A __________ is a vertical structural element that transmits the weight of the structure above to other structural elements below.

A column is a vertical structural element specifically designed to carry and transmit loads from the structure above it to the foundation and other structural elements below. In construction and architectural design, columns are essential for supporting beams and slabs, helping to distribute weight evenly and maintaining the integrity of the entire structure. They are usually made of materials such as concrete, steel, or wood, and their strength and placement are crucial for the stability of a building.

While beams, posts, and trusses are also structural components in construction, they serve different functions. Beams are horizontal elements that carry loads from above and transfer them to vertical supports like columns. Posts are similar to columns but are often used in lightweight or temporary structures, typically providing support for a smaller structure. Trusses, on the other hand, are frameworks typically composed of triangles that efficiently distribute loads across a larger area, often used in roofs or bridges. Each of these components plays a different role in structural engineering, but the defining characteristic of a column is its vertical orientation and load-bearing function.