Ever Wondered What a "Lally" Is? Let's Clear That Up!
1. Digging into the Definition of a Lally Column
Okay, so you've heard the term "lally" and maybe you're picturing some kind of quirky garden gnome. Nope! A lally column, sometimes spelled "lolly" (and yes, that spelling difference can cause some confusion!), is a structural support column. Think of it as a hardworking pillar, often made of steel, that's there to hold things up, especially in basements. It's a crucial element when you're trying to keep your house from, you know, sagging or collapsing. We definitely don't want that!
Essentially, these columns are vertical steel tubes filled with concrete (though sometimes just hollow steel), and they're designed to transfer weight from above (like the floors and walls) down to the foundation. Without them, you might find your living room slowly migrating into your basement. And while that could make for an interesting architectural feature, it's generally not recommended.
The term "lally" or "lolly" column is often used interchangeably with "steel support column" or "structural support column." So, if you hear any of those terms, they're all generally referring to the same essential thing: a strong, vertical support that's doing its best to keep your house upright and happy. Its all about load-bearing, really. Imagine being the unsung hero holding up the ceiling thats a lally column.
Now, where does the name even come from? Good question! The exact origin is a bit murky, but it's believed to have come from a company or an individual (possibly with the last name "Lally") who manufactured or popularized these columns in the early 20th century. So, next time you see one, remember the legacy! It's like the "Kleenex" of structural support a brand name that became a generic term.
