Abstract: The motivation of this paper is to predict linear responses of explosion-loaded columns, and lay the theoretical foundation for the further investigation on the non-linear responses and damage modes of columns subjected to explosion loads. The column was simplified as an axially loaded beam, and an analytical solution on the linear responses of axially loaded Timoshenko beams subjected to arbitrary transverse dynamic loads was presented theoretically. The equivalent matrix of frequency, loads and modified equivalent matrix of mass were established according to the Timoshenko’s beam theory and the method of separation-variables. Furthermore, the influences of parameters such as length-depth ratio, initial axial compressive strain, boundary constraints and blast loads on the responses of the columns were discussed, based on the proposed solution. The analytical results and conclusions were helpful to the analysis and design of explosion-loaded steel or RC columns.