a.

The main function of reinforcements in columns is to help the concrete portion as tension forces might develop within the column. As we know,
concrete is strong in compression and weak in tension. Another thing is that it can help the concrete portion in carrying the compressive loads.
Thus, this will result to smaller gross area of concrete which can be considered as an economical design.
b. The effective length of the column is the actual distance within its length wherein the points of contraflexure are situated from supports of the
buckled column. The contraflexure points are also called as the point of inflections indicating zero moments in a member.