Columns and walls are critical vertical load-bearing elements in any structure. This training module covers the complete process from layout marking to finishing, ensuring proper construction techniques, quality workmanship, and structural integrity.
Training Duration: 1 week
Prerequisite Skills: Basic knowledge of construction drawings, materials, tools, and foundation work
- Reference column positions from grid lines
- Mark column center points accurately
- Mark column outline/dimensions (rectangular/square)
- Verify diagonal measurements for square/rectangular columns
- Check alignment with other columns using string line
- Verify column orientation as per drawing
- Get approval from site engineer
- Mark wall outline as per drawing dimensions
- Verify wall thickness markings
- Mark door and window openings
- Identify and mark construction/expansion joints
- Check wall alignment and squareness
- Mark electrical conduit/box positions
- Verify wall-to-column connections
Check |
Method |
Tolerance |
Column Position |
From grid lines |
±5mm |
Column Size |
Dimensional check |
±3mm |
Wall Alignment |
String line |
±5mm in 3m |
Wall Thickness |
Measurement |
±3mm |
Important: Accurate marking is crucial as errors at this stage will be carried forward through the construction process.
The Bar Bending Schedule provides detailed information on reinforcement requirements including bar size, shape, length, and placement for columns and walls.
- Review the BBS to identify all required bars
- Verify main bars and stirrup/tie details for columns
- Check vertical and horizontal bar details for walls
- Note special requirements (additional bars at openings)
- Verify lap length requirements
- Clean starter bars projecting from foundation
- Lap main vertical bars with starter bars (min. 40-50 times bar diameter)
- Arrange main vertical bars as per design (typically at corners and sides)
- Tie stirrups/ties around main bars starting from bottom
- Maintain closer spacing of stirrups at column ends (as per seismic requirements)
- Ensure stirrups are properly tied at all intersections
- Check verticality using plumb bob
- Install cover blocks to ensure proper concrete cover
- Set vertical bars at specified spacing (typically 150-300mm)
- Ensure proper anchoring to starter bars/foundation
- Install horizontal bars at specified spacing
- Provide additional reinforcement around openings
- Secure bars at intersections with binding wire
- Ensure proper lap length at joints
- Check alignment of reinforcement cage
- Install cover blocks to ensure concrete cover
Parameter |
Requirement for Columns |
Requirement for Walls |
Concrete Cover |
25-40mm (as per design) |
20-25mm (as per design) |
Lap Length |
40-50 times bar diameter |
40-50 times bar diameter |
Stirrup Spacing |
Closer at ends (typically 100mm) |
Not applicable |
Main Bar Spacing |
As per design |
Typically 150-300mm |
Pro Tip: Always check for proper tying of stirrups in columns. The 135° hooks in stirrups must be properly engaged with main bars for seismic resistance.
- Traditional Timber: Flexible but less durable
- Steel/Aluminum Panels: Durable, precise, reusable
- Plywood with Steel Frame: Common hybrid system
- Proprietary Systems: DOKA, PERI, etc.
- Jump Forms: For tall walls/core walls
- Slip Forms: For continuous tall structures
- Clean and apply release agent to formwork panels
- Mark height lines on formwork panels
- Assemble the first side and align with column marking
- Install waling beams (horizontal supports) if required
- Fix adjacent sides sequentially
- Secure corners with proper clamps/bolts
- Install yokes or tension bolts to hold panels together
- Provide adequate bracing for stability
- Check verticality using plumb bob and adjust if needed
- Check dimensions and squareness
- Clean and apply release agent to formwork panels
- Install one side of wall formwork first
- Place spacers/tie rods to maintain wall thickness
- Fix waling beams horizontally for support
- Install opposite side of formwork
- Secure with tie rods, nuts, and washers
- Provide adequate bracing against lateral pressure
- Create box-outs for openings (doors/windows)
- Install sleeves for services (electrical/plumbing)
- Check alignment, plumbness, and level
Lateral pressure on formwork depends on concrete properties, pour rate, temperature, and height.
- Basic formula: P = ρ × g × h
- Simplified calculation: 25 kPa per meter height
- For vibrated concrete: Add 25-30% extra pressure
- For faster pour rates: Add additional safety factor
Element Height |
Approximate Pressure |
Required Bracing |
1m |
25-30 kPa |
Light bracing |
2m |
50-60 kPa |
Medium bracing |
3m+ |
75-90+ kPa |
Heavy bracing |
Safety Critical: Inadequate bracing can lead to formwork failure during concreting. Always calculate pressures and provide sufficient support.
Columns and walls typically require M25 or higher grade concrete depending on structural requirements.
Grade |
Typical Usage |
Slump (mm) |
Max Aggregate Size |
M25 |
Standard columns/walls |
100-125mm |
20mm |
M30 |
High-rise buildings |
100-125mm |
20mm |
M35+ |
Special structures |
100-150mm |
20mm |
- Obtain reinforcement approval from engineer
- Check formwork stability, alignment, and tightness
- Verify proper concrete cover is maintained
- Clean inside of formwork of debris
- Check for any gaps in formwork that might leak
- Prepare and position concrete vibrators
- Arrange proper access for concrete placement
- Check lighting if concreting extends to evening
- Prepare cube molds for concrete testing
- Perform slump test before placement (100-125mm recommended)
- Cast concrete cubes for strength testing
- Wet the formwork interior if timber formwork is used
- Place concrete in layers of 300-450mm height
- Use tremie pipes for tall columns to avoid segregation
- Compact each layer thoroughly using needle vibrators
- Ensure vibration reaches previous layer (25-50mm overlap)
- Avoid over-vibration to prevent segregation
- Monitor formwork for any bulging or leakage
- For walls, ensure uniform placement on both sides
- Finish top surface of columns/walls properly
- Honeycombing: Inadequate vibration or high aggregate content
- Cold joints: Delays between concrete batches
- Segregation: Excessive vibration or improper mix
- Formwork leakage: Gaps in formwork or inadequate sealing
- Bulging: Inadequate formwork support
- Displacement of reinforcement: Movement during concreting
Critical: Closely monitor concrete consistency throughout the pour. Adjust water content only within the approved limits to maintain workability.
Premature removal of formwork can lead to structural damage. Follow these minimum time periods:
Element Type |
Normal Conditions |
Cold Weather |
Column Sides |
16-24 hours |
24-36 hours |
Wall Sides |
24-48 hours |
48-72 hours |
Load-bearing Support |
14-21 days |
21+ days |
- Verify concrete has achieved sufficient strength
- Loosen bolts and clamps gradually
- Remove formwork carefully to avoid damage to concrete
- Start from top and work downward for columns
- For walls, remove one side first, then the opposite side
- Clean formwork panels immediately for reuse
- Stack formwork properly for next use
- Inspect concrete surface for defects
- Water curing: Spraying water or wrapping with wet hessian
- Ponding: Creating water pools around columns
- Curing compounds: Spraying membrane-forming compounds
- Plastic sheet wrapping: Sealing moisture with plastic sheets
- Begin curing as soon as formwork is removed
- Apply selected curing method to all exposed surfaces
- For water curing, maintain constant moisture for 7-14 days
- For curing compounds, ensure complete coverage
- Maintain curing records with dates and methods
- Protect curing concrete from extreme temperatures
- For hot weather, consider night curing to reduce evaporation
Pro Tip: Proper curing can increase concrete strength by up to 50% compared to non-cured concrete. It also reduces surface cracks and improves durability.
- Check for alignment and dimensions
- Inspect for honeycombing or voids
- Check for cold joints or segregation
- Look for surface cracks
- Inspect for proper levels at junctions
- Check verticality using plumb bob
- Document any defects found
- Minor honeycombing: Clean and patch with cement mortar
- Major honeycombing: Cut out affected area and recast
- Surface irregularities: Grind and apply surface treatment
- Tie rod holes: Fill with non-shrink grout
- Minor cracks: Fill with polymer-modified mortar
- Cold joints: May require chipping and epoxy treatment
The type of finish depends on the architectural requirements and whether the surface will be exposed or covered.
- Form finish: No additional treatment (quality depends on formwork)
- Rubbed finish: Rubbing with carborundum stone for smooth surface
- Plastered finish: Applying cement plaster for smoothness
- Exposed aggregate: Washing surface to expose aggregate
- Textured finish: Using special formliners or post-treatment
Parameter |
Standard Tolerance |
High-Quality Tolerance |
Verticality |
±6mm in 3m height |
±3mm in 3m height |
Surface Regularity |
±5mm with 2m straightedge |
±3mm with 2m straightedge |
Cross-section Dimensions |
±5mm |
±3mm |
Surface Appearance |
Minor blemishes acceptable |
No visible defects |
Important: All repairs must be approved by the structural engineer, especially for structural elements. Improper repairs may compromise integrity.
Effective on-job training is crucial for transferring theoretical knowledge into practical skills, ensuring workers understand and implement quality standards directly on site. It fosters a culture of continuous improvement and reduces errors.
- Bridging the gap between theory and practice.
- Developing practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Ensuring adherence to site-specific conditions and safety protocols.
- Promoting teamwork and communication among the workforce.
- Identifying skill gaps and providing targeted coaching.
- Qualified Trainers: Experienced supervisors or engineers who can effectively demonstrate tasks and explain 'why' behind procedures.
- Structured Approach: Follow a defined training plan, covering all critical steps of column/wall construction.
- Hands-on Practice: Provide ample opportunities for trainees to perform tasks under supervision.
- Immediate Feedback: Correct mistakes and reinforce best practices in real-time.
- Safety Integration: Emphasize safety procedures at every step of the training.
- Use of Checklists: Train workers to use and understand quality checklists for self-inspection.
- Problem-Solving Scenarios: Discuss potential issues (e.g., honeycombing, misalignment) and their on-site solutions.
Supervision is the backbone of quality control on site. It involves constant monitoring, guidance, and verification of work performed.
- Pre-Task Briefings: Conduct daily briefings to discuss the day's tasks, potential hazards, and quality expectations.
- Regular Inspections: Perform frequent checks at every stage (marking, rebar, formwork, concreting) against drawings and specifications.
- Material Verification: Ensure correct materials are used and stored properly.
- Workmanship Monitoring: Observe techniques, ensure proper tools are used, and correct deviations immediately.
- Documentation Oversight: Ensure all quality control tests and inspection records are accurately maintained.
- Communication: Maintain open communication with the workforce, addressing concerns and providing clarity.
- Corrective Actions: Implement prompt corrective actions for any non-conformities and ensure they are resolved.
Best Practice: Implement a "Hold Point" system where critical stages (e.g., rebar fixing, formwork completion) require mandatory sign-off from the supervisor or quality engineer before proceeding to the next step.
- Falls from height during formwork and reinforcement
- Formwork collapse during concreting
- Struck by falling objects
- Cuts from reinforcement and formwork
- Concrete splashes in eyes
- Musculoskeletal injuries from lifting
- Electrical hazards from vibrators and tools
- Provide proper scaffolding with guardrails
- Use personal fall arrest systems when required
- Design formwork with adequate safety factor
- Inspect formwork before concreting
- Use hard hats, safety shoes, and hand protection
- Wear eye protection during concreting
- Use mechanical lifting equipment for heavy materials
- Inspect electrical tools and use with GFCI protection
- Maintain clean work areas to prevent trips and falls
- Provide proper lighting for all work areas
- Establish emergency response plan
- Provide first aid kits at accessible locations
- Display emergency contact numbers
- Train workers on emergency procedures
- Conduct regular safety drills
- Document and review all incidents
Critical Safety Reminder: Never compromise on formwork design and support. The most serious accidents in column and wall construction occur due to formwork collapse during concrete placement.
Column and wall construction forms the vertical structural framework of any building. Following proper techniques for reinforcement, formwork, concreting, and finishing ensures structural integrity, durability, and safety.
Remember that quality cannot be compromised in vertical structural elements, as they transfer loads to the foundation and provide stability to the entire structure. Always follow approved drawings, specifications, and standard practices during construction.
Regular inspections, proper documentation, and adherence to safety protocols are essential for successful column and wall construction. Take pride in your work, as these elements will stand for decades, providing strength and stability to the building.