What is pedestal? What are uses of pedestal?

PEDESTALS

A pedestal is used to transfer the loads from the metal columns through the floor and soil to the footing when it is at some depth within the ground. It is a short compression member whose height is usually less than three times its least lateral dimension:

The provision of a pedestal avoids possible corrosion of the metal from soil and wet floors. In industrial buildings where floors are washed regularly, the column bases should be 50 mm to 100 mm above the floor level.