Is it possible to use a thermal joint on top of steel columns holding up 7 storey building?

Answer 1

While I am not an Engineer, I cannot imagine any situation where an isolating material could withstand the compression it would be subject to, with that kind of weight on top of it. I am assuming the entire base of the structure is exposed to the elements? If so, perhaps wrapping the columns with (selected) insulation options? If the thermal transfer is strictly laterally, from an exterior canopy or such, then there are many existing options.

Answer 2

In theory, you could isolate it with a 1/8" thick Teflon pad, but it begs the question of "why?" between floors, when most thermal considerations are given for steel beams such as connected drive thru canopies. A major concern with this method, however, would be the potential for compression of the pads. If one of the first floor pads compressed 1/16", it would equate to the top of the 7th floor column being 5-13/32" out of plumb. Considering steel columns typically have a 1/8" in 12' plumb allowance, this type of lean would be 1" in 12'.