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 load case among those being considered for design.