TCFP Plans Examiner Practice Test

What is a vertical member used to support a compressive load called?

1. Joint

2. Beam

3. Column

4. Bracket

The correct answer is: Column

A vertical member that is specifically designed to support compressive loads is known as a column. Columns are fundamental components in structural engineering, serving the primary function of transferring loads from above to the foundations below. Their orientation—vertical—enables them to withstand compressive forces efficiently. Columns can be made from various materials, including concrete, steel, and wood, and are critical in constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures. The ability to effectively resist axial loads without buckling is one of the key characteristics that distinguishes columns from other structural members. In this context, while beams are horizontal members that primarily support bending and tensile loads, joints serve to connect elements but do not provide vertical support. Brackets can assist in supporting loads but are not structural members in the same sense as columns. Therefore, the definition and role of a column in supporting compressive loads make it the most suitable choice.