D5.C.4 Section Classification

The occurrence of local buckling of the compression elements of a cross-section prevents the development of full section capacity. It is therefore imperative to establish this possibility prior to determining the section capacities. Cross sections are classified in accordance with their geometrical properties and the stress pattern on the compression elements. For each load case considered in the design process, the program determines the section class and calculates the capacities accordingly. It is worth noting that the section class reported in the design output corresponds to the most critical loadcase among those being considered for design.

The EC3 (EN 1993) design module in STAAD.Pro can design members with all section profiles that are of Class 1, 2, or 3 as defined in section 5.5 of the code. However, the design of members that have a Class 4 section profile are limited to:

wide flange (with equal flanges)
tee
single channel
single angle
rectangular hollow sections
circular hollow sections

Also built-up user sections that are class 4 sections are not dealt with in the current version of EC3 design in STAAD.Pro, unless they are defined as any of the section types given above.

The design of laced and battened members is not considered in the current version of EC3 (EN 1993) design module in STAAD.Pro. The current version also does not support the design of tapered section profiles or I-Sections with top and/or bottom plates or I sections with unequal flanges.