Strengthening a tall pier

[P.J.]

Hi All,
I have a block pier, 800mm wide and 8 foot tall. This is supporting a beam which supports the first floor - no wall above.
My structural engineer says it's fine, the building control guy agrees, albeit hesitantly and I'd definitely like to strengthen it up. After all, I don't want to knock 2 more rooms into one i.e. the bedroom and the dining room !
I'm think I could pin a 3mm steel plate over the face of the pier, or some sort of steel cross brace, to give it a bit more strength and to give me more peace of mind, then I could render/skim over the top.
I'd be grateful for any thoughts on strengthening up the pier, and whether you think it sounds safe or dodgy.
Thanks a lot,
P.J.

 

[masona]

I'd be grateful for any thoughts on strengthening up the pier, and whether you think it sounds safe or dodgy.

A bit awkward without seeing it. If the structural engineer says it's fine, the building control inspector is happy then I shouldn't worry. A picture would help to see if it's neccessary.