Final answer:
A kern point represents a point on either side of the centroidal axis of a horizontal column or wall section that defines the limits of the kern area, crucial for understanding where to apply loads to avoid tension in the structural element.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes "a point on either side of the centroidal axis of a horizontal column or wall section defining the limits of the kern area" is B) Kern point. The kern is the area in a cross-section of a column where the resultant of the compressive force can act without causing tensile stress on the cross-section. If the load is applied within the kern, the column is subjected only to compression.
The kern point itself is located at either end of the line that defines this region. If the load acts outside of the kern, it induces bending in addition to compression, potentially leading to structural failure. The kern area makes it possible to analyze stability issues when designing columns and walls. The centroidal axis runs through the middle of the cross-section of a structural element (also described as the origin or centroidal point), and the kern points are symmetrical on either side of this axis.