Question

What are columns?

(a) vertical compression members in a building supporting floors or girders

(b) vertical tension members in a building supporting floors or girders

(c) horizontal compression members in a building supporting floors or girders

(d) horizontal tension members in a building supporting floors or girders

The question was asked in semester exam.

This is a very interesting question from Compression Members and Loads on Compression Members in section Design of Compression Members of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

Right answer is (a) vertical compression members in a building supporting floors or girders

The explanation: The vertical compression members in a building supporting floors or girders are normally called as columns. They are sometimes called as stanchions. They are subjected to heavy loads. Vertical compression members are sometimes called posts.