Adjustable Steel Columns or Lally Columns are thin-walled round telescoping tubes used in construction work as a temporary means of structural support. These implements can be adjusted in any direction. The inventor of the lally column was John Lally, an American innovator from Waltham, Massachusetts, who patented the invention and began producing it in the 19th century. Since then, Lally’s invention has become an indispensable part of the construction industry.
Construction crews can take advantage of the flexibility that columns offer. Column height can be adjusted according to current requirements. If a section needs to be cut to fit the dimensions of the room, the steel pipe can be cut to length using common hand tools such as a reciprocating saw or pipe cutter.
The functions of adjustable steel columns.
Lallies are available in a variety of lengths, from tubes as short as 12 inches long to columns as long as 12 feet. The main function of adjustable steel columns is to support the weight suspended from above. They are oriented in the vertical direction and offer support to beams that extend for a considerable distance. In modern construction, these telescoping tubes are very useful in preventing collapse of a structure’s roof when supporting walls are removed during a renovation. Removing a load-bearing wall requires the use of a substitute structure, and adjustable steel pipes are built specifically for this function. With the steel tubes in place, the house or building remains structurally sound and safe for workers to perform their tasks.
Due to the material used in the construction of the Lally columns, they are not designed for permanent use. To prevent buckling and improve the load-bearing capacity of the column, the deck is filled with concrete. As such, they become sturdy pillars that are fully capable of keeping the structure intact while the work is being done. As soon as a supporting structure (eg bracing, beam, load-bearing wall) is completed that can support the weight above, the columns can be removed.
What service providers offer
However, there is a growing concern about the durability of lallies available on the market today. Over the years, changes have been made to the original design. For example, while years ago the case thickness was about a quarter of an inch, newer models are only about 0.06 inches (16 GA). Compared to lallies made in the past, adjustable steel columns offer only half the strength. There is also a growing concern about the risk of rust and corrosion associated with columns, since the main raw material used is steel. The risk is especially high when the abutments are used in wet and humid environments.
Many companies now manufacture custom columns, custom tailored to the requirements of ongoing construction. Services now offered by construction companies include design, manufacturing, and shipping orders to customers. The most convenient way to purchase adjustable steel columns is to order them online directly from the manufacturers.