3 Hidden Column Failures Inside Concrete

These mistakes stay invisible until the cracks show. Cover, stirrups, and lap splice decide whether a column holds—or quietly fails.

This is how reinforced columns fail—and it’s hidden inside the concrete. #1: No concrete cover. If steel touches air or soil, rust starts and strength drops. #2: Wrong stirrups. Without 135-degree hooks, they can open under load and lose confinement. #3: Short lap splice. If bars are too short, load transfer breaks. You won’t see these mistakes until cracks start showing. Concrete hides it—but rebar decides everything. Follow for real construction truths.