• Beams: Beams are horizontal or sloped elements. They span between supports and bear loads applied to them from above.
• Columns: Columns are vertical elements. They extend from the foundation of a structure to its upper floors, ceilings, or roof.

• Beams: Beams primarily experience bending moments due to applied loads, which can cause tension and compression in different parts of the beam.
• Columns: Columns mainly experience axial loads, usually in compression, although they can also experience bending if not properly braced.

• Beams: Design focuses on strength (to resist bending) and stiffness (to limit deflection). Beam design often involves considerations such as moment of inertia and bending stress.
• Columns: Design emphasizes compressive strength, buckling resistance, and stability. The material's strength and slenderness ratio are crucial factors in column design.

• Beams: Common cross-sectional shapes include rectangular, I-beam, and T-beam, chosen based on bending requirements.
• Columns: Typically round, square, or rectangular in cross-section, depending on the load they need to bear and the space available.

• Beams: Can be constructed from wood, steel, concrete, or composites, each material's choice depending on design requirements and the building's overall architecture.
• Columns: Usually made of reinforced concrete, steel, or sometimes wood, chosen for their load-bearing capacity.

• Beams: Floor joists, roof beams, and any horizontal support structure.
• Columns: Support pillars for buildings, bridge piers, and any vertical support component.

In summary, beams are horizontal elements that handle bending loads, while columns are vertical components designed to bear compressive loads. Their differences in function, orientation, load types, design considerations, cross-sectional shapes, materials, and applications play essential roles in structural design.