Drafting Basics: Columns, Footings, and Related Terms

20 vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms related to drafting columns and footings.

Column

A rigid vertical structural member that carries loads from beams, roofs, and walls down to the footing.

Footing

The square concrete enlargement at the base of a column that spreads building weight over a larger ground area.

Reinforced Steel Bar (RSB)

Metal rod embedded in concrete to increase tensile strength and prevent cracking.

Stirrups

Smaller closed-loop steel bars that wrap around vertical RSBs in a column to hold them together and resist shear.

Form (Formwork)

Temporary mold, often wood or metal, used to shape wet concrete into the desired column size and shape.

Capital

The topmost decorative element of a classical column, distinguishing orders like Doric or Ionic.

Tuscan Order

A simple Roman column style with an unfluted shaft and plain capital and base.

Doric Order

An early Greek column style characterized by a fluted shaft, plain capital, and no base.

Ionic Order

A Greek column style recognized by its scrolled (volute) capital and slender, fluted shaft.

Corinthian Order

An ornate Greek column style featuring an elaborate capital decorated with acanthus leaves.

Composite Order

A Roman column style combining Ionic volutes and Corinthian acanthus-leaf decorations in its capital.

Foundation

The portion of a structure, including columns and footings, that transfers building loads to the ground.

Excavation

The process of removing soil to the required depth and width before placing a footing or foundation.

Gravel Bed

Layer of compacted gravel placed under footings to improve drainage and support.

Compressive Strength

Ability of a material like concrete to resist crushing loads; concrete is strong in compression.

Meter on Center (MOC)

Spacing measurement indicating the distance between repeated elements, such as RSBs or stirrups.

Beam

Horizontal structural member supported by columns; carries the load of floors or roofs.

Concrete

Composite construction material made of cement, sand, gravel, and water that hardens into stone-like mass.

Civil Engineer

Professional who designs and specifies dimensions, reinforcement, and materials for columns and footings.

Mason

Skilled tradesperson who constructs concrete elements on site following the engineer’s plans.