Decorative Concrete Reinforcement

[ilyas415]

Hi all,

I have a project where the architects want to add some decorative features to a concrete column.

The nominal cover is 40 mm.
The architects wish to add an additional 60 mm for this "decorative concrete".

My senior engineer said up to 40 mm additional concrete is generally okay (w.r.t. cracking) without needed to add further reinforcement. Another engineer I spoke to said that up to 50 mm additional concrete might be okay.

Can anyone corroborate this?
In your experience, what is the thickness of concrete you can add without need any additional reinforcrment?

Thank you.

-------------
Ilyas

 

[Lomarandil]

Is this a flexural column (part of a moment frame)? Or is the full cross section in compression?

Is the decorative concrete cast with the column, or afterward?

 

[ilyas415]

The column is in compression (gravity loads only for the most part). Yes, the decorative concrete is to be cast together with the column.

-------------
Ilyas

 

[Lomarandil]

In this case, the thickness possible will mostly be a function of the mix design and forming method. With the proper technique, I expect that 60mm is possible.