Although the Ancient Egyptians were the first people to craft architectural columns, the Greeks and Romans are credited with developing the classical column orders. These designs are still quite popular today. GFRC columns must meet rigid design criteria to be considered truly classical, and the components described below are often present. Although the article focuses on GFRC columns, the information applies to other column materials as well.
Bases
Bases are the structures on which FRC columns rest. Bases for stone or GRC columns must be strong enough to support the column shaft. Depending on the design of fiber reinforced concrete columns, bases may be round or square, smooth or textured. Bases for classical Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete columns are typically understated, and are crafted to subtly enhance GRC columns.
Column Shafts
By far the largest and most imposing component of any classical fiber reinforced concrete column system is the column itself, often referred to as the column shaft. The height to thickness ratio of fiber reinforced concrete columns and whether GFRC columns will feature a smooth or fluted texture depends upon the type of column that is being produced.
Capitals
Capitals are the elements that are used to crown Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete columns. While capitals for Tuscan columns are simple cylindrical disks, these elements can also be highly stylized. Capitals for classical GRC columns may feature detailed scrolls or depict acanthus leaves. Like bases, capitals for fiber reinforced concrete columns must be quite strong — these are the elements on which the building’s entablature rests.
Entablature
The entablature is the upper portion of a building that rests on the capitals of GFRC columns. Considered a crucial component of classical buildings, entablatures actually consist of three components: the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice. The architrave is the portion located almost directly above GRC columns, and its primary purpose is to support the other parts of the entablature. Higher up is the frieze, an area that may be left plain or ornamented. The final component, the cornice, projects out from the building, and serves both a decorative and a protective role.
While all of these components are often used when classical GFRC columns are crafted for government buildings, hotels, and universities, this isn’t necessarily the case with custom or modern fiber reinforced concrete columns. Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete column shafts may be used as stand alone elements, the classical entablature may or may not be present, and bases are entirely optional.
Stromberg Architectural Products is the world’s leading producer of GFRC columns and the maker of the world’s largest fiber reinforced concrete columns, which can be found at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Visit http://www.strombergarchitectural.com/products/columns or http://www.strombergarchitectural.com/materials/gfrc for more information.
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