Columns and beams are really important in building design, but they behave in different ways.

Load Distribution:

• Columns are like strong pillars. They lift heavy loads from above and send that weight down to the ground.
• Beams work differently. They support weight by spreading it between nearby columns. They help keep things straight and stable.

Strength and Materials:

• Columns need to be very strong to hold up everything above them. That’s why they are often made from tough materials like reinforced concrete or steel.
• Beams need to be strong too, but in a different way. They should be good at bending without breaking. So, they might be made of wood, steel, or special materials that resist bending.

How They Bend:

• Columns don’t bend much because they carry weight straight up and down. But if they are too tall and skinny, they might buckle.
• Beams can bend quite a bit when weight is pushed down on them. It’s important to figure out how much they can bend safely, so builders use specific formulas to calculate this.

How They Fail:

• Columns can collapse in two main ways: by buckling or crushing. This depends on how tall and skinny they are and how much weight they are holding up.
• Beams usually fail by bending too much or breaking apart. To prevent this, engineers need to understand how strong the materials are and how they twist and turn.

Connections:

• How columns and beams connect is super important for keeping structures strong. Some connections let beams transfer heavy loads to the columns better, while others let them carry vertical weight with less resistance.

Knowing these basic differences helps architects design buildings that are both safe and functional.