Sections are further defined as compact or noncompact. In the case of compact sections, the full plastic moment capacity can be attained. In the case of noncompact sections, local buckling of elements may occur prior to reaching the full moment capacity and for this reason the extreme fibre stresses are limited to first yield. In STAAD, section types are determined as per clause 9.3.7 and the checks that follow will relate to the type of section considered.