The document discusses columns, which are structural members that primarily carry axial compressive loads. It defines short columns that do not require consideration of lateral buckling and slender columns that do. It describes uniaxially loaded columns that experience either axial load alone or combined axial and bending load about one axis. It provides examples of column cross-sections and outlines the process for designing uniaxial reinforced concrete columns according to ACI code provisions. This includes calculating load and moment capacities, determining reinforcement ratios from design charts, and checking capacities against demands with safety factors.