Cross Section Classification
Under CAN/CSA-S16-01, S16-09, S16-14, BS 5950, Eurocode, and IS 800-07, sections are classified as Class 1 (Plastic), Class 2 (Compact), Class 3 (Semi-compact), or Class 4 (Slender) based on member dimensions and applied loads. No consideration is given to slender (Class 4) sections. Sections of class 4 will be flagged and reported as an error. No axial force or minor axis bending is considered in the program.
The following rules apply to the classification of all
members:
- Each element (flange, web) of a section is evaluated independently. The highest element class value will be assigned to the member as a whole.
- Any element (flange or web) required to resist axial compression load will be evaluated to determine into which class the element falls.
- Any element (flange or web) required to resist axial tension load only will be assumed to be class 1.
- A flange element, which carries tension due to bending moment, will be class 1.