Column is a primary structural load bearing element of a building which transmit loads from the upper floors to the lower levels and then to the soil through the foundations.
| Characteristic | Various shapes in plan are possible, either circular, square or rectangular. Provision for beam seating will shape the top end of the precast. Some with corbel or recess to support the beam element. |
| Cross sectional shape | Circular, square or rectangular |
| Top end profile | The top end of the column profile design influenced by the location of column in plan. Edge columns are symmetrical in one direction, intermediate columns are symmetrical in all directions and corner columns are not symmetrical at all. |
| Height | The maximum height are limited to transportability. |
| Joint connection | Traditionally, joint connection between precast are by means of starter bars from top end of bottom precast fed into corrugated pipe slots provided at bottom end of top precast followed by grouting. Now, advance practices by using splice sleeve and column shoe has gained popularity among designers. |