Support columns are vertical structural elements that transfer loads from slabs, beams, or superstructures safely into the foundations. They shape the structural stability of a structure—from industrial buildings to infrastructure and tunnels. In planning, repair, and particularly in concrete demolition and special demolition, targeted understanding of the support column determines a controlled, low-vibration approach. This is where material- and process-appropriate tools come in: In reinforced concrete, concrete pulverizers act on the composite of concrete and reinforcement; for massive, homogeneous cross-sections, rock and concrete splitters powered by suitable hydraulic power units are used. This allows load paths to be dismantled in a controlled manner, components to be separated selectively, and material flows to be kept pure by type—a core objective of modern deconstruction strategies.
Definition: What is meant by support column
A support column is a predominantly compression-loaded, vertical structural element that transfers the loads of a structure (permanent and variable actions) along defined load paths into the members below and ultimately into the foundation. Support columns can be made of reinforced concrete, steel, masonry, or composite cross-sections. Their structural behavior is determined by geometry (slenderness, buckling length), support conditions, material properties, and connection details. In existing buildings, combinations of axial force and bending frequently occur, for example due to eccentricities or lateral actions. For deconstruction and gutting works, this load and deformation behavior is decisive, as interventions influence the redistribution of loads in the system and require temporary shoring or re-shoring.
Constructive features and load transfer
Support columns carry axial forces and—depending on fixity and joint conditions—also bending moments and shear. Reinforced concrete columns are made ductile and safeguarded against buckling and spalling by longitudinal reinforcement and shear/transverse reinforcement (ties, spirals). Steel columns use profile geometries (IPE/HE, hollow sections) for stabilization; masonry columns transfer compression through the bond and are sensitive to tension and lateral tension. Critical joints are the head and base points: load introduction there is provided via corbels, head plates, bearings, dowels, or connection details. In deconstruction, these zones determine the sequence of separation cuts, the use of concrete pulverizers, and the placement of stone and concrete splitters to achieve controlled fracture lines and a defined fragment size.
Types and materials of support columns
Depending on the building task, various cross-section types and materials are used. The selection directly affects structural behavior, repair, and dismantling methods.
Reinforced concrete columns
Widespread in building and civil engineering. Structural behavior is governed by the interaction of concrete and reinforcement. In deconstruction, concrete pulverizers are often used to crush concrete and expose reinforcement. For very massive, homogeneous core zones, stone and concrete splitters are suitable; they introduce forces via drill holes and deliberately control crack formation.
Steel columns
High load-bearing capacity with slender cross-sections, sensitive to local damage causing local buckling and overall buckling. For dismantling and sectional disassembly, steel shears and combination shears are relevant; at mixed joints with attachments, Multi Cutters can increase flexibility.
Masonry columns and piers
Made of natural stone or brick. Behavior is strongly compression-oriented with low tensile strength. For selective deconstruction and heritage areas, low-vibration methods using stone and concrete splitters are sensible because they create controlled crack joints and minimize vibrations.
Investigation and assessment prior to interventions
Before strip-out or deconstruction of a support column, condition and system effects must be assessed. This includes as-built documentation, rebar detection, material testing, visual inspection of crack patterns and connection details. The goal: identify load paths, define alternatives for temporary shoring, and plan the sequence of interventions. Particularly important is the assessment of slenderness and buckling lengths—both determine stability during dismantling. Hydraulically powered tools require working space; its planning prevents unwanted restraint and facilitates targeted application of concrete pulverizers and splitting cylinders.
Deconstruction of support columns: procedures and work steps
Dismantling proceeds step by step, aligned with the environment, the structure, and objectives (limits on noise, dust, and vibration, material separation):
- Load redistribution and shoring: Temporary props and beams take over loads. Exposing the joints reduces unexpected restraint forces.
- Strip-out and separation of adjacent members: Slab and beam connections are released by cutting, drilling, or shearing with jaws.
- Segmented disassembly: Concrete pulverizers crush reinforced concrete section by section; exposed reinforcement can be selectively cut. In massive, compact areas, stone and concrete splitters introduce well-dosed spreading forces via drill holes to create controlled fracture joints.
- Handling and removal: Processed segments are secured with crane or lifting gear; the sequence minimizes tipping and buckling hazards.
- Finishing work and control cuts: Remaining cross-sections and head and base zones are reworked; connection surfaces are prepared for follow-up works.
Tools and methods in the context of the support column
The choice of method depends on material, cross-section, and environmental requirements. Hydraulic systems combine force, metering capability, and precision.
Concrete pulverizers in reinforced concrete deconstruction
Concrete pulverizers act directly on the composite of concrete and reinforcement. They are suitable for releasing slab connections, removing corbels, and reducing columns in a controlled manner. Advantages include selective size reduction, exposure of steel components, and the ability to separate sections in an orderly way—a plus for single-grade material flows and recycling rates.
Stone and concrete splitters for massive cross-sections
Splitters use drill hole–based spreading forces to build internal stress cones in the member. This creates defined crack lines without blasting techniques. That is especially useful for thick, homogeneous column cores, in sensitive environments, or in tunnel construction where vibrations and transmission should be limited. The necessary hydraulic power units provide the required pressures with compact dimensions.
Steel structures and composite columns
For steel columns and composite cross-sections, combination shears, steel shears, and Multi Cutters are used to cut profiles, plates, and reinforcement components separately and in a controlled manner. If steel parts are first exposed—for example by jaw work on the concrete jacket—dismantling can be tactically accelerated.
Application areas and particularities
Support columns are central to numerous applications. The choice of method depends on environmental conditions and project objectives.
Concrete demolition and special demolition
In complex existing structures, controlled reduction of column cross-sections is critical in concrete demolition and deconstruction. Concrete pulverizers enable step-by-step removal and exposure of connection details. Stone and concrete splitters help open thick cross-sections with low vibration and guide fracture paths.
Strip-out and cutting
Before column dismantling, adjacent structural members are separated. In this phase, the sequence of cuts is decisive to avoid unintended load-sharing effects. Hydraulic tools support a material-appropriate approach—from joint exposure to controlled cross-section reduction.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction
In underground works, rock or shotcrete piers assume supporting functions. Splitting methods allow targeted release of piers and temporary supports without transmitting unacceptable vibrations to the surroundings. The controllability of splitting forces simplifies coordination with stabilization measures.
Natural stone extraction
In quarries, natural pillars and supports act as temporary load-bearing members. By splitting along anisotropic structures, the extraction process can be planned. Stone and concrete splitters support defined fracture guidance and protect the raw block.
Special applications
In confined spaces, sensitive areas, or with structurally weakened supports, the fine-step force metering of hydraulic systems is advantageous. The combination of splitting, jaw work, and sectional cutting increases process safety.
Safety, planning, and sequence
Interventions on support columns require coordinated safety and work concepts. Principles are to be understood generally and do not replace case-by-case evaluation.
- Load transfer reconfiguration: Before any removal, temporary shoring must be verified and monitored.
- Working space: Sufficient accessibility for jaws and splitting cylinders prevents jamming and uncontrolled cracks.
- Segmentation: Small steps reduce risks from buckling and sudden load release.
- Dust, noise, vibrations: Choose methods that meet project-specific limits—splitting often operates with low vibration.
- Documentation: Condition and progress records ensure transparency and traceability.
Geometry, stability, and influence on the approach
The slenderness of a support column affects stability in intermediate states. The greater the buckling length and eccentricity, the more sensitively the cross-section reacts to partial dismantling. Practical consequence: clarify boundary conditions (head/base supports) first, then apply cross-section reduction—preferably in zones with high shear capacity and sufficient residual load-bearing capacity. Concrete pulverizers can begin by removing the outer jacket, while stone and concrete splitters open inner cores in a controlled manner and steer fragment size.
Typical damage patterns and their significance
Existing supports often exhibit concrete cover spalling, corrosion cracks at reinforcement layers, local buckling on steel profiles, or settlement cracks at the base. These influence tool selection: Corroded reinforcement can be separated more easily after jaw work; delaminated zones can be deliberately released by splitting methods. For steel profiles, a cut- and shear-oriented approach is recommended to relieve buckled fields in a controlled way.
Material separation, recycling, and resource efficiency
A material-appropriate deconstruction of support columns facilitates single-grade separation. Concrete pulverizers provide targeted size reduction and exposure of steel, while stone and concrete splitters create fracture patterns that enable efficient downstream processing. This closes loops: concrete rubble can be processed, metals enter the recycling stream, and natural stone blocks are released with minimal damage.
Connection details: head, base, and joints
Joint areas determine the intervention strategy. At the head, slab and beam connections are released; at the base, foundation or plinth zones are processed. Deconstruction often begins with detaching secondary attachments, followed by exposing reinforcement and a tactical sequence of jaw work and splitting. Hydraulically assisted cutting and shearing processes in composite joints reduce unwanted restraint.
Planning, control, and hydraulics
High-performance hydraulic power packs form the basis for constant, reproducible tool forces. In practice, this facilitates the metering of splitting forces and controlled work with jaws or shears. A coordinated cycle rate, sufficient hose lengths, and managing oil temperatures ensure uniform results—especially in long work cycles and with varying cross-sections.
Terminological distinctions
In common usage, a distinction is made between support column, support, and pier. While the support is generally a compression-loaded vertical member, the column is often associated with architectural articulation, and the pier is customary in structural/civil engineering. For planning and deconstruction, the constructive details are decisive—independent of the designation. Accordingly, tool selection depends on material, cross-section, and connection, not on terminology.
Quality assurance and documentation
Systematic documentation—from condition survey to each work step—creates traceability and safety. This includes logs on shoring, the sequence of interventions, tool usage, and measured values (e.g., deformations, vibrations). This enables ongoing tactical adjustment: if a support column is relieved more quickly than planned, the metering of jaw and splitting work can be adjusted immediately.