Question:

In civil engineering, what is the typical method used to determine the design compressive strength of composite columns?

A$)$ Direct measurement of column deformation under load.

B$)$ Calculation based on the yield strength of the steel and concrete components.

C$)$ Evaluation of the column's resistance to buckling.

D$)$ Testing of column specimens under axial compression.

E$)$ Analysis of the column's behavior under combined axial and lateral loads.