Elastic section modulus[

For general design, the elastic section modulus is used, applying up to the yield point for most metals
and other common materials.

The elastic section modulus is defined as S = I / y, where I is the second moment of area (or moment of
inertia) and y is the distance from the neutral axis to any given fibre. [3] It is often reported using y = c,
where c is the distance from the neutral axis to the most extreme fibre, as seen in the table below. It is
also often used to determine the yield moment (My) such that My = S × σy, where σy is the yield
strength of the material.[3] Elastic Section Modulus can also be defined as the first moment of area.

Section modulus equations[4]

Cross-
sectional Figure Equation Comment
shape

Solid arrow
Rectangle represents neutr
al axis

doubly
NA
symmetric I-
indicates neutral
section (stron
axis
g axis)

doubly
NA
symmetric I-
indicates neutral
section (wea
axis
k axis)
 Solid arrow
Circle represents neutr
[4]

al axis

Solid arrow
Circular tube represents neutr
al axis

NA
Rectangular
indicates neutral
tube
axis

NA
Diamond indicates neutral
axis

NA
C-channel indicates neutral
axis

Plastic section modulus[edit]

The Plastic section modulus is used for materials where (irreversible) plastic behaviour is dominant.
The majority of designs do not intentionally encounter this behaviour.

The plastic section modulus depends on the location of the plastic neutral axis (PNA). The PNA is
defined as the axis that splits the cross section such that the compression force from the area in
compression equals the tension force from the area in tension. So, for sections with constant yielding
stress, the area above and below the PNA will be equal, but for composite sections, this is not
necessarily the case.

The plastic section modulus is then the sum of the areas of the cross section on each side of the PNA
(which may or may not be equal) multiplied by the distance from the local centroids of the two areas to
the PNA:

Descripti
Figure Equation Comment
on

Rectangul
ar section [5]

Hollow where: b=width,

rectangula h=height, t=wall
r section thickness

,[6]

For the where:   =

two width,  =thi
flanges of ckness,   
an I- are the
beamwith distances from
the web the neutral axis
excluded to the centroids
of the flanges
respectively.

For an I
Beam
[7]

including
the web

For an I
Beam
(weak
axis)

Solid
Circle

Hollow
Circle

The plastic section modulus is used to calculate the plastic moment, Mp, or full capacity of a cross-
section. The two terms are related by the yield strength of the material in question, F y, by Mp=Fy*Z.
Sometimes Z and S are related by defining a 'k' factor which is something of an indication of capacity
beyond first yield. k=S/Z

Therefore for a rectangular section, k=1.5