Precast concrete columns may be made in many different cross-sections, but square or rectangular sections are standard. These elements are normally only used as vertical load resisting elements in buildings, unless they are built into part of the lateral force resisting system, such as a boundary element at the end of shear wall, also known as pilasters. Both prestressed and mild steel reinforced columns may be designed with mild steel ties as lateral reinforcement. Precast concrete columns could be architectural concrete (colored concrete with an acid-etched, exposed aggregate or sand blast finish and textured surfaces with the use of form liners) or plain gray structural concrete Concrete strengths can range from 5000 psi to 7000 psi at 28 days for plain gray structural and typically 5000 psi for architectural concrete.
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