The design yield strength is a function of both the material and the element thickness properties of the section. The user provided Nominal Yield Strength (Fy) is first mapped to an appropriate material according to Table 2.1 of the AS 4100-98 code. The material that is used is based on the material that most closely matches the yield strength specified and the section shape.

The following materials are used based on the yield strength assigned to the member.

For steel with a nominal Fy outside of the ranges specified no steel material will be found and the section will be assigned a small yield strength and fail in design. A large interaction value on a design is indicative of assigned yield strength outside the ranges indicated above.

Each of these materials provides a different yield strength depending on the thickness of the elements (flange, web etc). of a cross section being designed. The yield strength used in the final design is printed in the detailed report output.