"In this chapter we will discuss the behavior of columns and indicate some of the methods used for their design. The chapter begins with a general discussion of buckling, followed by a determination of the axial load needed to buckle a so-called ideal column. Afterwards a more realistic analysis is considered, which accounts for any bending of the column. Also inelastic buckling of a column is presented as a special topic. At the end of the chapter we will discuss some of the methods used to design both concentric and eccentric loaded columns made from common engineering materials."