EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

with EN 1998-1:2004
Steel Frame Design Manual
for

ISO ETA080522M14 Rev 0

Proudly developed in the United States of America August 2022
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 Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Units 1-2

1.2 Axes Notation 1-2

1.3 Symbols 1-2

Chapter 2 Assumptions and Limitations

2.1 Assumptions 2-1
2.1.1 General 2-1
2.1.2 Axial Force Check 2-2
2.1.3 Bending Moment Check 2-2
2.1.4 Shear Force Check 2-2
2.1.5 Torsional Moment Check 2-3
2.1.6 Combined Forces Check 2-3
2.2 Limitations 2-4
2.2.1 General 2-4
2.2.2 Axial Force Check 2-5
2.2.3 Torsional Moment Check 2-5
2.2.4 Combined Force Check 2-5

Contents i
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

Chapter 3 Design Flow Charts

Chapter 4 General Design Parameters

4.1 Partial Factors 4-1

4.2 Design Forces 4-1

4.3 Design Load Combinations 4-2

4.3.1 Ultimate Strength Combinations 4-2
4.3.2 Serviceability Combinations 4-4
4.4 Material Properties 4-4

4.5 Section Classification 4-5

Chapter 5 Design for Axial Forces

5.1 Axial Area 5-1

5.2 Tension Check 5-2

5.3 Compression Check 5-2

5.4 Axial Buckling Check 5-3

5.5 Member Unsupported Lengths 5-5

5.6 Effective Length Factor (K) 5-8

Chapter 6 Design for Bending Moment

6.1 Moment Check 6-1

6.2 Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check 6-4

Chapter 7 Design for Shear Force

7.1 Shear Area 7-1

7.2 Shear Check 7-1

7.3 Shear Buckling Check 7-3

Contents ii
 Contents

Chapter 8 Design for Torsion

8.1 Analysis of Torsion Stresses 8-1

8.2 Shear Check in Presence of Torsion 8-2

8.3 Design for Combined Actions 8-3

Chapter 9 Design for Combined Forces

9.1 Design for Cross-Section Resistance 9-2
9.1.1 Bending, Axial Force, and Shear Check 9-2
9.1.2 Members Subjected to Shear Force 9-9
9.2 Design for Buckling Resistance of Members 9-9
9.2.1 Class 1, 2, and 3 Sections Under Flexure and
Axial Compression 9-9
9.2.2 Class 4 Sections Under Flexure and Axial
Compression 9-10
9.2.3 Class 1, 2, and 3 Sections Under Flexure and
Axial Tension 9-11
9.2.4 Class 4 Sections Under Flexure and Axial
Tension 9-12
9.2.5 Sections of Any Class Under Flexure and
Torsion 9-12

Chapter 10 Special Seismic Provisions

10.1 Design Preferences 10-1

10.2 Overwrites 10-2

10.3 Supported Framing Types 10-2

10.4 Member Design 10-3

10.4.1 Ductility Class High Moment-Resisting Frames
(DCH MRF) 10-4
10.4.2 Ductility Class Medium Moment-Resisting Frames
(DCM MRF) 10-6
10.4.3 Ductility Class Low Moment-Resisting Frames
(DCL MRF) 10-6
Contents iii
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

10.4.4 Ductility Class High Concentrically Braced

Frames (DCH CBF) 10-7
10.4.5 Ductility Class Medium Concentrically Braced
Frames (DCM CBF) 10-9
10.4.6 Ductility Class Low Concentrically Braced
Frames (DCL CBF) 10-9
10.4.7 Ductility Class High Eccentrically Braced
Frames (DCH EBF) 10-10
10.4.8 Ductility Class Medium Eccentrically Braced
Frames (DCM EBF) 10-13
10.4.9 Ductility Class Low Eccentrically Braced
Frames (DCL EBF) 10-14
10.4.10 Inverted Pendulum 10-14
10.4.11 Secondary 10-15

10.5 Design of Joints Components 10-15

10.5.1 Design of Continuity Plates 10-16
10.5.2 Design of Supplementary Web Plates 10-22
10.5.3 Weak Beam/Strong Column Measure 10-26
10.5.4 Evaluation of Beam Connection Shears 10-28
10.5.5 Evaluation of Brace Connection Forces 10-29

Appendix A Nationally Determined Parameters (NDPs)

References

Contents iv
 Chapter 1
Introduction

This manual describes the steel frame design algorithms in the software for the
“EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014” design code. The design algorithms in the
software for Eurocode 3 cover strength checks, as detailed in this manual.
Requirements of the code not documented in this manual should be considered
using other methods.

The default implementation in the software is the CEN version of the code.
Additional country specific National Annexes are also included. The Nationally
Determined Parameters are noted in this manual with [NDP]. Changing the
country in the Design Preferences will set the Nationally Determined
Parameters for the selected country as defined in Appendix A.

It is important to read this entire manual before using the design algorithms to
become familiar with any limitations of the algorithms or assumptions that have
been made.

For referring to pertinent sections of the corresponding code, a unique prefix is

assigned for each code.

 Reference to the EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014 code is identified with the

prefix “EC3.”

 Reference to the EN 1993-1-5:2006 code is identified with the prefix “EN

1993-1-5.”

1-1
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

 Reference to the ENV 1993-1-1:1992 code is identified with the prefix

“EC3-1992.”

 Reference to the EN 1990:2002 (E) code is identified with the prefix “EC0.”

1.1 Units
The EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014 design code is based on Newton, millimeter,
and second units and, as such, so is this manual, unless noted otherwise. Any
units, imperial, metric, or MKS may be used in the software in conjunction with
EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014 design.

1.2 Axes Notation

The software analysis results refer to the member local axes system, which
consists of the 2-2 axis that runs parallel to the web and the 3-3 axis that runs
parallel to the flanges. Therefore, bending about the 2-2 axis would generate z-z
axis moment, and bending about the 3-3 axis would generate y-y axis moment.
The EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014 design code refers to y-y and z-z axes, which
are equivalent to the software 3-3 and 2-2 axes, respectively. These notations
may be used interchangeably in the design algorithms, although every effort has
been made to use the design code convention where possible.

1.3 Symbols
The following table provides a list of the symbols used in this manual, along
with a short description. Where possible, the same symbol from the design code
is used in this manual.

a Torsional bending constant. It is given by

a = ( EI w ) ( GIT ) , where EI w represents the warping
stiffness and GIT is the St Venant torsional stiffness. It
generally expresses the rate at which the warping
torsional moment diminishes from a position where
warping is restrained, mm
A Gross area of cross section, mm2

1-2 Units
 Chapter 1 Introduction

Anet Net area of cross section, mm2

Av Shear area, mm2
Aw Web area, mm2
b Width of the section, mm
C1 Moment diagram factor
C2 Moment diagram factor
C3 Moment diagram factor
E Modulus of elasticity, N/mm2
fu Steel ultimate strength, N/mm2
fy Steel yield strength, N/mm2
fyw Steel yield strength of the web, N/mm2
Fw,Ed Design shear force in the flange due to warping moment, N
G Shear modulus. It is given by
= G E 2 (1 + υ ) , where E is
the modulus of elasticity and υ is the Poisson’s ratio. For
structural steel E G = 2.6 and G ≈ 81,000 , N/mm2
h Depth of the section, mm
hw Web height, mm
I Moment of inertia, mm4
IF Moment of inertia of a flange of an I beam about its own
center of gravity or about the z-z axis of bending of the
whole section, I F = t f b3f 12 , mm4
IT St. Venant torsional constant. It is the section property
relating St. Venant torsional moment to the first derivative of
rotation (twist per unit length). In many texts it is referred to
as J, mm4
Iw Warping constant. It is the section property relating the
warping torsional moment to the third derivative of rotation.
In many texts it is referred to as H or Cw, mm6
kyy, kzz, kyz, kzy Interaction factors
KLTB Effective length factor for lateral-torsional buckling
kw End warping factor

Symbols 1-3
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

Lcr Buckling length, mm

Mb,Rd Design buckling resistance moment, N-mm
Mc,Rd Design bending resistance, N-mm
Mcr Elastic critical moment, N-mm
MEd Design bending moment, N-mm
Mel,Rd Elastic design bending resistance, N-mm
Mpl,Rd Plastic design bending resistance, N-mm
MRk Characteristic bending resistance, N-mm
Mw,Ed Warping moment. It is the bending moment in a flange
acting as a result of restraint of warping. The moment at the
two flanges are equal and of opposite sign, N-mm
My,V,Rd Reduced design bending resistance accounting for shear,
N-mm
Mz,T,Ed Additional bending moment about the z-z axis caused by the
rotation of the beam and torsion, N-mm
Nb,Rd Design buckling resistance, N
Ncr Elastic critical force, N
Nc,Rd Design compression resistance, N
NEd Design axial force, N
Npl,Rd Plastic design axial resistance, N
NRk Characteristic compression resistance, N
Nt,Rd Design tension resistance, N
Nu,Rd Design ultimate tension resistance, N
tf Flange thickness, mm
tw Web thickness, mm
TEd Design value of total torsional moment, N-mm
Tt,Ed Design value of internal St Venant torsional moment, N-mm
Tw.Ed Design value of internal warping torsional moment, N-mm
Vc,Rd Design shear resistance, N
Vb,Rd Design shear buckling resistance, N

1-4 Symbols
 Chapter 1 Introduction

Vbf,Rd Flange contribution of the design shear buckling resistance,

N
Vbw,Rd Web contribution of the design shear buckling resistance, N
VEd Design shear force, N
Vpl,Rd Plastic design shear resistance, N
Vpl,T,Rd Reduced design plastic shear resistance making allowance
for the presence of a torsional moment, N
Wel,min Minimum elastic section modulus, mm3
Wpl Plastic section modulus, mm3
za Coordinate of the point of load application with respect to
the principal z-z axis, mm
zs Coordinate of the shear center with respect to the principal
z-z axis, mm
α, αLT Imperfection factor

χ Reduction factor for buckling

χLT Reduction factor for lateral-torsional buckling

χw Web shear buckling contribution factor

ε Coefficient dependent on fy , ε = 235 f y

φ The angle of rotation of a cross-section about the

longitudinal axis, rad
φ' The first derivative of the angle of rotation of a cross-section
about the longitudinal axis, φ' = d φ dx , rad/mm
φ'' The second derivative of the angle of rotation of a cross-
section about the longitudinal axis, φ'' = d 2 φ dx 2 , rad/mm2
φ''' The third derivative of the angle of rotation of a cross-
section about the longitudinal axis, φ''' = d 3φ dx 3 , rad/mm3
Φ Value for calculating the reduction factor χ
ΦLT Value for calculating the reduction factor χLT
γM0 Partial factor for resistance of cross-sections

Symbols 1-5
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

γM1 Partial factor for resistance of members to instability

γM2 Partial factor for resistance of cross-sections in tension to

fracture
η Factor for shear area
λ Non-dimensional slenderness

λLT Non-dimensional slenderness for lateral-torsional buckling

λLT ,0 Plateau length of the lateral-torsional buckling curves

λw Slenderness parameter

ρ Reduction factor accounting for shear forces

ρT Reduction factor for design plastic shear resistance making
allowance for the presence of a torsional moment. It is takes
as ρT =V pl ,T ,Rd V pl ,Rd .

τ Ed Design shear stress at a point in a section, N/mm2

τt ,Ed Design shear stress due to St Venant torsion, N/mm2

τw,Ed Design shear stress due to warping torsion, N/mm2

ψ Ratio of moments in a segment

1-6 Symbols
 Chapter 2
Assumptions and Limitations

This chapter describes the assumptions made and the limitations of the design
algorithm for the “EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014” steel frame design. All of the
assumptions and limitations should be reviewed before using the design
algorithm.

2.1 Assumptions
The assumptions made in the design algorithm are listed in the following
sections, along with a description of how they may affect the design results.

2.1.1 General
The following assumptions apply generically to the design algorithm.

 The analysis model geometry, properties, and loads adequately represent

the building structure for the limit states under consideration (EC3 5.1.1).

 It is assumed that the steel grades used adhere to “Eurocode 3-2005”, Table
3.1 or an associated National Annex (EC3 3.1(2)). The acceptable use of
other materials shall be independently verified.

 The automated load combinations are based on the STR ultimate limit

2-1
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

states and the characteristic serviceability limit states.

2.1.2 Axial Force Check

The following assumptions apply to the axial force check.

 Hot rolled tubular sections are assumed to be hot finished for selecting the
appropriate buckling curve from EC3 Table 6.2. This is nonconservative if
cold formed sections are used.

 For welded Box sections, if b t f < 30 and h tw < 30 , it is assumed that the
weld thickness is more than 0.5tf (EC3 Table 6.2).

2.1.3 Bending Moment Check

The following assumptions apply to the bending moment check.

 The load is assumed to be applied at the shear center for the calculation of
the elastic critical moment. Any eccentric moment due to load applied at
other locations is not automatically accounted for.

2.1.4 Shear Force Check

The following assumptions apply to the shear force check.

 Plastic design is assumed such that Vc,Rd is calculated in accordance with

EC3 6.2.6(2).

 Transverse stiffeners exist only at the supports and create a non-rigid end
post for the shear buckling check. No intermediate stiffeners are
considered.

 The contribution from the flanges is conservatively ignored for the shear
buckling capacity.

2.1.5 Torsional Moment Check

The following assumptions apply to the shear force check.

2-2 Assumptions
 Chapter 2 Assumptions and Limitations

 Total torsional moment is split into a St Venant torsion Tt ,Ed and a warping
torsion Tw,Ed .

 The warping torsion, M w,Ed , contributes to the bending moment in the

flanges. This affects the interaction checks. It also increases the z-z axis
bending moment by a small amount, M z ,T ,Ed . The interaction equations are
modified to accommodate the warping moment, M w,Ed and additional z-z
axis bending moment, M z ,T ,Ed . The following equations are modified: Eq.
6.2 of section EC3 6.2.1(7), Eq. 6.41 of section EC3 6.2.9.1(6), Eq. 6.44 of
section EC3 6.2.9.3(2). One additional interaction equation is checked
which is given in Annex A of BS EN 1993-6.

 The effect of combined shear force and torsional moment in the reduction
of section shear resistance is evaluated by using the section EC3 6.2.7(9).

 The elastic verification using the yield criterion given in EC3 6.2.1(5) is
not used as this criterion is conservative. This criterion ignores the plastic
stress redistribution.

In doing torsional moment check the book “Design of Steel Beams in Torsion
in Accordance with Eurocodes and UK National Annexes”, the SCI Publication
P385, is taken as the guide (Hughes, Iles, and Malik, 2011).

2.1.6 Combined Forces Check

The following assumptions apply to the combined forces check.

 The interaction of bending and axial force is checked for certain sections
(shapes) and for certain classes of sections, in accordance with EC3
6.2.1(7), which may be conservative compared to EC3 6.2.9, when no
special clause in EC3 6.2.9 is applicable to that shape and that class.

 The warping torsion, M w,Ed , contributes to the bending moment in the

flanges. This affects the interaction checks. It also increases the z-z axis
bending moment by a small amount, M z ,T ,Ed . The interaction equations are
modified to accommodate the warping moment, M w,Ed and additional z-z
axis bending moment, M z ,T ,Ed . The following equations are modified: Eq.

Assumptions 2-3
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

6.2 of section EC3 6.2.1(7), Eq. 6.41 of section EC3 6.2.9.1(6), Eq. 6.44 of
section EC3 6.2.9.3(2). One additional interaction equation is checked
which is given in Annex A of BS EN 1993-6.

2.2 Limitations
The limitations of the design algorithm are listed in the following sections,
along with a work around where possible.

2.2.1 General
The following limitations apply generically to the design algorithm.

 Sections with a material thickness, t < 3 mm are not designed (EC3

1.1.2(1)). The special requirements in accordance with EN 1993-1-3:2006
(E) for cold formed thin gauge members are not covered in this
implementation (EC3 1.1.2(1)).

 The material yield is not adjusted based on the thickness of the section.
Different material properties should be defined for sections of different
thickness if the thickness affects the material yield value (EC3 3.2.1, Table
3.1).

 The special requirements in accordance with Eurocode EN 1993-1-12 for

high-strength steels above S460 currently are not considered.

 The special requirements in accordance with EN 1993-1-6 for Circular

Hollow (tube) sections with Class 4 cross-sections are not covered in this
implementation (EC3 6.2.2.5(5)).

2.2.2 Axial Force Check

The following limitations apply to the axial force check.

2-4 Limitations
 Chapter 2 Assumptions and Limitations

 The net area is not determined automatically. This can be specified on a

member-by-member basis using the Net Area to Total Area Ratio
overwrite.

2.2.3 Torsional Moment Check

The following limitations apply to the torsional moment check.

 The torsion check is limited to the following open section: Doubly-

symmetric I-shapes. I-shapes with single symmetric sections are not
checked for torsion.

 The torsion check is limited to the following closed sections: box and pipe
shapes.

2.2.4 Combined Forces Check

The following limitations apply to the combined forces checks.

 The code allows the engineers to design the cross-sections with Class 3
web and Class 1 or 2 flanges as a Class 2 cross-section with an effective
web area as specified in EC3 6.2.2.4 (EC3 5.5.2(11), EC3 6.2.2.4(1)).
However, the program does not take this advantage, which is conservative.

Limitations 2-5
 Chapter 3
Design Flow Charts

The flow charts on the following pages provide a pictorial representation of the
design algorithm for “EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014” steel frame design. These
flow charts provide a summary of the steps taken and the associated code
clauses used. Additional detailed information defining the steps used in the
algorithm is provided in the chapters that follow.

The following flow charts are provided:

 member design

 design axial resistance

 design axial buckling resistance

 design bending resistance

 design lateral-torsional buckling resistance

 design shear resistance

The flowcharts given this this chapter, in general, assume that there is no
consideration for torsion. However, the program, can optionally do design
checks for certain sections (I, Box, and Pipes) considering torsion. In doing so,
the program uses modified versions of the interaction equations. This has been
discussed in the appropriate chapters in details.

3-1
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

Start

EC3
Table 5.2

Determine section class

Class
1,1,2,2,3,oror34

Yes No Class
Too 4
Slender
not designed

Check shear capacity See

VEd ≤ VRd Figure 3.6
End

See
Check bending capacity Figures
MEd ≤ min(MRd , Mb,Rd) 3.4 and
3.5

See
Check axial capacity Figures
NEd ≤ min(NRd , N b,Rd ) 3.2 and
3.3

EC3
EC3
6.2.1(7),
6.2.1(7),
6.2.9,
Check force interaction criteria 6.3.3
6.3.3

Critical
Critical utilization
utilization ratio,
ratio, error
andand
error warning
warning messages
messages End

3-2 Member Design

 Chapter 3 Design Flow Charts

Figure 3-1 Member Design

Start

Tension or
compression

EC3 EC3
6.2.3(2) 6.2.4(2)
Tension Compression

Calculate design tension Calculate design compression

resistance resistance
Nt,Rd = min(Npl,Rd , Nu,Rd ) Nc,Rd

Design Axial Resistance

NRd

End

Figure 3-2 Design Axial Resistance

Axial Resistance 3-3

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

Start

Calculate elastic critical force Ncr Critical force Ncr

EC3
6.3.1.2(1)

Calculate non-dimensional Non-dimensional

slenderness λ slenderness λ

EC3 λ 0.2 χ = 1.0

6.1
Table 6.1, No Yes
Table 6.2

Buckling curve
Determine buckling curve
and factors
EC3
6.3.1.2(1)

Reduction factor
Calculate reduction factor χ χ
EC3
6.3.1.1(3)

Calculate design axial buckling Design buckling resistance

resistance Nb,Rd N b,Rd

End

Figure 3-3: Design Axial Buckling Resistance

3-4 Axial Buckling Resistance

 Chapter 3 Design Flow Charts

Start
EC3
Table 5.2

Determine section class

Class 1 or 2

Yes No

Calculate design moment

resistance Mc,Rd = Mpl,Rd Class
Class3,4
3

Yes No

EC3
6.2.5(2) Calculate design moment
resistance Mc,Rd = M el,Rd or Too Slender
Class 4
M c ,Rd = weffmin f y γ mo not designed

End
Design Moment Resistance
Mc,Rd

EC3
Calculate Design
6.2.8(3),
6.2.5(2) Design Moment
Moment Resistance
Resistance
6.2.8(5) Mc,Rd
v,Rd

Calculate Reduced Design

EC3
6.2.5(2)
6.2.9.1 Design Moment
Moment Resistance
Resistance
Mc,Rd
N,Rd

End

Figure 3-4: Design Moment Resistance

Moment Resistance 3-5

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

EC3
6.3.2.2(2)
EC3 Start
6.2.6(2)
EC3-1193
F1.1

Calculate critical buckling Critical buckling

moment Mcr moment Mcr

EC3
6.3.2.2(1)
6.2.6(2)

Calculate non-dimensional Non-dimensional

slenderness λLT slenderness λLT

EC3
Table
6.2.6(2)
6.3 λLT ≤ λLT ,0 Ignore LTB
Table 6.4
No Yes

Buckling curve End

Determine buckling curve
EC3
and factors
6.3.2.2(1)
6.2.6(2)

Reduction factor
Calculate reduction factor χLT χLT
EC3
6.2.6(2)
6.3.2.1(3)

Calculate design buckling Design Buckling Resistance

resistance moment Mb,Rd Mb,Rd

End

Figure 3-5: Design Buckling Resistance

3-6 Buckling Resistance

 Chapter 3 Design Flow Charts

Start

EC3
6.2.6(6)

hw ε
72 η
tw

EC3 EC3-1-5
6.2.6(2) 5.2(1)
5.2(1),
No Yes 5.3(1)

Calculate design shear resistance Calculate shear buckling resistance

Vc,Rd = Vpl,Rd Vc,Rd = Vb,Rd

Design Shear Resistance

Vc,Rd

End

Figure 3-6: Design Shear Resistance

Shear Resistance 3-7

 Chapter 4
General Design Parameters

This chapter provides a detailed description of the implementation of the

various parameters used in the design algorithm for the “ EN 1993-1-
1:2005/A1:2014” steel frame design. These parameters are subsequently used
in the following chapters for the design of sections for the applied force actions.

4.1 Partial Factors

The following partial factors, γM, are applied to the various characteristic
resistance values determined in the following chapters. The partial factor values
may be overwritten in the Design Preferences.

1.00 [NDP]
γM 0 = (EC3 6.1(1))

1.00 [NDP]
γM1 = (EC3 6.1(1))

1.25 [NDP]
γM 2 = (EC3 6.1(1))

4.2 Design Forces

The following design force actions are considered in the design algorithm
covered in the following chapters. The force actions are determined using the

4-1
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

appropriate load combinations described in the following section.

 Axial force (tension or compression), NEd

 Shear force (z-z or y-y axis), VEd

 Bending moment (y-y or z-z axis), MEd

 Torsion, TEd

It should be noticed that the torsion check is only limited to doubly-symmetric

I-shapes, box shapes, and pipe shapes.

4.3 Design Load Combinations

The design load combinations are combinations of load cases for which the
structure is designed and checked. A default set of automated load combinations
is available in the software, as described in this section. These default
combinations can be modified or deleted. In addition, manually defined
combinations can be added should the default combinations not cover all
conditions required for the structure of interest.

The default load combinations considered by the software for “EN 1993-1-
1:2005/A1:2014”, are defined in the following sections and handle dead (D),
live (L), wind (W), and earthquake (E) loads. For other load types,
combinations should be manually generated.

The following two sections describe the automated load combinations

generated by the software for ultimate strength and serviceability, in accordance
with EN 1990:2002.

4.3.1 Ultimate Strength Combinations

Eurocode 0:2002 allows load combinations to be defined based on EC0
equation 6.10 or the less favorable EC0 equations 6.10a and 6.10b [NDP].

∑γ
j ≥1
G, j Gk , j + γ p P + γ Q ,1Qk ,1 + ∑γ
i >1
Q ,i ψ 0,i Qk ,i (EC0 Eq. 6.10)

4-2 Design Load Combinations

 Chapter 4 General Design Parameters

∑γ
j ≥1
G, j Gk , j + γ p P + γ Q,1ψQ ,1Qk ,1 + ∑γ
i >1
Q ,i ψ 0,i Qk ,i (EC0 Eq. 6.10a)

∑ξ γ
j ≥1
j G, j Gk , j + γ p P + γ Q ,1Qk ,1 + ∑γ
i >1
Q ,i ψ 0,i Qk ,i (EC0 Eq. 6.10b)

Load combinations including earthquake effects are generated based on:

∑G
j ≥1
k, j + P + AEd + ∑ψ
i >1
2,i Qk ,i (EC0 Eq. 6.12b)

The following load combinations are considered if the option is set to generate
the combinations based on EC0 equation 6.10.

γGj,sup D (EC0 Eq. 6.10)

γGj,sup D + γQ,1 L (EC0 Eq. 6.10)
γGj,inf D ± γQ,1 W
(EC0 Eq. 6.10)
γGj,sup D ± γQ,1 W
γGj,sup D + γQ,1 L ± γQ,i ψ0,i W
(EC0 Eq. 6.10)
γGj,sup D ± γQ,1 W + γQ,i ψ0,i L
D ± 1.0E
(EC0 Eq. 6.12b)
D ± 1.0E + ψ2,i L
The following load combinations are considered if the option is set to generate
the combinations based on the maximum of EC0 equations 6.10a and 6.10b.

γGj,sup D (EC0 Eq. 6.10a)

ξγGj,sup D (EC0 Eq. 6.10b)
γGj,sup D + γQ,1 ψ0,1 L (EC0 Eq. 6.10a)
ξγGj,sup D + γQ,1 L (EC0 Eq. 6.10b)
γGj,inf D ± γQ,1 ψ0,1 W (EC0 Eq. 6.10a)
γGj,sup D ± γQ,1 ψ0,1 W
γGj,inf D ± γQ,1 W
ξγGj,sup D ± γQ,1 W (EC0 Eq. 6.10b)

γGj,sup D + γQ,1 ψ0,1 L ± γQ,i ψ0,i W (EC0 Eq. 6.10a)

Design Load Combinations 4-3

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

γGj,sup D ± γQ,1 ψ0,1 W + γQ,i ψ0,i L

ξγGj,sup D + γQ,1 L ± γQ,i ψ0,i W (EC0 Eq. 6.10b)
ξγGj,sup D ± γQ,1 W + γQ,i ψ0,i L
D ± 1.0E
(EC0 Eq. 6.12b)
D ± 1.0E + ψ2i L

The variable values and factors used in the load combinations are defined as:

γGj,sup = 1.35 [NDP] (EC0 Table A1.2(B))

γGj,inf = 1.00 [NDP] (EC0 Table A1.2(B))

γQ,1 = 1.5 [NDP] (EC0 Table A1.2(B))

0.7 (live load, nots torage)

ψ 0,i =
 [NDP] (EC0 Table A1.1)
0.6 (wind load)

ξ = 0.85 [NDP] (EC0 Table A1.2(B))

ψ2,i = 0.3 (assumed office/residential) [NDP] (EC0 Table A1.1)

4.3.2 Serviceability Combinations

The following characteristic load combinations are considered for the deflection
checks.

D (EC0 Eq. 6.10a)

D+L (EC0 Eq. 6.10a)

4.4 Material Properties

The nominal values of the yield strength fy and ultimate strength fu are used in
the design. The design assumes that the input material properties conform to the
steel grades listed in the code (EC3 Table 3.1) or have been verified using other
methods, to be adequate for use with “EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014.”

The design values of material coefficients (EC3 3.2.6) are taken from the input
material properties, rather than directly from the code.

4-4 Material Properties

 Chapter 4 General Design Parameters

4.5 Section Classification

“EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014” classifies sections into four different classes,
which identify the extent to which the resistance and rotation capacity is limited
by local buckling. The different classes are based on the width-to-thickness
ratio of the parts subject to compression and are defined as:

 Class 1 – section can form a plastic hinge with the rotation capacity required
from plastic analysis, without reduction of the resistance.

 Class 2 – section can develop its plastic moment capacity, but has limited
rotation capacity.

 Class 3 – section in which the stress in the extreme compression fiber of the
section, assuming an elastic distribution of stresses, can reach the yield
strength, but local buckling is likely to prevent the development of the plastic
moment capacity.

 Class 4 – section is subject to local buckling before reaching the yield stress
in one or more of the parts.

 Too Slender – section does not satisfy any of the criteria for Class 1, 2, 3, or
4. This happens when tf < 3 mm or tw < 3 mm. Too Slender sections are
beyond the scope of the code. They are not checked/designed.

The following three tables identify the limiting width-to-thickness ratios for
classifying the various parts of the cross-section, subject to bending only,
compression only, or combined bending and compression.

The various parameters used in calculating the width-to-thickness ratio limits

are defined as:

ε = 235 f y (EC3 Table 5.2)

 N 
ψ = − 1 + 2 Ed , −3.0 < ψ ≤ 1.0 (EC3 5.5.2, Table 5.2)
 Af y 

 for I-sections, Channels:

1  h 1 N Ed 
=
α  − − ( t f + r ) , 0 ≤ α ≤1 (EC3 5.5.2, Table 5.2)
c  2 2 tw f y 
Section Classification 4-5
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

 for Boxes and Double Channel sections

1  h 1 N Ed 
=
α  − − ( t f + r ) , 0 ≤ α ≤1 (EC3 5.5.2, Table 5.2)
c  2 4 tw f y 

Table 4-1: Width-To-Thickness Ratios - Bending Only

Shape Part Ratio Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
I-sections, Channels Web c/t 72ε 83ε 124ε
Web c/t If tip is in If tip is
21ε kσ
comp. in comp.
9ε / α 10ε /α
If tip is in If tip is
tension, in
Tees 9ε tension,
10ε
α α
α α
Flange c/t 9ε 10ε 14ε
Boxes Web, flange c/t 72ε 83ε 124ε
Tubes/Pipes Wall d/t 50ε2 70ε2 90ε2
Solid Bars Bar N/A Assumed to be Class 2
General, Section Designer Section N/A Assumed to be Class 3

4-6 Section Classification

 Chapter 4 General Design Parameters

Table 4-2: Width-To-Thickness Ratios - Compression Only

Shape Part Ratio Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
Web c/t 33ε 38ε 42ε
I-sections, Channels
Flange c/t 9ε 10ε 14ε
Tees Web, flange c/t 9ε 10ε 14ε
h/t and 15ε and
Angles, Double Angles Legs N/A N/A
(b+h)/2t 11.5ε
Boxes Web, flange c/t 33ε 38ε 42ε
Tubes/Pipes Wall d/t 50ε2 70ε2 90ε2
Solid Bars Bar N/A Assumed to be Class 2
General, Section Designer Section N/A Assumed to be Class 3

Section Classification 4-7

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

Table 4-3: Width-To-Thickness Ratios – Combined Bending And Compression

Shape Part Ratio Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
Web c/t 396ε /(13α – 1) 456ε /(13α – 1) 42ε /(0.67 + 0.33ψ)
when α > 0.5; when α > 0.5; when ψ > −1;
36ε /α when 41.5ε /α when 62ε (1−ψ) −ψ when
α ≤ 0.5 α ≤ 0.5
I-sections, ψ ≤ −1
Channels Flange c/t 9ε /α 10ε /α
(tip in comp.)
21ε kσ
Flange c/t 9ε /(α α ) 10ε /(α α )
(tip in tens.)
Web c/t If tip is in comp. If tip is in comp.
21ε kσ
9ε /α 10ε /α
If tip is in tension, If tip is in tension,
Tees 9ε 10ε
α α α α
Flange c/t 9ε 10ε 14ε
Boxes Web, flange c/t 396ε /(13α – 1) 456ε /(13α – 1) 42ε /(0.67 + 0.33ψ)
when α > 0.5; when α > 0.5; when ψ > −1;
36ε /α when 41.5ε /α when 62ε (1−ψ) −ψ
α ≤ 0.5 α ≤ 0.5
when ψ ≤ −1
Tubes/Pipes Wall d/t 50ε2 70ε2 90ε2
Solid Bars Bar N/A Assumed to be Class 2
General,
Section Section N/A Assumed to be Class 3
Designer

4-8 Section Classification

 Chapter 5
Design for Axial Force

This chapter provides a detailed description of the design algorithm for the “EN
1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014” steel frame design, with respect to designing for axial
forces. The following topics are covered:

 calculation of axial area (EC3 6.2.2)

 design for axial tension (EC3 6.2.3)

 design for axial compression (EC3 6.2.4)

 design for axial buckling (EC3 6.3.1)

5.1 Axial Area

The gross cross-section area, A, is based on nominal dimensions, ignoring
fastener holes and splice materials, and accounting for larger openings.

The net cross-section area, Anet, is defined as the gross cross-section area, A,
minus fastener holes and other openings. By default, Anet is taken equal to A.
This value can be overwritten on a member-by-member basis using the Net
Area to Total Area Ratio overwrite.

5-1
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

5.2 Tension Check

The axial tension check at each output station shall satisfy:

N Ed
≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.3(1))
N t , Rd

where the design tension resistance, Nt,Rd is taken as the smaller of:

 the design plastic resistance, Npl,Rd of the gross cross-section

Af y
N pl , Rd = (EC3 6.2.3(2)a)
γM 0

 the design ultimate resistance, Nu,Rd of the net cross-section

0.9 Anet f u
N u , Rd = (EC3 6.2.3(2)b)
γM 2

The values of A and Anet are defined in Section 5.1.

5.3 Compression Check

The axial compression check at each output station shall satisfy:

N Ed
≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.4(1))
N c, Rd

where the design compression resistance, Nc,Rd for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 sections
is taken as:

Af y
N c , Rd = for Class 1, 2, or 3 cross-sections (EC3 6.2.4(2))
γM 0

Aeff f y
N c , Rd = for Class 4 cross-sections (EC3 6.2.4(2))
γM 0

5-2 Tension Check

 Chapter 5 Design for Axial Force

The value of A is defined in Section 5.1 of this manual. Aeff is the effective area
of the cross-section when subjected to uniform compression. Aeff is based on the
effective widths of the compression parts (EC3 6.2.9.3(2), 6.2.2.5(1)). It is
determined based on the EN 1993-1-5:2005 code (EN 1993-1-5:2006 4.4(2),
Table 4.1, Table 4.2).

5.4 Axial Buckling Check

The axial buckling check at each output station shall satisfy:

N Ed
≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.3.1.1(1))
N b, Rd

where the design compression resistance, Nb,Rd for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 sections
is taken as:

χAf y
N b , Rd = for Class 1, 2, and 3 cross-sections (EC3 6.3.1.1(3))
γ MI

χAeff f y
N b , Rd = for Class 4 cross-sections (EC3 6.3.1.1(3))
γ MI

The reduction factor, χ for the relevant buckling mode is taken as:

1
=χ ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.3.1.2(1))
2
Φ + Φ2 − λ

where the factor, Φ and the non-dimensional slenderness, λ are taken as:

Φ 0.5 1 + α ( λ − 0.2 ) + λ 

2
= (EC3 6.3.1.2(1))

Af y L 1
=λ = cr , for Class 1, 2 and 3 cross-sections (EC3 6.3.1.3(1))
N cr i λ1

Aeff f y L Aeff A
=λ = cr , for Class 4 cross-sections (EC3 6.3.1.2(1))
N cr i λ

Axial Buckling Check 5-3

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

E
λ1 = π (EC3 6.3.1.3(1))
fy

The elastic critical force, Ncr is based on gross cross-section properties.

The value of A is defined in Section 5.1. The imperfection factor, α is defined in

Table 5.1 based on the respective buckling curve, defined in Table 5.2 of this
manual. The value Lcr is the effective unbraced length and i is the radius of
gyration about the relevant axis. Lcr is taken as follows:

Lcr = KL

where K is the effective length factor for flexural buckling. It can assume two
values: K22 for buckling about z-z axis and K33 for buckling about y-y axis. L is
the unbraced length of the member. It also can assume two values, L22 and L33,
for buckling about z-z axis and y-y axis, respectively. See Sections 5.5 and 5.6
of this manual for more details on L and K.

For all sections except Single Angles, the principal radii of gyration i22 and i33
are used. For Single Angles, the minimum (principal) radius of gyration, iz , is
used instead of i22 and i33 , conservatively, in computing Lcr i . K 33 and K 22 are
two values of K 2 for the y-y and z-z axes of bending. K 2 is the effective length
factor for actual (sway or nonsway) conditions.

The axial buckling check is not ignored if:

N Ed
λ ≤ 0.2 or ≤ 0.04 (EC3 6.3.1.2(4))
N cr

Table 5-1: Imperfection Factors (EC3 6.3.1.2(2), Table 6.1)

Buckling Curve ao a b c d
Imperfection Factor, α 0.13 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76

5-4 Axial Buckling Check

 Chapter 5 Design for Axial Force

Table 5-2: Buckling Curves (EC3 6.3.1.2(2), Table 6.2)

Buckling Curve
S235, S275,
Section Shape Limits Axis S355, S420 S460
y-y a a0
tf ≤ 40 mm
z-z b a0
h/b > 1.2
y-y b a
40 < tf ≤ 100 mm
z-z c a
Rolled I-sections
y-y b a
tf ≤ 100 mm
z-z c a
h/b ≤ 1.2
y-y d c
tf > 100 mm
z-z d c
y-y b b
tf ≤ 40 mm
z-z c c
Welded I-sections
y-y c c
tf > 40 mm
z-z d d

Hollow Tube and Pipe hot finished (Rolled) any a a0

Sections Cold formed (Welded) any c C

b/tf > 30 or h/tw > 30 any b b

Welded Box
b/tf < 30 or h/tw < 30 any c c
Channel, Tee, Double
Channel, General, Solid
none any c c
Sections, Section
Designer
Angle and Double Angle
none any b b
Sections

5.5 Member Unsupported Lengths

The column unsupported lengths are required to account for column
slenderness effects for flexural buckling and for lateral-torsional buckling. The
program automatically determines the unsupported length rations, which are
specified as a fraction of the frame object length. Those ratios times the frame
object lengths give the unbraced lengths for the member. Those ratios also can
be overwritten by the user on a member-by-member basis, if desired, using the
design overwrite option.

Member Unsupported Lengths 5-5

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

Two unsupported lengths, L33 and L22, as shown in Figure 5-1 are to be
considered for flexural buckling. These are the lengths between support points
of the member in the corresponding directions. The length L33 corresponds to
instability about the 3-3 axis (y-y axis), and L22 corresponds to instability about
the 2-2 axis (z-z axis). The length LLTB, not shown in the figure, is also used for
lateral-torsional buckling caused by y-y axis bending (i.e., about the 3-3 axis).

Figure 5-1 Unsupported lengths L33 and L22

In determining the values for L22 and L33 of the members, the program
recognizes various aspects of the structure that have an effect on these lengths,
such as member connectivity, diaphragm constraints, and support points. The
program automatically locates the member support points and evaluates the
corresponding unsupported length.

It is possible for the unsupported length of a frame object to be evaluated by the

program as greater than the corresponding member length. For example,
assume a column has a beam framing into it in one direction, but not the other,
at a floor level. In that case, the column is assumed to be supported in one
direction only at that story level, and its unsupported length in the other
direction will exceed the story height.

By default, the unsupported length for lateral-torsional buckling, LLTB, is taken

to be equal to the L22 factor. Similar to L22 and L33, LLTB can be overwritten.

5-6 Member Unsupported Lengths

 Chapter 5 Design for Axial Force

The unsupported length for minor direction bending for lateral-torsional

buckling also can be defined more precisely by using “precise” bracing points
in the Lateral Bracing option, which is accessed using the Design > Lateral
Bracing command. This allows the user to define the lateral bracing of the top,
bottom, or both flanges. The bracing can be a point brace or continuous
bracing.

The program calculates the unbraced length to determine axial capacity based
on the limit state of flexural buckling from this definition. Any bracing at the
top or bottom, or both, is considered enough for flexural buckling in the minor
direction. While checking moment capacity for the limit state of lateral-
torsional buckling (LTB) at a station, the program dynamically calculates the
bracing points on the compression flange at the left and at the right of the check
station considering the sign of moment diagram. This definition affects only the
unbraced lengths for z-z axis bending (L22) and lateral-torsional buckling (LLTB).
This “exact” method of bracing definition does not allow the user to define
unbraced lengths for y-y axis bending (L33).

There are three sources of unbraced length ratio: (1) “automatic” calculation,
(2) “precise” bracing definition, (3) overwrites, with increasing priority in
considerations. “Automatic” calculation of the unbraced length is based on
member connectivity considering only the members that have been entered into
the model. This misses the tiny bracing members. However, such automatically
calculated bracing lengths are load combo (moment diagram) independent. This
can be reported easily. Similarly, the overwritten values are load combo
independent. This allows the program to report the overwritten unbraced length
easily. However, if the member has a “precise” bracing definition, the unbraced
length can be different at different stations of the member along the length. Also
it can be load combo dependent. Thus, when the unbraced length is reported in
the detailed design info, it is reported perfectly considering all three sources as
needed. However, when reporting unbraced length on the model shown in the
active window, the program-reported value comes from “automatic” calculation
or from the overwrites if the user has overwritten it.

5.6 Effective Length Factor (K)

The effective length method for calculating member axial compressive strength
has been used in various forms in several stability based design codes. The
Effective Length Factor (K) 5-7
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

method originates from calculating effective buckling lengths, KL, and is based
on elastic/inelastic stability theory. The effective buckling length is used to
calculate an axial compressive strength, Nb,Rd, through an empirical column
curve that accounts for geometric imperfections, distributed yielding, and
residual stresses present in the cross-section.

There are two types of K-factors in the “EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014” code.

The first type of K-factor is used for calculating the Euler axial capacity
assuming that all of the member joints are held in place, i.e., no lateral
translation is allowed. The resulting axial capacity is used in calculation of the k
factors. This K-factor is named as K1 in this document. The program calculates
the K1 factor automatically based on nonsway condition. This K1 factor is
always less than 1. The program allows the user to overwrite K1 on a member-
by-member basis.

The other K-factor is used for calculating the Euler axial capacity assuming that
all the member joints are free to sway, i.e., lateral translation is allowed. The
resulting axial capacity is used in calculating Nb,Rd. This K-factor is named as K2
in this document. This K2 is always greater than 1 if the frame is a sway frame.
The program calculates the K2 factor automatically based on sway condition.
The program also allows the user to overwrite K2 factors on a member-by-
member basis. If the frame is not really a sway frame, the user should overwrite
the K2 factors.

The automated K2-factor calculation is turned off if the user sets the “Consider
P-Delta Done?” to be “Yes” in the preferences. In this case, all the columns,
beams, and braces are assigned K2-factors of unity.

Both K1 and K2 have two values: one for y-y direction and the other for z-z
direction, K1y, K1z, K2y, K2z.

There is another K-factor. Kltb for lateral-torsional buckling. By default, Kltb is

taken as equal to K2z. However, the user can overwrite this on a member-by-
member basis.

Determination K2 Factors:

The K-factor algorithm has been developed for building-type structures, where
the columns are vertical and the beams are horizontal, and the behavior is

5-8 Effective Length Factor (K)

 Chapter 5 Design for Axial Force

basically that of a moment-resisting frame for which the K-factor calculation is

relatively complex. For the purpose of calculating K-factors, the objects are
identified as columns, beams, and braces. All frame objects parallel to the Z-
axis are classified as columns. All objects parallel to the X-Y plane are classified
as beams. The remainders are considered to be braces.

The beams and braces are assigned K-factors of unity. In the calculation of the
K-factors for a column object, the program first makes the following four
stiffness summations for each joint in the structural model:

EI EI
Scx = ∑  c c  Sbx = ∑  b b 
 Lc  x  Lb  x
EI EI
Scy = ∑  c c  Sb y = ∑  b b 
 Lc  y  Lb  y

where the x and y subscripts correspond to the global X and Y directions

and the c and b subscripts refer to column and beam. The local 2-2 and
3-3 terms EI 22 L22 and EI 33 L33 are rotated to give components along
the global X and Y directions to form the ( EI L ) x and ( EI L ) y values.
Then for each column, the joint summations at END-I and the END-J of
the member are transformed back to the column local 1-2-3 coordinate
system, and the G-values for END-I and the END-J of the member are
calculated about the 2-2 and 3-3 directions as follows:
S I c 22 S J c 22
G I 22 = G J 22 =
S I b 22 S J b 22
S I c 33 S J c 33
G I 33 = G J 33 =
S I b 33 S J b 33

If a rotational release exists at a particular end (and direction) of an object, the

corresponding value of G is set to 10.0. If all degrees of freedom for a particular
joint are deleted, the G-values for all members connecting to that joint will be
set to 1.0 for the end of the member connecting to that joint. Finally, if G I and
G J are known for a particular direction, the column K2-factor for the
corresponding direction is calculated by solving the following relationship for
α:

Effective Length Factor (K) 5-9

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

α 2 G I G J − 36 α
= (sway)
I
6(G + G ) J
tan α

from which K2 = π/α. This relationship is the mathematical formulation for the
evaluation of K-factors for moment-resisting frames assuming sidesway to be
uninhibited. For other structures, such as braced frame structures, the K-factors
for all members are usually unity and should be set so by the user. The
following are some important aspects associated with the column K-factor
algorithm:

 An object that has a pin at the joint under consideration will not enter the
stiffness summations calculated previously. An object that has a pin at the
far end from the joint under consideration will contribute only 50% of the
calculated EI value. Also, beam members that have no column member at
the far end from the joint under consideration, such as cantilevers, will not
enter the stiffness summation.

 If there are no beams framing into a particular direction of a column

member, the associated G-value will be infinity. If the G-values at both
ends of a column for a particular direction are infinity, the K-factor
corresponding to that direction is set equal to unity.

 If rotational releases exist at both ends of an object for a particular

direction, the corresponding K-factor is set to unity.

 The automated K-factor calculation procedure occasionally can generate

artificially high K-factors, specifically under circumstances involving
skewed beams, fixed support conditions, and under other conditions where
the program may have difficulty recognizing that the members are laterally
supported and K-factors of unity are to be used.

 The automated K-factor calculation is turned off if the user sets the
“Consider P-Delta Done?” to be “Yes” in the preferences. In this case, all
the columns, beams, and braces are assigned K-factors of unity.

 All K-factor produced by the program can be overwritten by the user.

These values should be reviewed and any unacceptable values should be
replaced.

 The beams and braces are assigned K-factors of unity.

5 - 10 Effective Length Factor (K)
 Chapter 5 Design for Axial Force

Determination K1 Factors:

If G I and G J are known for a particular direction, the column K1-factor for the
corresponding direction is calculated by solving the following relationship for

α:

GIGJ 2  GI + GJ  α   tan ( α 2 ) 
α +  1 −  +  − 1 =0 (non-sway)
  tan α   ( α 2 )
4 2 
 
from which K1 = π/α. This relationship is the mathematical formulation for the
evaluation of K1-factor for moment-resisting frames assuming sidesway to be
inhibited. The calculation of G I and G J follows the same procedure as that for
K2-factor which is already described in this section.

Effective Length Factor (K) 5 - 11

 Chapter 6
Design for Bending Moment

This chapter provides a detailed description of the design algorithm for the “EN
1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014” steel frame design when designing for bending
moments. The following topics are covered:

 design for bending moment (EC3 6.2.5)

 design for lateral-torsional buckling (EC3 6.3.2)

6.1 Moment Check

The moment check at each output station shall satisfy:

M Ed
≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.5(1))
M c, Rd

where the design moment resistance, Mc,Rd is taken as:

 Class 1 or 2 sections

W pl f y
M
= c , Rd M
= pl , Rd (EC3 6.2.5(2))
γM 0

6-1
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2004/A1:2014

 Class 3 sections

Wel ,min f y
M
= c , Rd M
= el . Rd (EC3 6.2.5(2))
γM 0

Class 4 sections:

Weff ,min f y
M c , Rd = (EC3 6.2.5(2))
γM 0

The plastic and elastic section modulus values, Wpl and Wel,min are part of the
frame section definition.

Weff,min is the effective section modulus, corresponding to the fiber with the
maximum elastic stress, of the cross-section when subjected only to moment
about the relevant axis. Weff,min is based on the effective widths of the compression
parts (EC3 6.2.9.3(2), 6.2.2.5(1)). It is determined based on EN 1993-1-5:2006
code (EN 1993-1-5:2006 4.4(2), Table 4.1, Table 4.2).

The effect of high shear on the design moment resistance, Mc,Rd is considered if:

VEd ≥ 0.5Vpl , Rd (EC3 6.2.8(2))

To account for the effect of high shear in I-sections, Channels, Double Channels,
Rectangular Hollow Sections, Tee and Double Angle sections subjected to y-y
axis moment, the reduced design plastic resistance moment is taken as:

 nρAw2 
W pl , y −  fy
 4tw 
=M y ,V , Rd ≤ M y ,c , Rd (EC3 6.2.8(5))
γM 0

where n, ρ and Aw are taken as:

1 for I, Channel, and Tee sections


n = 2 for Double Channel, Hollow Rectangular, and (EC3 6.2.8(5))
 Double Angle sections


6-2 Moment Check

 Chapter 6 Design for Bending Moment

2
 2V 
=ρ  Ed − 1 (EC3 6.2.8(3))
 V pl , Rd 

Aw = hw t w (EC3 6.2.8(5))

For all other sections, including Hollow Pipe, Solid Rectangular, Circular, and
Angle sections, the reduced design plastic resistance moment is taken as:

My,V,Rd = (1 − ρ) Mc,Rd (EC3 6.2.8(3))

Similarly, for I, Channel, Double Channel, Rectangular Hollow, Tee and Double
Angle sections, if the y-y direction shear is more than 0.5 times the plastic shear
resistance in the y-y direction, the corresponding plastic resistance moment is
also reduced as follows:

 nρA2f 
W pl , z −  fy
 4t f 
=M z ,V , Rd ≤ M Z ,c , Rd (EC3 6.2.8(5))
γM 0

where,

1, for Tee sections,

2, for I, Channel, Double Angle,

n= (EC3 6.2.8(5))
 Hollow Rectangular sections, and

4, for Double Channel sections.

2
 2Vy , Ed 
=ρ  − 1 (EC3 6.2.8(3))
 Vy , pl , Rd 

Af = b f t f (EC3 6.2.8(5))

For all other sections, the reduced design plastic resistance moment is taken as:

M z ,V , Rd= (1 − ρ ) M z ,c , Rd (EC3 6.2.8(3))

Moment Check 6-3

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2004/A1:2014

6.2 Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check

The lateral-torsional buckling check at each output station shall satisfy:

M Ed
≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.3.2.1(1))
M b, Rd

where the design buckling resistance moment, Mb,Rd is taken as:

fy
M b , Rd = χ LT Wy (EC3 6.3.2.1(3))
λ MI

and the section modulus, Wy is defined based on the section classification:

− Class 1 or 2 sections

Wy = Wpl , y (EC3 6.3.2.1(3))

− Class 3 sections

Wy = Wel , y (EC3 6.3.2.1(3))

− Class 4 sections

Wy = Weff , y (EC3 6.3.2.1(3))

Wpl, Wel, and Weff have been described in the previous section.

The reduction factor χLT is taken as:

1
=χ LT ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.3.2.2(1))
Φ LT + Φ 2LT − λ 2LT

where the factor, Φ, and the non-dimensional slenderness, λLT are taken as:

Φ
= LT 0.5 1 + α LT ( λ LT − 0.2 ) + λ LT 2  (EC3 6.3.2.2(1))

6-4 Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check

 Chapter 6 Design for Bending Moment

Wy f y
λ LT = (EC3 6.3.2.2(1))
M cr

For Pipe, Box, Rectangle, and Circular sections, even though the factor χ LT and
the Mcr are both calculated as described in this section, they are not considered in
the calculation of the design buckling resistance moment, Mb,Rd.

The elastic critical moment, Mcr is based on gross cross-section properties and
taken as:

π2 EI   K  I L2cr GIT 2
0.5

=M cr C1 2 z  
LTB w
 + 2 + ( C2 z g − C3 z j )  − ( C2 z g − C3 z j ) 
Lcr   k w  I z π EI z  
(EC3-1992 F.2)

Iz, Iw, and IT are the z-z axis inertia, warping constant, and torsion constant,
respectively; Lcr is the effective unbraced length for the lateral-torsional buckling
mode and is defined as:

Lcr = K LTB LLTB

KLTB is the effective length factor for the lateral-torsional buckling mode, and LLTB
is the unbraced length for the lateral-torsional buckling mode. For more details on
these two factors, please refer to Sections 5.5 and 5.6 in Chapter 5 of this manual.

The 𝐶𝐶2 𝑧𝑧𝑔𝑔 term considers the destabilizing effect of a compressive load placed on
top of the beam that passes through the shear center. This term can be ignored when
the load is applied at the shear center or when the bending moment diagram is
linear between points of restraint. Except the term must be considered for simply-
supported beams without lateral restraint or when the load is applied at the top or
bottom flanges.

The 𝐶𝐶3 𝑧𝑧𝑗𝑗 term considers the effect of the section being singly-symmetric.

kw refers to end warping. It is defaulted to 1.0 and can be modified to have value
ranging between 0.5 and 1.0 in the Overwrite, and zg and zj are calculated as:

z=
g za − z s

Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check 6-5

 Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2004/A1:2014

0.5
zj =
zs −
Iy A∫ ( )
z y 2 + z 2 dA

za is the coordinate of the point of load application defaulted to be the coordinate

on top of the section, and zs is the coordinate of the shear center. Both za and zs are
measured with respect to the coordinate of the centroid of the section along the
principal z-z axis and can be overwritten in the Overwrites. The quantity
0.5
Iy A∫ ( )
z y 2 + z 2 dA is displayed as zz in the right-click design report.

C1, C2, and C3 are taken from Table F.1.1 and F.1.2 in EC3-1992. For the case of
linear bending moment diagram as shown in Table F.1.1, regression analyses have
been performed to determine the relationships of C1 and C3 as functions of ψ and
KLTB, and C2 is taken as zero:


( 2
0.9 −1.338 K LTB + 1.140 K LTB + 3.210 ) − 1.0 ≤ ψ < −0.5

= ( )(
C1  0.176ψ 2 − 0.461ψ + 0.625 −1.338 K LTB2
+ 1.140 K LTB + 3.210 ) − 0.5 ≤ ψ ≤ 0.75

 C − ( C − 1) ψ − 0.75 where C = 2
0.378 −1.338 K LTB ( )
+ 1.140 K LTB + 3.210 0.75 < ψ ≤ 1.0
 0.25


(
 2.010ψ 3 − 3.647ψ 2 + 2.200ψ + 7.783 0.412 K LTB
2
)(
− 0.929 K LTB + 0.639 ) − 1.0 ≤ ψ ≤ 0.75
C3 =  ψ − 0.75
C − ( C − 1) 0.75 < ψ ≤ 1.0
 B − 0.75
where C = (
2
8.230 0.412 K LTB − 0.929 K LTB + 0.639 and B = )2
−0.443K LTB + 0.377 K LTB + 1.066

MI
ψ= where M I and M J are the end moments of the segment between lateral
MJ
restraints with M I ≤ M J .

For the cases in Table F.1.2, C1, C2, and C3 are taken as shown in the table for
KLTB having value of 0.5 and 1.0, and interpolated for other value of KLTB within
the range of 0.5 and 1.0 for the cases with simply-supported conditions. The other
two cases with fixed-end support conditions, C1, C2, and C3 are taken
conservatively equal to those in the case with simply-supported conditions and

6-6 Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check

 Chapter 6 Design for Bending Moment

similar loading.

For any other cases, C2 and C3 are determined similar to those with uniform
load and simply-supported conditions as shown in Table F.1.2 of the EC3-1992,
and C1 is calculated in accordance with the AISC 360-16 Eq. F1-1 as follows:
12.5M max
=C1
2.5M max + 3M A + 4 M B + 3M c
( 2
≤ 0.9 −1.338 K LTB + 1.140 K LTB + 3.210 )
where,
Mmax = absolute value of maximum moment in unbraced segment, N-mm.
MA = absolute value of moment at quarter point of the unbraced
segment, N-mm.
MB = absolute value of moment at centerline of the unbraced segment,
N-mm.
MC = absolute value of moment at three-quarter point of the unbraced
segment, N-mm.
For the purpose of determining C1, C2, and C3, the program limits the value of
KLTB to be within the range between 0.5 and 1.0. If KLTB is input to have the
value less than 0.5 in the Overwrites, it will be taken to be 0.5. Likewise, if it is
input to have the value greater than 1.0, it will be taken to be 1.0. If it is
program determined, it will be defaulted to be 1.0. This condition of KLTB is not
imposed for any other calculations elsewhere.
C1 should be taken as 1.0 for cantilevers. However, the program is unable to detect
whether the member is a cantilever. The user should overwrite C1 for cantilevers. The
program also defaults C1 to 1.0 if the unbraced length, l22, is redefined to be more than the
length of the member by the user or the program, i.e., if the unbraced length is longer
than the member length. The Overwrites can be used to change the value of C1, C2, and
C3 for any member.
The imperfection factor, αLT is defined in Table 6-1 based on the respective buckling curve,
defined in Table 6-2 (EC3 6.3.2.2(2)).

Table 6-1: Imperfection factors (EC3 Table 6.3, 6.3.2.2(2))

Buckling Curve a b c d
Imperfection Factor, αLT [NDP] 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76

Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check 6-7

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2004/A1:2014

Table 6-2: Buckling curves (EC3 Table 6.4, 6.3.2.2(2))

Section Shape Limits Buckling Curve
h/b ≤ 2 a
Rolled I-sections
h/b > 2 b
h/b ≤ 2 c
Welded I-sections
h/b > 2 d
Other sections - d

The lateral-torsional buckling resistance of Channels, Double Channels, Tees, Angles,

Double Angles, and I-sections is calculated as described previously. The equation to
calculate Mcr is only applicable to cross-sections symmetrical about the z-z axis of bending,
which does not apply to Channel and Angle sections. However, for Angle and Channel
sections, Mcr can still be calculated using this equation given the available information. For
Angle section, it is assumed that the shear center coordinate zs is the projection on the axis
along the direction of load application za in calculation of zg, and is the projection on the
principal z-z axis of the section in calculation of zj.

For Pipe, Box, Rectangle, and Circular sections, the Mcr is also calculated as described
previously. However, there is a limitation that the warping constant Iw for these sections
cannot be determined and is assumed to be zero in the calculation of Mcr. As a result, the
design is conservative.

For General and Section Designer sections, the warping constant Iw and shear center
coordinate zs are both assumed to be zero in the calculation of Mcr as the limitation of the
program. Whether or not the design is conservative is indeterminate.

For Non-prismatic element with all sections along the element having similar shape, all
properties required for calculation of Mcr is linearly interpolated from those properties of
the two end sections of the segment which the design section falls in. This procedure is
also applied to Non-prismatic element with sections having different shapes and may
produce unexpected design results.

The value of Mcr can be overwritten in the Overwrites.

6-8 Lateral-Torsional Buckling Check

 Chapter 7
Design for Shear Force

This chapter provides a detailed description of the design algorithm for the “EN
1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014” steel frame design when designing for shear forces.
The following topics are covered:

 calculation of shear area (EC3 6.2.6(3))

 design for shear (EC3 6.2.6)

 design for shear buckling (EC3 6.2.6(6))

7.1 Shear Area

The shear area, Av, for various section shapes is taken from the definition given
in the code (EC3 6.2.6(3)).

7.2 Shear Check

The shear check at each output station shall satisfy:

VEd
≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.6(1))
Vc, Rd

where the design shear resistance Vc,Rd is taken as:

7-1
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

V= V=
(
Av f y 3 ) (EC3 6.2.6(2))
c , Rd pl , Rd
γM 0

For combined shear force and torsional moment, the plastic shear resistance is
reduced from V pl , Rd to V pl ,T .Rd accounting for the torsional effects. The shear
check at each output station shall satisfy:

VEd
≤ 1.0 , (EC3 6.2.7(9))
V pl .T , Rd

where V pl ,T .Rd is taken as follows:

 
1 − τt , Ed  V pl , Rd (I-Shapes)
V pl ,T = (EC3 6.2.7(9))
( )
, Rd
 1.25 f y 3 γM 0 
 

 
1 − τt , Ed  V pl , Rd (Hollow Shapes)
V pl ,T = (EC3 6.2.7(9))
( )
, Rd
 f y 3 γM 0 
 

The reduction factor ρT =V pl ,T ,Rd V pl ,Rd is given as follows:

  
 1 − τt ,Ed , for Ishapes,

V pl ,T ,Rd 
 1.25 f y 3
 ( ) γM 0 

=
ρT = 
V pl ,Rd   
 1 − τt ,Ed , for Boxes and Pipes,



 (
f y 3 γM 0 
 )
where τt ,Ed is the St Venant torsion.

7.3 Shear Buckling Check

For webs of I-sections, Boxes, Channels, Double Channels, Tees, and Double
Angles without intermediate stiffeners, shear buckling is checked if:

7-2 Shear Buckling Check

 Chapter 7 Design for Shear Force

hw ε
> 72 (EC3 6.2.6(6))
tw η

where, ε is taken as:

235
ε= with fy in N/mm2 (EC3-1-5 5.1(2), EC3 Table 5.2)
fy

The shear area factor, η is taken as:

η = 1.20 [NDP] for fy ≤ 460 N/mm2, and (EC3-1-5 5.1(2))

η = 1.0 otherwise (EC3-1-5 5.1(2))

However for the UK, the NDP η is taken as 1.

η = 1.0 for UK NDP

The design shear resistance Vc,Rd is taken as:

ηf yw hwt
Vc , Rd =Vb, Rd =Vbw, Rd + Vbf , Rd ≤ (EC3-1-5 5.2(1))
3γ MI

where, Vbw, Rd is the contribution from the web, taken as:

χ w f yw hwt
Vbw, Rd = (EC3-1-5 5.2(1))
3γ MI

It is assumed that transverse stiffeners exist only at supports and therefore the
slenderness parameter, λ w is taken as:

h
λw = w (EC3-1-5 5.3(3))
86.4t ε

The transverse stiffeners at the supports are assumed to create only a non-rigid
end post, leading to the shear contribution factor being taken as:

Shear Buckling Check 7-3

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

η if λ w < 0.83 η

χw =  (EC3-1-5 Table 5.1)
0.83 η if λ w ≥ 0.83 η

The contribution from the flanges, Vbf,Rd, is conservatively ignored.

Vbf,Rd = 0

7-4 Shear Buckling Check

 Chapter 8
Design for Torsion

This chapter provides a detailed description of the design algorithm for the “EN
1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014” steel frame design when designing for torsion. The
following topics are covered:

 analysis of torsion related stresses (SCI Publication 385)

 design for shear in presence of torsion (EC3 6.2.7)

 design for combined actions (EC3 6.2.1(7), 6.2.9.1(6), 6.2.9.3(2), Annex A

of BS EN 1993-6)

8.1 Analysis of Torsion Stresses

In doing torsional stress check the book “Design of Steel Beams in Torsion in
Accordance with Eurocodes and UK National Annexes”, the SCI Publication
P385, is taken as the guide (Hughes, Iles, and Malik, 2011). Please consult the
book for the details.

The torsion check is limited to the following open section: doubly-symmetric I-

shapes and to the following closed sections: box and pipe shapes. I-shapes with
single symmetric sections are not checked for torsion.

8-1
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

The elastic verification using the yield criterion given in EC3 6.2.1(5) is not used
as this criterion is conservative. This criterion ignores the plastic stress
redistribution.

8.2 Shear Check in Presence of Torsion

In presence or absence of torsion, the program always performs the regular shear
check as described in section 7.2. For combined shear force and torsional
moment, the plastic shear resistance is reduced from V pl , Rd to V pl ,T .Rd accounting
for the torsional effects. The shear check at each output station shall satisfy:

VEd
≤ 1.0 , (EC3 6.2.7(9))
V pl .T , Rd

where V pl ,T .Rd is taken as follows:

 
1 − τt , Ed  V pl , Rd (I-Shapes)
V pl ,T = (EC3 6.2.7(9))
( )
, Rd
 1.25 f y 3 γM 0 
 

𝜏𝜏𝑡𝑡,𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸
𝑉𝑉𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝,𝑇𝑇,𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 = �1 − � 𝑉𝑉𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝,𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 (Hollow Shapes) (EC3 6.2.7(9))
�𝑓𝑓𝑦𝑦 ⁄√3��𝛾𝛾𝑀𝑀0

The reduction factor ρT =V pl ,T ,Rd V pl ,Rd is given as follows:

  
 1 − τt ,Ed , for Ishapes,

V pl ,T ,Rd 
 1.25 f y 3
 ( ) γM 0 

=
ρT = 
V pl ,Rd   
 1 − τt ,Ed , for Boxes and Pipes,



 (
f y 3 γM 0 
 )
where τt ,Ed is the St Venant torsion.

8-2 Shear Check in Presence of Torsion

 Chapter 7 Design for Torsion

8.3 Design for Combined Actions

In absence of torsion, the combined actions axial force and bending moments or
axial force, shear forces, and bending moments are evaluated according to the
code clauses. The details have been summarized in Chapter 9.

In presence of torsion, the total torsional moment TEd is split into a St Venant
torsion Tt ,Ed and a warping torsion, Tw,Ed . The warping moment, M w,Ed
contributes to the bending moment in the flanges. This affects the interaction
checks. It also increases the z-z axis bending moment by a small amount, M z ,T ,Ed
. The interaction equations are modified to accommodate the warping moment,
M w,Ed and additional z-z axis bending moment, M z ,T ,Ed . The following
equations are modified: Eq. 6.2 of section EC3 6.2.1(7), Eq. 6.41 of section EC3
6.2.9.1(6), Eq. 6.44 of section EC3 6.2.9.3(2). One additional interaction
equation is checked which is given in Annex A of BS EN 1993-6. The details
have been given in Chapter 9.

Design for Combined Actions 8-3

 Chapter 9
Design for Combined Forces

This chapter provides a detailed description of the design algorithm for the EN
1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014 steel frame design, with respect to designing for
combined forces. The following topics are covered:

 Design for cross-section resistance:

– design for bending and axial force (EC3 6.2.9)

– design for bending, shear, and axial force (EC3 6.2.10)

– design for shear (EC3 6.2.6)

 Design for stability of members

– prismatic members in bending and axial compression (EC3 6.3.3)

– prismatic members in bending and axial tension (EC3 6.3.3)

For I, Box, and Pipe sections, if there is torsion present in the member and if
the user indicated in the preferences that torsion needs to be considered in the
design check, the interaction equations are modified to accommodate St Venant
torsion Tt ,Ed , warping torsion Tw,Ed ., associated extra z-z axis bending M z ,T ,Ed ,
and the warping moment M w,Ed . All those modifications are described in the
following sections as needed.

9-1
Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

9.1 Design for Cross-Section Resistance

9.1.1 Bending, Axial Force, and Shear Check

The combined effect of axial force and bending moments is checked in the
same way whether the axial force is a tensile force or a compression force.
There are minor exceptions that are noted in the relevant sections.

9.1.1.1 Class 1 and 2 Cross-Sections

For I and Rectangular Hollow sections, the combined axial force and bending
is checked by taking the following summation of the utilization ratios for each
force component as follows:
α β
 M y ,Ed   M z ,Ed 
M  + M  ≤1 (EC3 6.2.9.1(6))
 N ,y ,Rd   N ,z ,Rd 

α and β are taken as follows:

– I-sections

α=2 (EC3 6.2.9.1(6))

β = 5n ≥ 1 (EC3 6.2.9.1(6))

– Rectangular Hollow sections

1.66
α =β = ≤ 6 , where (EC3 6.2.9.1(6))
1 − 1.13n 2

N Ed
n= (EC3 6.2.9.1(6))
N pl ,Rd

M N ,y ,Rd and M N ,z ,Rd are computed as follows:

– I-sections

M N ,y ,Rd and M N ,z ,Rd for I-sections are calculated as follows:

9-2 Design for Cross-Section Resistance

 Chapter 9 Design for Combined Force

 1− n 
M N ,y ,Rd = M pl ,y ,Rd   (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
 1 − 0.5a 

 M pl ,z ,Rd , for n ≤ a,

M N ,z ,Rd =  n−a  2 (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
 M pl ,z ,Rd 1 −    , for n > a
   1− a  

where,

N Ed
n= (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
N pl ,Rd

A − 2b f t f
=a ≤ 0.5 (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
A

However, if the following two conditions are true,

N Ed ≤ 0.25 N pl ,Rd , (EC3 6.2.9.1(4))

hw t w f y
N Ed ≤ 0.5 , (EC3 6.2.9.1(4))
γ M0

MN,y,Rd is taken as follows:

MN,y,Rd = Mpl,y,Rd (EC3 6.2.9.1(4))

Similarly, if the following condition is true:

hw t w f y
N Ed ≤ (EC3 6.2.9.1(4))
γ M0

MN,z,Rd is taken as follows

MN,z,Rd = Mpl,z,Rd (EC3 6.2.9.1(4))

– Hollow Rectangular sections:

M N ,y ,Rd and M N ,z ,Rd are computed as follows:

Design for Cross-Section Resistance 9-3

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

 1− n 
=M N ,y ,Rd M pl ,y ,Rd   ≤ M pl ,y ,Rd (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
 1 − 0.5aw 

 1− n 
=M N ,z ,Rd M pl ,z ,Rd   ≤ M pl ,z ,Rd (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
 1 − 0.5a f 

where

A − 2bt f
=aw ≤ 0.5 (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
A

A − 2ht w
=af ≤ 0.5 (EC3 6.2.9.1(5))
A

For I and Rectangular Hollow sections, if there is torsion present in the

member and if the user indicated in the preferences that torsion needs to be
considered in the design check, the interaction equation EC3 6.2.9.1(6) is
modified to accommodate effects of torsion: associated extra z-z axis bending
M z ,T ,Ed , and the warping moment M w,Ed .

α β
 M y ,Ed   M z ,Ed + M z ,T ,Ed   M w,Ed 
M  +  + M  ≤1 (EC3 6.2.9.1(6))
 N ,y ,Rd   M N ,z ,Rd   N ,z ,Rd / 2 

– For Channel, Double Channel, Solid Rectangular, Double Angle, Angle,

General, and Section Designer sections, combined axial force and bending
is conservatively checked by taking a linear summation of the utilization
ratios for each force component as:

N Ed M y,Ed M z ,Ed
+ + ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd M y, Rd M z , Rd

The design axial resistance NRd is taken as Nt,Rd or Nc,Rd, as appropriate, as

defined in Section 5.2 and 5.3 of Chapter 5 of this manual. The values of
My,Rd and Mz,Rd are defined in Section 6.1 of Chapter 6 of this manual for
cases with both low and high shear.

– For Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS (Square Root of Sum of Squares)

9-4 Design for Cross-Section Resistance

 Chapter 9 Design for Combined Force

combination is made first of the two bending components before adding

the axial load component, instead of the single algebraic addition as
implied by the interaction equations given by EC3 6.2.1(7). The resulting
interaction equation is given by the following:

2 2
N Ed  M y,Ed   M z ,Ed 
+   +  ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd  M y, Rd   M z , Rd 

The philosophy behind the preceding modification is that the engineer has
the freedom to choose the principal axis. The engineer can easily choose
the principal axis to match with the resultant moment so that the design is
always based on the uniaxial bending with axial force. In that case, the
moment will be the resultant (SRSS) moment from the two components.
The resultant D/C ratio calculated using the preceding equations will match
the calculated D/C ratio from the pure resultant moment for the Pipe and
Circular sections. The reason is that MRd for Pipe and Solid Circular
sections is independent of the K and L factors.

– For Tee sections, combined axial force and bending is conservatively

checked by taking a linear summation of the utilization ratios for each
force component as:

N Ed M y,Ed M z ,Ed
+ + ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd M y, Rd M z , Rd

However, for this case the maximum longitudinal stress at three extreme
points of the section are added with appropriate sign. That means that at the
two extreme points on the flange, all three terms are added algebraically,
whereas at the tip of the web, the z-z axis bending term becomes zero.

9.1.1.2 Class 3 Cross-Sections

For all shapes, with the exception noted in the following text, the combined
axial force and bending is conservatively checked by taking the linear
summation of the utilization ratios for each force component:

Design for Cross-Section Resistance 9-5

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

N Ed M y,Ed M z ,Ed
+ + ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd M y, Rd M z , Rd

For Doubly Symmetric sections, the preceding equation is a representation of

the code-specified equation given here:

fy
σ x ,Ed ≤ (EC3 6.2.9.2(1))
γM 0

As an exception for Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS (Square Root of Sum
of Squares) combination is made first of the two bending components before
adding the axial load component, instead of the single algebraic addition as
implied by the interaction equations given by EC3 6.2.1(7). The resulting
interaction equation is given by the following:

2 2
N Ed  M y,Ed   M z ,Ed 
+   +  ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd  M y, Rd   M z , Rd 

As an exception, for Tee sections, the terms are algebraically added for three
extreme points of the section. See the previous Section of this manual for
details.

For I and Rectangular Hollow sections, if there is torsion present in the

member and if the user indicated in the preferences that torsion needs to be
considered in the design check, the interaction equation EC3 6.2.1(7) is
modified to accommodate effects of torsion: associated extra z-z axis bending
M z ,T ,Ed , and the warping moment M w,Ed .

N Ed M y , Ed M z , Ed + M z ,T , Ed M w, Ed
+ + + ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd M y , Rd M z , Rd M z , Rd / 2

9-6 Design for Cross-Section Resistance

 Chapter 9 Design for Combined Force

9.1.1.3 Class 4 Cross-Sections

For all shapes, with the exception noted in the following text, the combined
axial force and bending is conservatively checked by taking linear summation
of the utilization ratios for each force component:

N Ed M y,Ed M z ,Ed
+ + ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd M y, Rd M z , Rd

For Doubly Symmetric sections, the preceding equation is a representation of

the code-specified equation given here:

fy
σ x ,Ed ≤ (EC3 6.2.9.3(1))
γM 0

As an exception, for Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS (Square Root of Sum
of Squares) combination is made first of the two bending components before
adding the axial load component, instead of the single algebraic addition as
implied by the interaction equations given by EC3 6.2.1(7). The resulting
interaction equation is given by the following:

2 2
N Ed  M y,Ed   M z ,Ed 
+   +  ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd  M y, Rd   M z , Rd 

As an exception, for Tee sections, the terms are algebraically added for three
extreme points of the section. See a previous Section of this manual for details.

For I and Rectangular Hollow sections, if there is torsion present in the

member and if the user indicated in the preferences that torsion needs to be
considered in the design check, the interaction equation EC3 6.2.1(7) is
modified to accommodate effects of torsion: associated extra z-z axis bending
M z ,T ,Ed , and the warping moment M w,Ed .

N Ed M y , Ed M z , Ed + M z ,T , Ed M w, Ed
+ + + ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.1(7))
N Rd M y , Rd M z , Rd M z , Rd / 2

Design for Cross-Section Resistance 9-7

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

In addition, Class 4 sections are checked for the following interaction equation:

N Ed M y ,Ed + N Ed eNy M + N Ed eNz

+ + z ,Ed ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.9.3(2))
Aeff f y γ M 0 Weff ,y ,min f y γ M 0 Weff ,z ,min f y γ M 0

where,

Aeff is the effective area of the cross-section when subjected to uniform

compression,

Weff,min is the effective section modulus (corresponding to the fiber with

maximum elastic stress) of the cross-section when subjected only to
moment about the relevant axis,

eN is the shift of the relevant centroidal axis when the cross-section is

subjected to compression only. If the section is under tensile force, eN
is set to zero, and NEd is set to zero.

As an exception, for Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS (Square Root of Sum
of Squares) combination is made first of the two bending components before
adding the axial load component, instead of the single algebraic addition as
implied by the interaction equations given previously (EC3 6.2.9.3(2)).

As an exception, for Tee sections, the terms are algebraically added for three
extreme points of the section. See the previous Section of this manual for
details.

For I and Rectangular Hollow sections, if there is torsion present in the

member and if the user indicated in the preferences that torsion needs to be
considered in the design check, the interaction equation EC3 6.2.9.3(2) is
modified to accommodate effects of torsion: associated extra z-z axis bending
M z ,T ,Ed , and the warping moment M w,Ed .

N Ed M y ,Ed + N Ed eNy M z ,Ed + M z ,T ,Ed + N Ed eNz 2 × M w,Ed

+ + + ≤ 1.0
Aeff f y γ M 0 Weff ,y ,min f y γ M 0 Weff ,z ,min f y γ M 0 Weff ,z ,min f y γ M 0
(EC3 6.2.9.3(2))

9-8 Design for Cross-Section Resistance

 Chapter 9 Design for Combined Force

9.1.2 Members Subjected to Shear Force

Similar to the normal stresses, shear capacity ratios for z-z and y-y directions
are produced as follows;

Vy ,Ed
≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.6(1))
Vy ,c ,Rd

Vz ,Ed
≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.6(1))
Vz ,c ,RD

9.2 Design for Buckling Resistance of Members

The combined effect of axial compression and bending with special emphasis
to flexural and lateral-torsional buckling is checked using the section EC3
6.3.3(4). The combined effect of axial tension and bending is also checked
using the same section, with the exception that the axial term is ignored.

The program checks these equations assuming the section is prismatic. For
nonprismatic sections the same equations are used. However the cross-section
properties used are based on the section being checked. The user is advised to
check the appropriateness of this method.

For Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 sections, the same equations are checked. However, for
simplicity, the versions of equations used for different classes are reported
differently in this manual.

9.2.1 Class 1, 2 and 3 Sections Under Flexure and Axial

Compression
The combined effect of axial compression and bending with special emphasis
to flexural and lateral-torsional buckling is checked by calculating the
utilization ratios based on the following two interaction equations:

N Ed M y ,Ed M
+ k yy + k yz z ,Ed ≤ 1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
χ y N Rk M y ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γM1 γM1 γM1

Design for Buckling Resistance of Members 9-9

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

N Ed M y ,Ed M
+ k zy + k zz z ,Ed ≤ 1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
χ z N Rk M y ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γM1 γM1 γM1

The characteristic resistance values, NRk, My,Rk, and Mz,Rk are taken as the design
resistance values, NRd, My,Rd, and Mz,Rd, but omitting the γM0 factor (EC3 Table
6.7, 6.2.5(2)). The reduction factors χy and χz are defined in Section 5.4 and χLT
in Section 6.2 of this manual.

The interaction factors, kyy, kzz, kyz, and kzy, are determined based on one of two
methods that may be specified in the code. The values are determined in
accordance with EC3 Annex A or EC3 Annex B for Methods 1 and 2,
respectively. The method are not repeated in this manual. The method for
determining the interaction factors can be changed in the design preferences.

As an exception, for Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS (Square Root of Sum
of Squares) combination is made first of the two bending components before
addition of the axial load component instead of simple algebraic addition as
implied by the equation given previously.

9.2.2 Class 4 Sections Under Flexure and Axial Compression

The combined effect of axial compression and bending with special emphasis
on flexural and lateral-torsional buckling is checked by calculating the
utilization ratios based on the following interaction equations:

N Ed M y ,Ed + N Ed eNy M + N Ed eNz

+ k yy + k yz z ,Ed ≤1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
χ y N Rk M y ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γM1 γM1 γM1

N Ed M y ,Ed + N Ed eNy M + N Ed eNz

+ k zy + k zz z ,Ed ≤1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
χ z N Rk M y ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γM1 γM1 γM1

The characteristic resistance values, NRk, My,Rk, and Mz,Rk, the reduction factors
χy, χz and χLT, the interaction factors kyy, kzz, kyz, and kzy are described in
Section 9.2.1 of this manual (EC3 Table 6.7, 6.2.5(2), 6.3.1.2(1), 6.3.2.2(1),
6.3.3(5), Table A.1, Table B.1).
9 - 10 Design for Buckling Resistance of Members
 Chapter 9 Design for Combined Force

The shifts of the relevant centroidal axis when a Class 4 section is subjected to
uniform compression, eNy and eNz, are described in Section 8.1.1.3 of this
manual (EC3 6.3.3(4), 6.2.9.3(2.)).

As an exception, for Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS (Square Root of Sum
of Squares) combination is made first of the two bending components before
addition of the axial load component instead of simple algebraic addition as
implied by the equation given previously.

9.2.3 Class 1, 2, and 3 Sections Under Flexure and Axial

Tension
The combined effect of axial tension and bending with special emphasis to
flexural and lateral-torsional buckling is checked by calculating the utilization
ratios based on the following two interaction equations:

M y ,Ed M
k yy + k yz z ,Ed ≤ 1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
M y ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γM1 γM1

M y ,Ed M
k zy + k zz z ,Ed ≤ 1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
M y ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γM1 γM1

The characteristic resistance values, NRk, My,Rk, and Mz,Rk, are taken as the
design resistance values, NRd, My,Rd, and Mz,Rd, but omitting the γM0 factor (EC3
Table 6.7, 6.2.5(2)). The reduction factor χLT is described in Section 6.2 of this
manual.

The interaction factors, kyy, kzz, kyz, and kzy, are determined based on one of two
methods that may be specified in the code. The values are determined in
accordance with EC3 Annex A or EC3 Annex B for Methods 1 and 2,
respectively. The method are not repeated in this manual. The method for
determining the interaction factors can be changed in the design preferences.

As an exception, for Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS (Square Root of Sum
of Squares) combination is made first of the two bending components before

Design for Buckling Resistance of Members 9 - 11

Steel Frame Design EN 1993-1-1:2005/A1:2014

addition of the axial load component instead of simple algebraic addition as

implied by the equation given previously.

9.2.4 Class 4 Sections Under Flexure and Axial Tension

The combined effect of axial tension and bending with special emphasis on
flexural and lateral-torsional buckling is checked by calculating the utilization
ratios based on the following interaction equations:

M y ,Ed + N Ed eNy M + N Ed eNz

k yy + k yz z ,Ed ≤1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
M y ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γM1 γM1

M y ,Ed + N Ed eNy M + N Ed eNz

k zy + k zz z ,Ed ≤1 (EC3 6.3.3(4))
M y ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γM1 γM1

The characteristic resistance values, NRk, My,Rk, and Mz,Rk, the reduction factor
χLT, the interaction factors kyy, kzz, kyz, and kzy are described in Section 8.2.1 of
this manual (EC3 Table 6.7, 6.2.5(2), 6.3.1.2(1), 6.3.2.2(1), 6.3.3(5), Table A.1,
Table B.1).

The shifts of the relevant centroidal axis when a Class 4 section is subjected to
uniform tension, eNy and eNz, and are described in Section 8.1.1.3 of this manual
(EC3 6.3.3(4), 6.2.9.3(2.)). For this case eNy and eNz are taken as zero.

As an exception, for Circular and Pipe sections, an SRSS (Square Root of Sum
of Squares) combination is made first of the two bending components before
addition of the axial load component instead of simple algebraic addition as
implied by the equation given previously.

9.2.5 Sections of Any Class Under Flexure and Torsion

For I and Rectangular Hollow sections, if there is torsion present in the
member and if the user indicated in the preferences that torsion needs to be
considered in the design check, the combined effect of bending and torsion
with or without the presence of any axial force with special emphasis on

9 - 12 Design for Buckling Resistance of Members

 Chapter 9 Design for Combined Force

flexural and lateral-torsional buckling is checked by calculating the utilization

ratios based on the following interaction equations:

M y ,Ed M + M z ,T ,Ed M w,Ed

+ Cmz z ,Ed + k w k zw kα ≤ 1 (EN 1993-6 Annex A)
M y ,Rk M z ,Rk M z ,Rk
χ LT
γM1 γM1 2 × γM1

where,

Cmz is the equivalent uniform moment factor for bending about z-axis
according to EC3 Table B.3 (For a simply supported beam with a parabolic
moment diagram due to uniformly distributed loading Cmz = 0.95 ; for a
triangular bending moment diagram die to single point load Cmz = 0.9 ),

M w,Ed is the warping moment caused by warping restraint and the torsion

M w,Ed
k=
w 0.7 − 0.2 ,
M z ,Rk γ M 1

M z ,Ed
k zw = 1 − , and
M z ,Rk

1
kα = .
M y ,Rk
1−
M cr

Design for Buckling Resistance of Members 9 - 13

 Appendix A Nationally Determined
Parameters (NDPs)

This appendix provides a listing of the Nationally Determined Parameters

(NDPs) used by default for the various country implementations. Several of
these parameters can be modified either through the design preferences or the
design overwrites.

A.1 CEN Default – CEN EN 1993-1-1/2015-06

Table A.1 lists the default NDPs for the CEN Default implementation.

Table A.1: CEN Default NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC3 6.1(1) γM0 1.00
EC3 6.1(1) γM1 1.00
EC3 6.1(1) γM2 1.25
EC0 6.4.3.2 Combinations equation Eq. 6.10
EC3 6.3.3(5) Interaction factors method Method 2
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γGj,sup 1.35
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γGj,inf 1.00
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γQ,1 1.5

A-1
 Appendix A - Nationally Determined Parameters (NDPs)

Table A.1: CEN Default NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC0 Table A1.1 ψ0,i 0.7 (live load)
0.6 (wind load)
EC0 Table A1.2(B) ξ 0.85
EC0 Table A1.1 ψ2,i 0.3 (assumed office/residential)
EC3 6.3.2.2(2) αLT 0.21 for buckling curve a
0.34 for buckling curve b
0.49 for buckling curve c
0.76 for buckling curve d
EC3 6.3.2.3(1) β 0.75

EC3-1-5 5.1(2) η 1.20 for fy ≤ 460 N/mm2

1.00 for fy > 460 N/mm2

A.2 Bulgaria – BDS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-10

Table A.2 lists the NDP values for the Bulgarian National Annex, where they
differ from the CEN Default values listed in Table A.1.

Table A.2: Bulgaria NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC3 6.1(1) γM0 1.05
EC3 6.1(1) γM1 1.05

A.3 Slovenia – SIST EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-09

The NDP values for the Slovenian National Annex, are the same as the CEN
Default values listed in Table A.1.

A-2
 Appendix A - Nationally Determined Parameters (NDPs)

A.4 United Kingdom – BS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-07

Table A.3 lists the NDP values for the United Kingdom National Annex, where
they differ from the CEN Default values listed in Table A.1.

Table A.3: United Kingdom NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC3 6.1(1) γM2 1.10
EC0 Table A1.1 ψ0,i 0.7 (live load)
0.5 (wind load)
EC0 Table A1.2(B) ξ 0.925
EC3-1-5 5.1(2) η 1.00

A.5 Norway – NS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-09

Table A.4 lists the NDP values for the Norwegian National Annex, where they
differ from the CEN Default values listed in Table A.1.

Table A.4: Norway NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC3 6.1(1) γM0 1.05
EC3 6.1(1) γM1 1.05
EC0 Table A1.2(B) ξ 0.89

A-3
 Appendix A - Nationally Determined Parameters (NDPs)

A.6 Sweden – SS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-06

Table A.5 lists the NDP values for the Sweden National Annex, where they
differ from the CEN Default values listed in Table A.1.

Table A.5: Sweden NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC0 6.4.3.2 Combinations equation Eq. 6.10a/b
EC3 6.3.3(5) Interaction factors method Method 1
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γd Class 1 = 0.83, Class 2 =
0.91, Class 3 = 1.0
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γGj,sup 1.35*γd
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γQ,1 1.5*γd
EC0 Table A1.1 ψ0,i 0.7 (live load)
0.3 (wind load)
EC0 Table A1.2(B) ξ 0.89

A.7 Finland – SFS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-08

Table A.6 lists the NDP values for the Finland National Annex, where they
differ from the CEN Default values listed in Table A.1.

Table A.6: Finland NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC0 6.4.3.2 Combinations equation Eq. 6.10a/b
EC0 Table A1.2(B) KFI Class 1 = 0.9, Class 2 = 1.0,
Class 3 = 1.1
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γGj,sup 1.35*KFI
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γGj,inf 0.9
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γQ,1 1.5*KFI

A-4
 Appendix A - Nationally Determined Parameters (NDPs)

A.8 Denmark – DS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-07

Table A.7 lists the NDP values for the Denmark National Annex, where they
differ from the CEN Default values listed in Table A.1.

Table A.7: Denmark NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC3 6.1(1) γM0 1.10
EC3 6.1(1) γM1 1.20
EC3 6.1(1) γM2 1.35
EC0 6.4.3.2 Combinations equation Eq. 6.10a/b
EC0 Table A1.2(B) KFI Class 1 = 0.9, Class 2 = 1.0,
Class 3 = 1.1
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γGj,sup 1.2 / 1.0 (Eq. 6.10a /
6.10b)*KFI
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γGj,inf 1.0 / 0.9 (Eq. 6.10a / 6.10b)
EC0 Table A1.2(B) γQ,1 1.5*KFI
EC0 Table A1.1 ψ0,i 0.6 (live load)
0.6 (wind load)
EC0 Table A1.2(B) ξ 1.0
EC0 Table A1.1 ψ2,i 0.2 (assumed
office/residential)

A.9 Portugal – NP EN 1993-1-1/NA:2009-03

Table A.8 lists the NDP values for the Portugal National Annex, where they
differ from the CEN Default values listed in Table A.1.

Table A.8: Portugal NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC3 6.3.2.3(1) λ LT ,0 0.2

EC3 6.3.2.3(1) β 1.0

A-5
 Appendix A - Nationally Determined Parameters (NDPs)

A.10 Germany – DIN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2022-10

Table A.9 lists the NDP values for the German National Annex, where they
differ from the CEN Default values listed in Table A.1.

Table A.9: Germany NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC3 6.1(1) γM1 1.1

A.11 Singapore – SS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2019-05

Table A.10 lists the NDP values for the Singapore National Annex, where they
differ from the CEN Default values listed in Table A.1.

Table A.10: Singapore NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC3 6.1(1) γM2 1.1
EC3 Annex B λ Z for non-doubly (
max λ, λT )
symmetric sections
EC3 Table B.1 and B.2 Where sections are not I, H, or hollow sections, kyy, kyz, kzy,
and kzz for Class 1 and 2 sections are calculated as if the
section is Class 3.

A.12 Poland – PN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-08

Table A.11 lists the NDP values for the Poland National Annex, where they
differ from the CEN Default values listed in Table A.1.

Table A.11: Poland NDP Values

Code Clause NDP Default Value
EC3 6.1(1) γM2 1.1

A-6