9/30/22, 2:46 PM Classification Of Steel Cross Sections - IS 800- The Structural Blog

Classification Of Steel Cross-Sections

Steel

A structural engineer while designing steel members definitely would have come
across something like plastic, compact, semi-compact, slender section in IS 800-
2007. These are the different types of classification of steel cross sections.

We shall now learn about that classification and its importance in design. To make
this much easier, we need to know about different terms and parameters that
govern the steel cross sections’ classification.

Page Contents 
1. METHODS OF ANALYSIS
2. PARAMETERS INFLUENCING THE CLASSIFICATION
3. DIFFERENT TYPES OF STEEL CROSS SECTIONS
3.1. So what are these sections?
3.1.1. 1. Plastic Section
3.1.2. 2. Compact Section
3.1.3. 3. Semi-Compact Section
3.1.4. 4. Slender Section
3.1.5. POINTS TO REMEMBER

METHODS OF ANALYSIS
Generally, there are two methods of analysis in steel structures

https://thestructuralblog.com/classification-of-steel-cross-sections/ 1/7
9/30/22, 2:46 PM Classification Of Steel Cross Sections - IS 800- The Structural Blog

ELASTIC ANALYSIS

The Elastic design method, also termed as allowable stress method, is a

conventional method of design based on the elastic properties of steel.

This method of design limits the structural use of the material up to certain
allowable stress, which is well below the elastic limit.

PLASTIC ANALYSIS

In the Plastic design method, the ultimate load is taken as the design criterion
rather than the yield stress. The term plastic has occurred because the ultimate
load is found in the plastic range.

This method is generally preferred for Steel Structures as the strength of steel
beyond the yield stress is fully utilized.

PARAMETERS INFLUENCING THE

CLASSIFICATION
LOCAL BUCKLING

Steel cross sections consist of an assembly of thin plate elements. When they are
subjected to large compressive stresses, if the thin plates are too slender, then it
may buckle even before the full strength of the member is attained.

This phenomenon is called Local buckling and this happens when the width to
thickness ratio is too large. Hence, to avoid this, the width to thickness ratio needs
to be limited.

MOMENT REDISTRIBUTION

https://thestructuralblog.com/classification-of-steel-cross-sections/ 2/7
9/30/22, 2:46 PM Classification Of Steel Cross Sections - IS 800- The Structural Blog

In the Plastic Analysis, the material is fully utilized beyond the yield stress. This
can be achieved by moment redistribution.

Under loading, yielding occurs initially at some points (generally at supports),

where the section starts rotating under a constant moment. To counterbalance
the additional load, the moments will be distributed to other portions of the
section which are still elastic (generally from supports to span).

This process is known as Moment Redistribution. This process continues until a

mechanism forms which leads to its collapse.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF STEEL CROSS

SECTIONS
As per IS 800-2007, the classification of the steel cross sections depends on the
load that the section can carry before failing, local buckling, moment redistribution
capacity and the width to thickness ratio of the sections in consideration.

The steel cross sections are mainly classified into four types based on the above
criteria as per IS 800-2007.

1. Plastic section

2. Compact section

3. Semi-compact section

4. Slender section

So What Are These Sections?

https://thestructuralblog.com/classification-of-steel-cross-sections/ 3/7
9/30/22, 2:46 PM Classification Of Steel Cross Sections - IS 800- The Structural Blog

This can be better understood by

the graph shown here. The
following can be inferred from the
graph about the sections.

1. Plastic Section

The plastic section is capable of developing plastic moment and plastic hinges
with sufficient rotation capacity without local buckling. These sections can take
load until a failure mechanism, which is beyond the plastic moment, by
redistribution of moments.

2. Compact Section

These sections can develop the plastic moment but the plastic hinge rotation
capacity is inadequate because of local buckling. Hence, it fails even before
developing a plastic mechanism. There is no redistribution of moments here.

The width to thickness ratio of plate elements is greater than that of Plastic
sections.

3. Semi-Compact Section

The extreme fibre stress attains yield stress but cannot develop plastic moment.
The maximum moment it can attain is Yield Moment. The member fails by local
buckling even before it forms a mechanism.

The width to thickness ratio of plate elements is greater than that of Compact
sections.

https://thestructuralblog.com/classification-of-steel-cross-sections/ 4/7
9/30/22, 2:46 PM Classification Of Steel Cross Sections - IS 800- The Structural Blog

4. Slender Section

Even the extreme fibre does not reach yield stress in these sections. The width to
thickness ratio is very high that the elements buckle locally even before reaching
yield stress. These sections can not attain the yield moment.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. Local buckling is discussed as a phenomenon controlling the strength of

compression and bending members.

2. The cross-sections are classified into plastic, compact, semi-compact and slender
depending upon their moment-rotation characteristics.

3. The limits on the width-thickness ratios of plate elements are provided to

classify the section under a particular class.

4. Only plastic and compact sections can be used if limit state design is followed
and only plastic sections can be used in mechanism-forming indeterminate
frames.

5. Slender sections is to be avoided even in elastic design. But they are invariably
used in cold-formed construction for reasons of economy. In this case, caution is
required in predicting their ultimate capacities.

← Previous Post Next Post →

https://thestructuralblog.com/classification-of-steel-cross-sections/ 5/7