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Difference between Pillar & Column

What are the Differences between Pillar & Column?

Most people confuse when asked the difference between pillar & column. They often times interchange the meaning of these two terms. These terms share some similarities but they are quite different from each other.

Difference between Pillar & Column

In this article, we will explain the differences between pillar & columns using a table chart. Before going into the list of differences, we are going to discuss what pillar & column is.

Pillar

Pillar is vertical structure designed to bear the weight of building’s roof & it can also be used as a decorative element in a structure. It can even stand on its own.

It is constructed from a single piece of timber, concrete, steel, reinforcement concrete or masonry bricks. Typically, the pillar is not constructed for resisting the load bearing function. While, column is a structural member, that is used for transfer of the compressive load safely to the foundation.

Pillar may be made from natural rock. There are some examples of rock pillars are chamber pillar, katskhi pillar, pompeys pillar and pillar rock. Pillars may be rounded, square, rectangle in shape but most of the pillars for architectural view are rounded.  

Column

Column is a structural member that transmits the load of structure to the footing and the soil. In other words, column is a compressive member that is constructed from concrete, reinforcement concrete, bricks and blocks etc.

Columns are used to support beam or arches where the slab or ceilings are rest. It can be constructed in many shapes such as rectangular, square, circular, hexagonal, octagonal etc.

The column rises from the base and rest on the foundation. It is constructed of masonry or steel. It is designed to resist the lateral forces and for the purpose of wind or earthquakes. It might be used for decorative purpose.

Difference between Pillar & Column

The comparison between pillar and column are shown in the table which is given below  

S. No    Column Pillar
1 Column is a structural member that transmits the load of structure to the footing and the soil Pillar is vertical structure designed to bear the weight of building’s roof
2 All columns are not pillar All pillars are column
3 Column are used to support the load bearing wall Pillars are used for decorative purposes
4 It arises from the base and rest on the foundation A structure that support bigger architectural structure.
5 Column are used to support the load of beam, slab etc. Pillar can be stand alone or support the roof of building.
6 In column, Steel can be used Steel is never used in the pillars

The main objective of this article “Differences between Pillar & Column” is that the pillars are mostly used of decoration & some times for bearing the load of building roof. While, the columns is only used for bearing the load of beam, & slab etc. in a building.

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