Define a column.

Define a column.

• A. a solid or build up post under a beam of point load
• B. a horizontal member spanning between walls
• C. a decorative column
• D. a vertical post used for doors

Answer: (A)

A column is a vertical load‑bearing member that carries loads from above and transfers them down to the foundation. It can be solid or built‑up, and it sits under beams or other supported members to take their loads and push them into the footing. This fits the given description because it emphasizes the vertical, load‑carrying role, unlike a horizontal beam (which spans between walls), a decorative column (which may look like a column but isn’t required to carry structural loads), or a door post (a vertical member in a door frame, not a general structural column).

A column is a vertical load‑bearing member that carries loads from above and transfers them down to the foundation. It can be solid or built‑up, and it sits under beams or other supported members to take their loads and push them into the footing. This fits the given description because it emphasizes the vertical, load‑carrying role, unlike a horizontal beam (which spans between walls), a decorative column (which may look like a column but isn’t required to carry structural loads), or a door post (a vertical member in a door frame, not a general structural column).