availability of Pedestal in different ranges
Different ranges of pedestals are available which include:
Pedestal Prime
This type of pedestal is available in different sizes ranging between 30mm to 420mm which has a load-bearing capacity of 1,200 kg. This type of pedestal is suitable for use with composite, timber and aluminium joists.
Fire Ped
This range of pedestals is suitable for use with Teckwood’s Proactive 22 aluminium decking. There are seven different sizes of this type of pedestal available which cover from from 34mm to 460mm.
SE Range
This type of pedestal ranges between 28 to 550mm and combines exceptional aesthetics and technical features along with maximum easiness in the installation process. The ranges of this pedestal have been recognised as the most exclusive solution in the market which helps to deal with the installation surface of the sloping.
SBPA Range
This type of pedestal ranges between 37 to 307mm which is appropriate to create residential as well as commercial spaces. This range of pedestals is easy to adjust and also helps to allow a reliable and quick installation procedure.
Star. T Range
This type of pedestal is started at just 8mm. This pedestal range can be adjusted along with some precision to provide a maximum support of 30 mm. Thus, this type of pedestal has the ability to be compatible with any kind of composite decking or ceramic tiles. In this case, the base of the pedestal helps to ensure that the weight of the structure is distributed evenly.
EH Range
This type of pedestal range has been designed and made from SBS recyclable rubber. The EH range has a higher resistance to changing temperatures, atmospheric agents, and acid solutions, as a result, this type of pedestal is suitable for outdoor usage. EH range also has a high sound absorption property.
NM Range
This NM range pedestal has a wide range of varieties features which is perfect for any kind of flooring application. This type of pedestal covers 25 to 990mm which is a cost-effective solution even for challenging projects.
SBP Range
Both technical and practical properties are present in this pedestal range. SBP Range has a loading capacity of above 600 Kg which covers 27 to 300mm. This range is also resistant ultra ultraviolet deterioration and acids and can be recyclable. SBP Range is also suitable for any kind of outdoor flooring system.
The use of Pedestal in the construction process
Pedestals play an important role in providing stability to the structures in the construction sector. In the case of supporting smaller load-bearing columns or handling the loads of the larger column, the use of pedestals is important. The use of pedestals in the construction sector helps to prevent too much pressure on one spot and enhance the durability of the building structure. There are several applications of pedestals in the construction sector which include:
Enhancing durability
In the case of the load on the column is high, pedestals are used. This is used especially in case of the steel structures. Corrosion has been also prevented by the pedestals which help to enhance the overall durability of the building structure.
Providing additional support
Additional support for columns has been provided by the pedestals which helps to distribute the load effectively. In addition, it also helps to ensure that the construction structure can handle the applied forces.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
Video Source: Sergio Structural Engineering Channel
Avoid punching failure
It is necessary to ensure that the footing of the building does not fall because of punching. In this case, the depth of the footing should have to be increased, reinforcement should have to be added to the footing, higher-grade concrete should be used and the cross-sectional dimension should have to be altered.
Used for aesthetic purposes
The concrete pedestals also help to add aesthetic value to the architectural designs. Thus, pedestals help to provide stability, long-term durability and aesthetic value in construction projects.
