Engineering Encyclopedia

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Basic Properties of Sections

Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramcos
employees. Any material contained in this document which is not
already in the public domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given,
or disclosed to third parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part,
without the written permission of the Vice President, Engineering
Services, Saudi Aramco.

Chapter : Onshore Structural

File Reference: CSE10601

For additional information on this subject, contact

C.C. Baldwin on 873-1567

Engineering Encyclopedia

Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

CONTENTS

PAGES

SECTION PROPERTIES .............................................................................................. 1

Types of Sections..................................................................................................... 1
Common Section Properties..................................................................................... 5
Listed Properties - Standard Sections .................................................................... 10
Calculating Section Properties for Nonstandard Shapes........................................ 12
WORK AID 1: PROPERTIES OF MATERIAL (CUSTOMARY UNITS) ................ 17
WORK AID 2: PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS (SI UNITS) ................................... 18
WORK AID 3: PROPERTIES OF STANDARD SECTIONS .................................... 19
WORK AID 4: PROPERTIES OF THIN WALL SECTIONS (COLD
FORMED STEEL OR ALUMINUM)......................................................................... 20
WORK AID 5: PROPERTIES OF ROLLED-STEEL SHAPES (CUSTOMARY
UNITS) ........................................................................................................................ 21
WORK AID 6: PROPERTIES OF ROLLED-STEEL SHAPES (SI UNITS).............. 27
WORK AID 7: PROPERTIES OF SAFE AXIAL LOADS FOR
STRUCTURAL LUMBER.......................................................................................... 34
WORK AID 8: CALCULATINGSECTION PROPERTIES - TIMBER BEAM......... 35
WORK AID 9: CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES - ELIPTICAL
PIPE ............................................................................................................................. 36
WORK AID 10: CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES - SQUARE
TUBE........................................................................................................................... 38
WORK AID 11: CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES - STEEL
GIRDER ...................................................................................................................... 40
WORK AID 12: CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES - BACK-TOBACK ANGLES.......................................................................................................... 41
WORK AID 13: FORM FOR CALCULATING PROPERTIES OF
COMPOUND SECTIONS........................................................................................... 43
WORK AID 14: CALCULATING PROPERTIES OF COMPOUND
SECTIONS - BRIDGE PIER....................................................................................... 44
WORK AID 15: CALCULATING PROPERTIES OF COMPOUND
SECTIONS - PLATE GIRDER ................................................................................... 49
WORK AID 16: CALCULATING PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE
SECTIONS .................................................................................................................. 52
WORK AID 17: CALCULATING PROPERTIES OF REINFORCED
CONTRETE SECTIONS............................................................................................. 56
GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................ 59

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Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

SECTION PROPERTIES
The behavior of a structural member subjected to loads is affected by the geometric properties
of its cross-section as well as by the material properties. The cross-section is the section
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the member. Structural members are usually
prismatic, so that the cross-section is uniform. In many structural applications, the designers
task is to select or proportion the most efficient section for the given applied loads and
properties of the material being used. Section efficiency usually relates to least area, weight,
or cost.
Types of Sections

Uniform - (prismatic) - the same cross-section along the axis of the member.

FIGURE 1

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Nonuniform - (variable) - one or more dimension change along axis of

member. Here are two examples of nonuniform members often seen in civil
engineering structures:
Steel beam with cover plates.

Tapered cantilever concrete beam.

FIGURE 2

Simple solid sections are usually square, rectangular, circular, etc., as shown in
Figure 3. Solid sections are easy to fabricate but they may not be efficient for
some types of members, loads, or materials.

FIGURE 3

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Compound - consists of combinations of two or more simple solid elements.

FIGURE 4
Compound sections are usually used for increased structural efficiency or for
their architectural appearance.

Composite - consists of sections of two or more types of material. Composite

sections are used to increase structural efficiency and to reduce cost. Examples
are:
Reinforced Concrete.

Structural Steel - Concrete.

FIGURE 5

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Structural Steel - Timber.

FIGURE 5 (CONTD)

Structural Steel Shapes - compound sections rolled and fabricated for

structural efficiency.

FIGURE 6

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Thin-Wall Shapes are cold-formed steel or aluminum sections with wall

thicknesses that are small compared to the overall dimensions of the sections.
Some examples of thin-wall shapes are:

FIGURE 7
Thin-wall shapes are generally used for lightweight prefabricated (preengineered) construction, building wall and roof cladding, decking for concrete
slab, and for sheet piling.
Common Section Properties
Sections have certain geometric properties depending on the shapes and sizes of the structural
members cross-sections. These are covered in this section.
The geometric properties of sections most commonly used in structural analysis are:

Area, A.
Moment of area, Q.
Centroid, O, CG.
Moment of inertia, I.
Section modulus, S.
Torsional constant, R.
Radius of gyration, r.

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The uses, units, formulas, or data sources for these section properties for certain structural
shapes are given below:

Area, A (in.2, mm2)

Rectangular section: A = bd
Circular section:
Triangular section:

d2
A= 4
bd
A= 2

Some uses for area in structural analysis are:

To calculate stress,

S=

P
A
PL
AE

To calculate axial deformation d =

To calculate axial stiffness

K=

AE
L

Moment of Area, Q (in.2, mm2)

The moment of area is used to locate the center of gravity of the area of a
composite section or the neutral axis of a beam.
Q = A Aixi = 0
The moment of area is also used to compute the shear stress in a beam,
t=

VQ
It

The moment of areas about the centroid of a section is equal to zero.

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Centroid (x, y)
The centroid is the center of gravity or the geometric center of a section. The
centroid coordinates (x, y) are determined by the formulas:
x=

A A ix i
,
Ai

y =

A A iy i
,
Ai

(3)

The longitudinal axis of an axial member is assumed to be at the centroid of the

section. The neutral axis of a beam passes through the centroid of the beam
section.

Moment of Inertia, I (in.4, mm4) = Aixi2, Aiyi2

Moment of inertia is the second moment of area about a specified axis. That is,
the moment of inertia is the sum of the product of area times the square of
distance to the axis. The moment of inertia is a measure of the resistance of the
section to rotation about the axis. It is calculated about the axes of a section by
using the formulas:
I = Aiyi2

for x-axis

I = Aixi2

for y-axis

These values are for I about the neutral axis of the sections. For I about any
other axis, the following formula applies:
I = Io + Ax2
Where Io is the moment of inertia about the centroidal axis, A is the area, and x
is the distance of the centroid of the section from the new axis. This
relationship is used in calculating the moment of inertia of a compound section.

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Expressions for I of simple sections are:

Rectangular Section: I =

bd3
12

r 4

Circular Section:

I=

Triangular Section:

3
I = bd

36

The moment of inertia is used in the formulas for bending stress, stiffness, and
deflection.
Beam stress: =

Mc
I

Beam deflection:

D=

Beam stiffness:

K=

dPL3
EI
1EI
L3

where and are constants that depend on the details of the beam.

Section Modulus, S (in.3, mm3) = I/c

The section modulus is the moment of inertia, I, divided by the distance, c,
from the neutral axis of a beam to the far point of the section. The section
modulus provides the resistance to the bending of a beam. The expressions for
simple sections are:
Rectangular Section: S =

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S=

Circular Section:

Triangular Section:

bd
6

S=

pr 3
4

bd2
24

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Basic Properties of Sections

The section modulus is used to calculate beam stress, :

=

M
S

Torsional Constant, R (in.4, mm4)

The torsional constant is the resistance to twisting. For axisymmetric sections,
R is equal to the polar moment of inertia, Iz or J, which is the sum of moments
of inertia about the x and y axes of the section. That is,
R = Iz = J = Ix + Iy
Circular Section:

R=

r4
2

For other sections, R may be significantly less than Iz, due to the warping
effects of the section when it is loaded in torsion.
In such cases R is determined experimentally:
Rectangular Section:

R = b3d

where is a value that depends on the aspect ratio d/b of the section, the
torsional constant is used to calculate stiffness and stress.

Radius of Gyration, r (in., mm)

r=

I
A

The radius of gyration is the stability parameter that measures the resistance to
buckling.
Rectangular Section:

r= d ,

Circular Section:

r=

12

d
,
4

d = dimensions in buckling direction

d = diameter

It is used to calculate slenderness ratio, L/r, of a column.

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Listed Properties - Standard Sections

The formulas for calculating section properties are provided in standard engineering handbooks.
Some of these formulas are listed in Work Aid 3. These tables include the following:
Properties
A
I
S
R
r

= Area
= Moment of Inertia
= Section Modulus
= Torsion Resistance
= Radius of Gyration

Standard Shapes

Simple Solids (Work Aid 3).

Rectangle, Triangle, Circle, and Ellipse.

Hollow (Thick-Wall) Shapes (Work Aid 3).

Rectangle, Circle, and Ellipse.

Thin-Wall (Line) Sections: t< d/10 (Work Aid 4).

Structural Steel Rolled Shapes.

Designated in the form Ad

w or Lb

t.
where A represents a letter W, S, or C defined as follows:

and

W = Wide-flange shape (Work Aids 5 and 6, pages 1 and 2)

S = Standard I-beam shape (Work Aids 5 and 6, page 3)
C = Channel shape (Work Aids 5 and 6, page 4)
L = Angle with equal or unequal legs (Work Aids 5 and 6, pages 5 and
6)

w = Weight per unit length

b = Width of angle
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d = Depth of section
t = Thickness of angle legs
The actual values are listed for the section properties for the structural steel
rolled shapes. Values for both the U.S. customary units (Work Aid 5) and SI
units (Work Aid 6) are given.

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Example 2: Calculating Section Properties for Standard Shapes

Calculate A, I, S, and r for the following sections:
A.
B.

Timber beam with nominal dimensions, 4 10 in.

Elliptical sewer pipe having the dimensions shown in Figure 8.

FIGURE 8
C.
D.
E.

Square, thin-wall steel tube, mean side 10 in. wide and 0.25 in. thick.
Steel girder, W610 155 (SI units).
Structural member consisting of two back-to-back angles, L8 6 1,
(U.S. customary units) as shown in Figure 9.

FIGURE 9
F.

Same as in E above, but determine values about axis of symmetry.

Solution: Example 2
See Work Aids 8 to 12.

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Calculating Section Properties for Nonstandard Shapes

For the nonstandard sections, such as the compound and composite sections discussed above,
formulas or tabulated values for the section properties are usually not available. The engineer
however, can calculate the values using the procedure outlined below.
Compound Sections
The steps involved in calculating the geometric properties of compound sections are as
follows:
1.

Divide the compound section into a number of simple sections and number
them
1, 2, 3, etc.

2.

Calculate the area, Ai, and moment of inertia, Ii, of each simple section.

3.

Compute the moment of the areas, Aixi or Aiyi, about the reference axis for the
compound section.

4.

Locate the centroid of the compound section by the following relationship to

calculate x or y:
x=

A A ix i
,
Ai

y =

A A iy i
,
Ai

Calculate the moment of inertia about the axis passing through the centroid
using the relationship:
Ix = (Ii + Ai x i2) or Iy = (Ii + Ai y i2)

6.

Calculate the other section properties for the compound section using the
standard formulas.

You can use Work Aid 13 as a convenient format for doing these calculations. The use of this
Work Aid is illustrated in Example 3, Work Aids 14 and 15.

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Example 3: Properties of Compound Sections

Determine the area, moment of inertia, section modulus, and radius of gyration of the sections
shown in Figures 10 and 11.
a) Bridge Pier

b) Plate Girder

FIGURE 10

FIGURE 11

Solution: Example 3
See Work Aids 14 and 15.

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Composite Sections
When a structural member consists of two or more types of material, the properties of the
composite section can be determined by calculating the values for the transformed section.
The transformed section is the equivalent homogeneous section based on the relative elastic
modulus of the materials of the composite section. The relative elastic modulus is expressed
as:
Ei

Modular ratio, n = E o
where: Ei is the elastic modulus of the given material.
Eo is the elastic modulus of the reference material.
To calculate the properties of a composite section follow these steps:
1.

Identify the materials of the section and determine the elastic modulus of each.

2.

Select one material as the reference material for the transformed section.
Usually, the material with the lowest E value is used as the reference.

3.

Determine the modular ratio, n, for each of the other materials in the section.

4.

Replace each section of the other materials with a section transformed by

multiplying the dimension parallel to the axis of the composite section by the
appropriate modular ratio, n. Then draw the transformed section.

5.

From this point, follow the steps used to calculate the properties of the resulting
compound section with the help of Work Aid 13.

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Example 4: Calculating Properties of Composite Sections

An 8 12-in. timber beam (exact size) is reinforced by adding a 7-7/8 1/2-in. steel plate at
the top and a C 7 9.8 steel channel at the bottom as shown in Figure 45. Determine the
section properties, A, I, S, and r relative to the horizontal axis for the composite section.

FIGURE 12
Solution: Example 4
See Work Aid 16.

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Example 5: Calculating Properties of Reinforced Concrete Section

A 10 20-in. concrete beam is reinforced with four 1-in. diameter steel bars as shown in
Figure 49. If the effect of the concrete below the neutral axis through the centroid of the
section is ignored, determine the section modulus for calculating stresses in the concrete (top)
and in the steel (bottom).

FIGURE 13
Solution: Example 5
See Work Aid 17.

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Basic Properties of Sections

WORK AID 1: PROPERTIES OF MATERIAL (CUSTOMARY UNITS)

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WORK AID 2: PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS (SI UNITS)

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WORK AID 3: PROPERTIES OF STANDARD SECTIONS

Moment of
Inertia
I

Section
Modulus
S

Radius of
Gyration
r

bd

bd 3
12

bd 2
6

d
12

Rectangle
Base axis

bd

bd 3
3

bd 2
3

d
3

Triangle
Centroid axis

bd
2

bd 3
36

bd 2
24

d
18

Triangle
Base axis

bd
2

bd 3
12

bd 2
12

d
6

Circle
Centroid axis

d 2
4

d 4
64

d 3
32

d
4

ab

a 3b
4

a 2b
4

a
2

2
2
a b

a 4 b4
12

a 4 b4
6a

a 2 + b2
12

2 2
D -d
4

D4 - d4
64

(D4 d 4 )
D
32

D 2 + d2
4

(ab - cd)

3
(a 3 b c 3d)
3
(a b c d)
4
4a

Section

Shape

Rectangle
Centroid axis

Ellipse
Centroid axis

Hollow square
Centroid axis

Hollow circle
Centroid axis
Hollow ellipse
Centroid axis

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Area
A

1
2

a3b - c3d
ab - cd

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WORK AID 4: PROPERTIES OF THIN WALL SECTIONS (COLD FORMED

STEEL OR ALUMINUM)
Section
Axis

Area
A

2t (b +
d)
t (2b +
d)

Moment of
Inertia
I
td 2
6
td 2
12

Section
Modulus
S
td

( 3b + d)

( 6b + d)

3
td
6

(3b + d)

(6b + d)

Torsion
Constant
R

Radius of
Gyration
r

2tb 2 d 2

d 2 (3b + d)

b+ d

12( b + d)

t3
3

(2b + d)

d 2 (6b + d)
12( 2b + d)

tb 3
6

tb 3
3

t3
(2b + d)
3

b3
6(2b + d)

td

3
td
8

2
td
4

3
td
4

0.3535d

t (b + d)

td 3 (4b + d)
12(b + d)

top: td (4b + d)
6
td2 (4b + d)
bottom:
6 (2b + d)

t3
(b + d)
3

d 3(4b + d)
2
12(b + d)

t (b + d)

tb 3
12

tb 2
6

t3
(b + d)
3

b3
12(b + d)

t (b + d)

td 3 (4b + d)
12(b + d)

top: td (4b + d)
6
td2 (4b + d)
bottom:
6 (2b + d)

t3
(b + d)
3

td 2
(6b + d)
12

td
(6b + d)
6

t3
(2b + d)
3

d 2 (6b + d)
12(b + d)

td 3 (b + 2d)
3(2b + d)

top: td (4b + d)
6
td2 (4b + d)
bottom:
6 (2b + d)

t3
(2b + d)
3

b3(b + 2d)
2
3(2b + d)

t (2b +
d)

t (2b +
d)
t (2b +
d)

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WORK AID 5: PROPERTIES OF ROLLED-STEEL SHAPES (CUSTOMARY

UNITS)
(Page 1 of 6)

W36
300
135

88.3
39.7

36.74
35.55

6.655
11.950

1.680
0.790

0.945
0.600

0300
7800

1110
439

5.2
4.0

1300
225

156
37.7

3.83
2.38

W33 201
118

59.1
34.7

33.68
32.86

15.745
11.480

1.150
0.740

0.715
0.550

11500
5900

684
359

14.0
13.0

749
187

95.2
32.6

3.56
2.32

W30 173
99

0.8
29.1

30.44
29.65

14.985
10.450

1.065
0.670

0.655
0.520

8200
3990

539
269

12.7
11.7

598
128

79.8
24.5

3.43
2.10

W27 146
84

2.9
4.8

27.38
26.71

13.965
9.960

0.975
0.640

0.605
0.460

5630
2850

411
213

11.4
10.7

443
106

63.5
21.2

3.21
2.07

W24 104
68

30.6
20.1

24.06
23.73

12.750
8.965

0.750
0.585

0.500
0.415

3100
1830

258
154

10.1
9.55

259
70.4

40.7
15.7

2.91
1.87

W21 101
62
44

29.8
18.3
13.0

21.36
20.99
20.66

12.290
8.240
6.500

0.800
0.615
0.450

0.500
0.400
0.350

2420
1330
843

227
127
81.6

9.02
8.54
8.06

248
57.5
20.7

40.3
13.9
6.36

2.89
1.77
1.26

W18 106
76
50
35

31.1
22.3
14.7
10.3

18.73
18.21
7.99
17.70

11.200
11.035
7.495
6.000

0.940
0.680
0.570
0.425

0.590
0.425
0.355
0.300

1910
1330
800
510

204
146
88.9
57.6

7.84
7.73
7.38
7.04

220
152
40.1
15.3

39.4
27.6
10.7
5.12

2.66
2.61
1.65
1.22

22.6
16.8
11.8
9.12
7.68
109
42.7
24.1
20.0
15.6
12.6
11.2
8.85
7.69
6.49

16.52
16.43
16.01
15.88
15.69
17.92
4.78
14.31
14.04
13.92
13.66
14.10
13.84
13.91
13.74

10.295
7.120
6.995
5.525
5.500
16.475
15.500
0.130
10.035
8.060
.995
6.770
6.730
5.025
5.000

0.760
0.715
0.505
0.440
0.345
2.660
1.090
0.855
0.720
0.660
0.530
0.515
0.385
0.420
0.335

0.455
0.430
0.305
0.275
0.250
1.655
0.680
0.510
0.415
0.370
0.305
0.310
0.270
0.255
0.230

1110
758
518
375
301
5440
1710
882
723
541
428
385
291
245
199

134
92.2
64.7
47.2
38.4
607
232
23
03
77.8
62.7
54.6
42.0
35.3
29.0

7.00
6.72
6.63
6.41
6.26
7.07
6.33
6.05
6.01
5.89
5.82
5.88
5.73
5.65
5.54

138
26.9
43.1
12.1
28.9
8.25
12.4
4.49
9.59
3.49
1990
241
677
87.3
148
29.3
121
24.2
57.7
14.3
45.2
11.3
26.7
7.88
19.6
5.82
8.91
3.54
7.00
2.80

2.47
1.60
1.57
1.17
1.12
4.27
3.98
2.48
2.46
1.92
1.89
1.55
1.49
1.08
1.04

W16

W14

77
57
40
31
26
370
145
82
68
53
43
38
30
26
22

A wide-flange shape is designated by the letter W followed by the nominal depth in inches and the weight in pounds per foot.

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(Page 2 of 6)

W12
96
72
50
40
35
30
26
22
16

28.2
21.1
14.7
11.8
10.3
8.79
7.65
6.48
4.71

12.71
12.25
12.19
11.94
12.50
12.34
12.22
12.31
11.99

12.160
12.040
8.080
8.005
6.560
6.520
6.490
4.030
3.990

0.900
0.670
0.640
0.515
0.520
0.440
0.380
0.425
0.265

0.550
0.430
0.370
0.295
0.300
0.260
0.230
0.260
0.220

833
597
394
310
285
238
204
156
103

131
97.4
64.7
51.9
45.6
38.6
33.4
25.4
17.1

5.44
5.31
5.18
5.13
5.25
5.21
5.17
4.91
4.67

270
195
56.3
44.1
24.5
20.3
17.3
4.66
2.82

44.4
32.4
13.9
11.0
7.47
6.24
5.34
2.31
1.41

3.09
3.04
1.96
1.93
1.54
1.52
1.51
0.848
0.773

W10 112
68
54
45
39
33
30
22
19
15
W8
58
48
40
35
31
28
24
21
18
15
13
W6
25
20
16
12
9
W5
19
16
W4
13

32.9
20.0
15.8
13.3
1.5
9.71
8.84
6.49
5.62
4.41
17.1
14.1
11.7
10.3
9.13
8.25
7.08
6.16
5.26
.44
3.84
7.34
5.87
4.74
3.55
2.68
5.54
4.68
3.83

11.36
10.40
10.09
10.10
9.92
9.73
10.47
10.17
10.24
9.99
8.75
8.50
8.25
8.12
8.00
8.06
7.93
8.28
8.14
8.11
7.99
6.38
6.20
6.28
6.03
5.90
5.15
5.01
4.16

10.415
10.130
10.030
8.020
7.985
7.960
5.810
5.750
4.020
4.000
8.220
8.110
8.070
8.020
7.995
6.535
6.495
5.270
5.250
4.015
4.000
6.080
6.020
4.030
4.000
3.940
5.030
5.000
4.060

1.250
0.770
0.615
0.620
0.530
0.435
0.510
0.360
0.395
0.270
0.810
0.685
0.560
0.495
0.435
0.465
0.400
0.400
0.330
0.315
0.255
0.455
0.365
0.405
0.280
0.215
0.430
0.360
0.345

0.755
0.470
0.370
0.350
0.315
0.290
0.300
0.240
0.250
0.230
0.510
0.400
0.360
0.310
0.285
0.285
0.245
0.250
0.230
0.245
0.230
0.320
0.260
0.260
0.230
0.170
0.270
0.240
0.280

716
394
303
248
209
170
170
118
96.3
68.9
228
184
146
127
110
98.0
82.8
75.3
61.9
48.0
39.6
53.4
41.4
32.1
22.1
16.4
26.2
21.3
11.3

126
75.7
60.0
49.1
42.1
35.0
32.4
23.2
18.8
13.8
52.0
43.3
35.5
31.2
27.5
24.3
20.9
18.2
15.2
11.8
9.91
16.7
13.4
10.2
7.31
5.56
10.2
8.51
5.46

4.66
4.44
4.37
4.33
4.27
4.19
4.38
4.27
4.14
3.95
3.65
3.61
3.53
3.51
3.47
3.45
3.42
3.49
3.43
3.29
3.21
2.70
2.66
2.60
2.49
2.47
2.17
2.13
1.72

236
134
103
53.4
45.0
36.6
16.7
11.4
4.29
2.89
75.1
60.9
49.1
42.6
37.1
21.7
18.3
9.77
7.97
3.41
2.73
17.1
13.3
4.43
2.99
2.20
9.13
7.51
3.86

45.3
26.4
20.6
13.3
11.3
9.20
5.75
3.97
2.14
1.45
18.3
15.0
12.2
10.6
9.27
6.63
5.63
3.71
3.04
1.70
1.37
5.61
4.41
2.20
1.50
1.11
3.63
3.00
1.90

2.68
2.59
2.56
2.01
1.98
1.94
1.37
1.33
0.874
0.810
2.10
2.08
2.04
2.03
2.02
1.62
1.61
1.26
1.23
0.876
0.843
1.52
1.50
0.967
0.918
0.905
1.28
1.27
1.00

A wide-flange shape is designated by the letter W followed by the nominal depth in inches and the weight in pounds per foot.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

23

Engineering Encyclopedia

Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 3 of 6)

S24 100
90
79.9
S20

S18
S15
S12

S10

S8 v

S6
S5
S4
S3

29.4
26.5
23.5

24.00
24.00
24.00

7.247
7.124
7.001

0.871
0.871
0.871

0.747
0.624
0.501

2390
2250
2110

199
187
175

9.01
9.22
9.47

47.8
44.9
42.3

13.2
12.6
12.1

1.27
1.30
1.34

95
85
75
65.4

27.9
25.0
22.1
19.2

20.00
20.00
20.00
20.00

7.200
7.053
6.391
6.250

0.916
0.916
0.789
0.789

0.800
0.653
0.641
0.500

1610
1520
1280
1180

161
152
128
118

7.60
7.79
7.60
7.84

49.7
46.2
29.6
27.4

13.8
13.1
9.28
8.77

1.33
1.36
1.16
1.19

70
54.7

20.6
16.1

18.00
18.00

6.251
6.001

0.691
0.691

0.711
0.461

926
804

103
89.4

6.71
7.07

24.1
20.8

7.72
6.94

1.08
1.14

50
42.9

14.7
12.6

15.00
15.00

5.640
5.501

0.622
0.622

0.550
0.411

486
447

64.8
59.6

5.75
5.95

15.7
14.4

5.57
5.23

1.03
1.07

50
40.8
35
31.8

14.7
12.0
10.3
9.35

12.00
12.00
12.00
12.00

5.477
5.252
5.078
5.000

0.659
0.659
0.544
0.544

0.687
0.462
0.428
0.350

305
272
229
218

50.8
45.4
38.2
36.4

4.55
4.77
4.72
4.83

15.7
13.6
9.87
9.36

5.74
5.16
3.89
3.74

1.03
1.06
0.980
1.00

35
25.4

10.3
7.46

10.00
10.00

4.944
4.661

0.491
0.491

0.594
0.311

147
124

29.4
24.7

3.78
4.07

8.36
6.79

3.38
2.91

0.901
0.954

23
18.4

6.77
5.41

8.00
8.00

4.171
4.001

0.425
0.425

0.441
0.271

64.9
57.6

16.2
14.4

3.10
3.26

4.31
3.73

2.07
1.86

0.798
0.831

S7x20
15.3

5.88
4.50

7.00
7.00

3.860
3.662

0.392
0.392

0.450
0.252

42.4
36.7

12.1
10.5

2.69
2.86

3.17
2.64

1.64
1.44

0.734
0.766

17.25
12.5

5.07
3.67

6.00
6.00

3.565
3.332

0.359
0.359

0.465
0.232

26.3
22.1

8.77
7.37

2.28
2.45

2.31
1.82

1.30
1.09

0.675
0.705

14.75
10

4.34
2.94

5.00
5.00

3.284
3.004

0.326
0.326

0.494
0.214

15.2
12.3

6.09
4.92

1.87
2.05

1.67
1.22

1.01
0.809

0.620
0.643

9.5
7.7

2.79
2.26

4.00
4.00

2.796
2.663

0.293
0.293

0.326
0.193

6.79
6.08

3.39
3.04

1.56
1.64

0.903
0.764

0.646
0.574

0.569
0.581

7.5
5.7

2.21
1.67

3.00
3.00

2.509
2.330

0.260
0.260

0.349
0.170

2.93
2.52

1.95
1.68

1.15
1.23

0.586
0.455

0.468
0.390

0.516
0.522

An American Standard Beam is designated by the letter S followed by the nominal depth in inches and the weight in pounds per foot.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

24

Engineering Encyclopedia

Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 4 of 6)

C15 50
14.7
40
11.8
33.9 9.96

15.00
15.00
15.00

3.716
3.520
3.400

0.650
0.650
0.650

0.716
0.520
0.400

404
349
315

53.8
46.5
42.0

5.24
5.44
5.62

11.0
9.23
8.13

3.78
3.36
3.11

0.867
0.886
0.904

0.799
0.778
0.787

C12 30
25
20.7

8.82
7.35
6.09

12.00
12.00
12.00

3.170
3.047
2.942

0.501
0.501
0.501

0.510
0.387
0.282

162
144
129

27.0
24.1
21.5

4.29
4.43
4.61

5.14
4.47
3.88

2.06
1.88
1.73

0.763
0.780
0.799

0.674
0.674
0.698

C10 30
25
20
15.3

8.82
7.35
5.88
4.49

10.00
10.00
10.00
10.00

3.033
2.886
2.739
2.600

0.436
0.436
0.436
0.436

0.673
0.526
0.379
0.240

103
91.2
78.9
67.4

20.7
18.2
15.8
13.5

3.42
3.52
3.66
3.87

3.94
3.36
2.81
2.28

1.65
1.48
1.32
1.16

0.669
0.676
0.691
0.713

0.649
0.617
0.606
0.634

5.88
4.41
3.94

9.00
9.00
9.00

2.648
2.485
2.433

0.413
0.413
0.413

0.448
0.285
0.233

60.9
51.0
47.9

13.5
11.3
10.6

3.22
3.40
3.48

2.42
1.93
1.76

1.17
1.01
0.962

0.642
0.661
0.668

0.583
0.586
0.601

18.75 5.51
13.75 4.04
11.5 3.38

8.00
8.00
8.00

2.257
2.343
2.260

0.390
0.390
0.390

0.487
0.303
0.220

44.0
36.1
32.6

11.0 2.82
9.03 2.99
8.14 3.11

1.98
1.53
1.32

1.01
0.853
0.781

0.599
0.615
0.625

0.565
0.553
0.571

14.75 4.33
12.25 3.60
9.8 2.87

7.00
7.00
7.00

2.299
2.194
2.090

0.366
0.366
0.366

0.419
0.314
0.210

27.2
24.2
21.3

7.78 2.51
6.93 2.60
6.08 2.72

1.38
1.17
0.968

0.779
0.702
0.625

0.564
0.571
0.581

0.532
0.525
0.541

13
10.5
8.2

3.83
3.09
2.40

6.00
6.00
6.00

2.157
2.034
1.920

0.343
0.343
0.343

0.437
0.314
0.200

17.4
15.2
13.1

5.80 2.13
5.06 2.22
4.38 2.34

1.05
0.865
0.692

0.642
0.564
0.492

0.525
0.529
0.537

0.514
0.500
0.512

9
6.7

2.64
1.97

5.00
5.00

1.885
1.750

0.320
0.320

0.325
0.190

8.90
7.49

3.56 1.83
3.00 1.95

0.632
0.478

0.449
0.378

0.489
0.493

0.478
0.484

7.25 2.13
5.4 1.59

4.00
4.00

1.721
1.584

0.296
0.296

0.321
0.184

4.59
3.85

2.29 1.47
1.93 1.56

0.432
0.319

0.343
0.283

0.450
0.449

0.459
0.458

6
5
4.1

3.00
3.00
3.00

1.596
1.498
1.410

0.273
0.273
0.273

0.356
0.258
0.170

2.07
1.85
1.66

1.38 1.08
1.24 1.12
1.10 1.17

0.305
0.247
0.197

0.268
0.233
0.202

0.416
0.410
0.404

0.455
0.438
0.437

C9

C8

C7

C6

C5
C4
C3

20
15
13.4

1.76
1.47
1.21

An American Standard Channel is designated by the letter C followed by the nominal depth in millimeters and the weight in pounds per foot.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

25

Engineering Encyclopedia

Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 5 of 6)

L8 8

L6 6

L5 5

1
3/4
1/2

51.0
38.9
26.4

15.0
11.4
7.75

89.0
69.7
48.6

15.8
12.2
8.36

2.44
2.47
2.50

2.37
2.28
2.19

1.56
1.58
1.59

1
3/4
5/8
1/2
3/8

37.4
28.7
24.2
19.6
14.9

11.0
8.44
7.11
5.75
4.36

35.5
28.2
24.2
19.9
15.4

8.57
6.66
5.66
4.61
3.53

1.80
1.83
1.84
1.86
1.88

1.86
1.78
1.73
1.68
1.64

1.17
1.17
1.18
1.18
1.19

3/4

3/8

23.6
20.0
16.2
12.3

6.94
5.86
4.75
3.61

15.7
13.6
11.3
8.74

4.53
3.86
3.16
2.42

1.51
1.52
1.54
1.56

1.52
1.48
1.43
1.39

0.975
0.978
0.983
0.990

3/4
5/8
1/2
3/8
1/4

18.5
15.7
12.8
9.8
6.6

5.44
4.61
3.75
2.86
1.94

7.67
6.66
5.56
4.36
3.04

2.81
2.40
1.97
1.52
1.05

1.19
1.20
1.22
1.23
1.25

1.27
1.23
1.18
1.14
1.09

0.778
0.779
0.782
0.788
0.795

1/2

11.1
8.5
5.8

3.25
2.48
1.69

3.64
2.87
2.01

1.49
1.15
0.794

1.06
1.07
1.09

1.06
1.01
0.968

0.683
0.687
0.694

9.4
7.2
4.9

2.75
2.11
1.44

2.22
1.76
1.24

1.07
0.833
0.577

0.898
0.913
0.930

0.932
0.888
0.842

0.584
0.587
0.592

7.7
5.9
4.1
3.07

2.25
1.73
1.19
0.902

1.23
0.984
0.703
0.547

0.724
0.566
0.394
0.303

0.739
0.753
0.769
0.778

0.806
0.762
0.717
0.694

0.487
0.487
0.491
0.495

4.7
.19
1.65

1.36
0.938
0.484

0.479
0.348
0.190

0.351
0.247
0.131

0.594
0.609
0.626

0.636
0.592
0.546

0.389
0.391
0.398

5/8
1/2

L4 4

L31/2 31/2

3/8
1/4

L3 3

1/2
3/8
1/4

L21/2 21/2

1/2
3/8
1/4
3/16

L2 2

3/8
1/4
1/8

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

26

Engineering Encyclopedia

Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 6 of 6)

L8
1

3/4
1/4

L6 4

3/4
1/2
3/8

L5 3

1/2
3/8
1/4

L4 3

1/2
3/8
1/4

L 31/2 21/2

3/8

1/2

1/4

L3 2

1/2
3/8
1/4

L 21/2 2

3/8

44.2
33.8
23.0

13.0
9.94
6.75

80.8
63.4
44.3

15.1
11.7
8.02

2.49
2.53
2.56

2.65
2.56
2.47

23.6
16.2
12.3

6.94
4.75
3.61

24.5
17.4
13.5

6.25
4.33
3.32

1.88
1.91
1.93

2.08
1.99
1.94

12.8
9.8
6.6

3.75
2.86
1.94

9.45
7.37
5.11

2.91
2.24
1.53

1.59
1.61
1.62

11.1
8.5
5.8

3.25
2.48
1.69

5.05
3.96
2.77

1.89
1.46
1.00

9.4
7.2
4.9

2.75
2.11
1.44

3.24
2.56
1.80

7.7
5.9
4.1

2.25
1.73
1.19

5.3

1.55

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

38.8
30.7
21.7

8.92
6.92
4.79

1.73
1.76
1.79

1.65
1.56
1.47

1.28
1.29
1.30

0.543
0.551
0.558

8.68
6.27
4.90

2.97
2.08
1.60

1.12
1.15
1.17

1.08
0.987
0.941

0.860
0.870
0.877

0.428
0.440
0.446

1.75
1.70
1.66

2.58
2.04
1.44

1.15
0.888
0.614

0.829
0.845
0.861

0.750
0.704
0.657

0.648
0.654
0.663

0.357
0.364
0.371

1.25
1.26
1.28

1.33
1.28
1.24

2.42
1.92
1.36

1.12
0.866
0.599

0.864
0.879
0.896

0.827
0.782
0.736

0.639
0.644
0.651

0.543
0.551
0.558

1.41
1.09
0.755

1.09
1.10
1.12

1.20
1.16
1.11

1.36
1.09
0.777

0.760
0.592
0.412

0.704
0.719
0.735

0.705
0.660
0.614

0.534
0.537
0.544

0.486
0.496
0.506

1.92
1.53
1.09

1.00
0.781
0.542

0.924
0.940
0.957

1.08
1.04
0.993

0.672
0.543
0.392

0.474
0.371
0.260

0.546
0.559
0.574

0.583
0.539
0.493

0.428
0.430
0.435

0.414
0.428
0.440

0.912

0.547

0.768

0.831

0.514

0.363

0.577

0.581

0.420

0.614

27

Engineering Encyclopedia

Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

WORK AID 6: PROPERTIES OF ROLLED-STEEL SHAPES (SI UNITS)

(Page 1 of 6)

W920
446
201

57000
25600

933
903

423
304

42.7
20.1

24.0
15.2

8450
3250

18110
7200

386
356

541
93.7

2560
616

97.3
60.5

W840 299
176

38100
22400

855
835

400
292

29.2
18.8

18.2
14.0

4790
2460

11200
5890

356
330

312
77.8

1560
533

90.4
58.9

W760 257
147

32800
18800

773
753

381
265

27.1
17.0

16.6
13.2

3410
1660

8820
4410

323
297

249
53.3

1307
402

87.1
53.3

W690 217
125

27700
16000

695
678

355
253

24.8
16.3

15.4
11.7

2340
1186

6730
3500

290
272

184.4
44.1

1039
349

81.5
52.6

W610 155
101

19700
13000

611
603

324
228

19.0
14.9

12.7
10.5

1290
762

4220
2530

256
243

107.8
29.3

665
257

73.9
47.5

W530 150
92
66

19200
11800
8390

543
553
525

312
209
165

20.3
15.6
11.4

12.7
10.2
8.9

1007
554
351

3710
2080
1337

229
217
205

103.2
23.9
8.62

662
229
104.5

73.4
45.0
32.0

W460 158
113
74
52

20100
14400
9480
6650

476
463
457
450

284
280
190
152

23.9
17.3
14.5
10.8

15.0
10.8
9.0
7.6

795
554
333
212

3340
2390
1457
942

199.1
196.3
187.5
178.8

91.6
63.3
16.69
6.37

645
452
175.7
83.8

67.6
66.3
41.9
31.0

W410 114
85
60
46.1
38.8
W360
551
216
122
101
79
64
57
44.8
39.0
32.9

14600
10800
7610
5880
4950
70300
27500
15500
12900
10100
8130
7230
5710
4960
4190

420
417
407
403
399
455
375
363
357
354
347
358
352
353
349

261
181
178
140
140
418
394
257
255
205
203
172
171
128
127

19.3
18.2
12.8
11.2
8.8
67.6
27.7
21.7
18.3
16.8
13.5
13.1
9.8
10.7
8.5

11.6
10.9
7.7
7.0
6.4
42.0
17.3
13.0
10.5
9.4
7.7
7.9
6.9
6.5
5.8

462
316
216
156.1
125.3
2260
712
367
301
225
178.1
160.2
121.1
102.0
82.8

2200
1516
1061
775
628
9930
3800
2020
1686
1271
1027
895
688
578
474

177.8
170.7
168.4
162.8
159.0
179.6
160.8
153.7
152.7
149.6
147.8
149.4
145.5
143.5
140.7

57.4
17.94
12.03
5.16
3.99
828
282
61.6
50.4
24.0
18.81
11.11
8.16
3.71
2.91

440
198.2
135.2
73.7
57.0
3960
1431
479
395
234
185.3
129.2
95.4
58.0
45.8

62.7
40.6
39.9
29.7
28.4
108.5
101.1
63.0
62.5
48.8
48.0
39.4
37.8
27.4
26.4

A wide-flange shape is designated by the letter W followed by the nominal depth in millimeters and the mass in kilograms per meter.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

28

Engineering Encyclopedia

Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 2 of 6)

W310
143
18200
107
13600
74
9480
60
7610
52
6650
44.5 5670
38.7 4940
32.7 4180
23.8 3040

323
311
310
303
317
313
310
313
305

309
306
205
203
167
166
165
102
101

22.9
17.0
16.3
13.1
13.2
11.2
9.7
10.8
6.7

14.0
10.9
9.4
7.5
7.6
6.6
5.8
6.6
5.6

347
248
164.0
129.0
118.6
99.1
84.9
64.9
42.9

2150
1595
1058
851
748
633
548
415
281

138.2
134.9
131.6
130.3
133.4
132.3
131.3
124.7
118.6

112.4
81.2
23.4
18.36
10.20
8.45
7.20
1.940
1.174

728
78.5
531
77.2
228
49.8
180.9 49.0
122.2 39.1
101.8 38.6
87.3 38.4
38.0 21.5
23.2 19.63

W250 167
21200
101
12900
80
10200
67
8580
58
7420
49.1 6260
44.8 5700
32.7 4190
28.4 3630
22.3 2850

289
264
256
257
252
247
266
258
260
254

265
257
255
204
203
202
148
146
102
102

31.8
19.6
15.6
15.7
13.5
11.0
13.0
9.1
10.0
6.9

19.2
11.9
9.4
8.9
8.0
7.4
7.6
6.1
6.4
5.8

298.0
164.0
126.1
103.2
87.0
70.8
70.8
49.1
40.1
28.7

2060
1242
985
803
690
573
532
381
308
226

118.4
112.8
111.0
110.0
108.5
106.4
111.3
108.5
105.2
100.3

98.2
55.8
42.8
22.2
18.73
15.23
6.95
4.75
1.796
1.203

741
434
336
218
184.5
150.8
93.9
65.1
35.2
23.6

68.1
65.8
65.0
51.1
50.3
49.3
34.8
33.8
22.2
20.6

W200 86
11000
71
9100
59
7550
52
6650
46.1 5890
41.7 5320
35.9 4570
31.3 3970
26.6 3390
22.5 2860
19.3 2480

222
216
210
206
203
205
201
210
207
206
203

209
206
205
204
203
166
165
134
133
102
102

20.6
17.4
14.2
12.6
11.0
11.8
10.2
10.2
8.4
8.0
6.5

13.0
10.2
9.1
7.9
7.2
7.2
6.2
6.4
5.8
6.2
5.8

94.9
76.6
60.8
52.9
45.8
40.8
34.5
31.3
25.8
20.0
16.48

855
709
579
514
451
398
343
298
249
194.2
162.4

92.7
91.7
89.7
89.2
88.1
87.6
86.9
88.6
87.1
83.6
81.5

31.3
25.3
20.4
17.73
15.44
9.03
7.62
4.07
3.32
1.419
1.136

300
246
199.0
173.8
152.1
108.8
92.4
60.7
49.9
27.8
22.3

53.3
52.8
51.8
51.6
51.3
41.1
40.9
32.0
31.2
22.3
21.4

W150 37.1
29.8
24.0
18.0
13.5

4740
3790
3060
2290
1730

162
157
160
153
150

154
153
102
102
100

11.6
9.3
10.3
7.1
5.5

8.1
6.6
6.6
5.8
4.3

22.2
17.23
13.36
9.20
6.83

274
219
167.0
120.3
91.1

68.6
67.6
66.0
63.2
62.7

7.12
5.54
1.844
1.245
0.916

92.5
72.4
36.2
24.4
18.32

38.6
38.1
24.6
23.3
23.0

W130 28.1
23.8
W100
19.3

3590
3040
2470

131
127
106

128
127
103

10.9
9.1
8.8

6.9
6.1
7.1

10.91
8.87
4.70

166.6
139.7
88.7

55.1
54.1
43.7

3.80
3.13
1.607

59.4
49.3
31.2

32.5
32.3
25.4

A wide-flange shape is designated by the letter W followed by the nominal depth in millimeters and the mass in kilograms per meter.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

29

Engineering Encyclopedia

Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 3 of 6)

S610 149
134
118.9

18970
17100
15160

610
610
610

184
181
178

22.1
22.1
22.1

19.0
15.8
12.7

995
937
878

3260
3070
2880

229
234
241

19.90
18.69
17.61

216
207
197.9

32.3
33.0
34.0

S510 141
127
112
97.3

18000
16130
14260
12390

508
508
508
508

183
179
162
159

23.3
23.3
20.1
20.1

20.3
16.6
16.3
12.7

670
633
533
491

2640
2490
2100
1933

193.0
197.9
193.0
199.1

20.69
19.23
12.32
11.40

226
215
152.1
143.4

33.8
34.5
29.5
30.2

S460 104
81.4

13290
10390

457
457

159
152

17.6
17.6

18.1
11.7

385
335

1685
1466

170.4
179.6

10.03
8.66

126.2
113.9

27.4
29.0

S380 74
64

9480
8130

381
381

143
140

15.8
15.8

14.0
10.4

202
186.1

1060
977

146.1
151.1

6.53
5.99

91.3
85.6

26.2
27.2

74
60.7
52
47.3

9480
7740
6640
6032

305
305
305
305

139
133
129
127

16.8
16.8
13.8
13.8

17.4
11.7
10.9
8.9

127.0
113.2
95.3
90.7

833
742
625
595

115.6
121.2
119.9
122.7

6.53
5.66
4.11
3.90

94.0
85.1
63.7
61.4

26.2
26.9
24.9
25.4

52
37.8

6640
4806

254
254

126
118

12.5
12.5

15.1
7.9

61.2
51.6

482
406

96.0
l03.4

3.48
2.83

55.2
48.0

22.9
24.2

34
27.4

4368
3484

203
203

106
102

10.8
10.8

11.2
6.9

27.0
24.0

266
236

78.7
82.8

1.794
1.553

33.8
30.4

20.3
21.1

30
22.8

3794
2890

178
178

97
92

10.0
10.0

11.4
6.4

17.65
15.28

198.3
171.7

68.3
72.6

1.319
1.099

27.2 18.64
23.9 19.45

25.7
18.6

3271
2362

152
152

90
84

9.1
9.1

11.8
5.8

10.95
9.20

144.1
121.1

57.9
62.2

0.961
0.758

21.4 17.15
18.05 17.91

22.0
15.0

2800
1884

127
127

83
76

8.3
8.3

12.5
5.3

6.33
5.12

99.7
80.6

47.5
52.1

0.695
0.508

16.75 15.75
13.37 16.33

14.1
11.5

1800
1452

102
102

70
67

7.4
7.4

8.3
4.8

2.83
2.53

55.5
49.6

39.6
41.6

0.376
0.318

10.74 14.45
9.49 14.75

11.2
8.5

1426
1077

76
76

63
59

6.6
6.6

8.9
4.3

1.22
1.05

32.1
27.6

29.2
31.3

0.244
0.189

7.75 13.11
6.41 13.26

S310

S250
S200
S180
S150
S130
S100
S75

An American Standard Beam is designated by the letter S followed by the nominal depth in millimeters and the mass in kilograms per meter.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

30

Engineering Encyclopedia

Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 4 of 6)

C380

C310

C250

C230

C200

C180

74
60
50.4

9480
7610
6426

381
381
381

94
89
86

16.5
16.5
16.5

18.2
13.2
10.2

168.2
145.3
131.1

883
763
688

133.1
138.2
142.7

4.58
3.84
3.38

62.1
55.5
51.2

22.0
22.5
23.0

20.3
19.76
19.99

45
37
30.8

5690
4742
3929

305
305
305

80
77
74

12.7
12.7
12.7

13.0
9.8
7.2

67.4
59.9
53.7

442
393
352

109.0
112.5
117.1

2.14
1.861
1.615

34.0
31.1
28.7

19.38
19.81
20.29

17.12
17.12
17.73

45
37
30
22.8

5690
4742
3794
2897

254
254
254
254

76
73
69
65

11.1
11.1
11.1
11.1

17.1
13.4
9.6
6.1

42.9
38.0
32.8
28.1

338
299
258
221

86.9
89.4
93.0
98.3

1.640
1.399
1.170
0.949

27.6
24.4
21.8
18.29

16.99
17.17
17.55
18.11

16.48
15.67
15.39
16.10

30
22
19.9

3794
2845
2542

229
229
229

67
63
61

10.5
10.5
10.5

11.4
7.2
5.9

25.4
21.2
19.94

222
185.2
174.2

81.8
86.4
88.4

1.007
0.803
0.733

19.29
16.69
16.03

16.31
16.79
16.97

14.81
14.88
15.27

27.9 3555
20.5
2606
17.1
2181

203
203
203

64
59
57

9.9
9.9
9.9

12.4
7.7
5.6

18.31
15.03
13.57

180.4
148.1
133.7

71.6
75.9
79.0

0.824
0.637
0.549

16.60
14.17
12.92

15.21
15.62
15.88

14.35
14.05
14.50

22.0 2794
18.2
2323
14.6
1852

178
178
178

58
55
53

9.3
9.3
9.3

10.6
8.0
5.3

11.32
10.07
8.86

127.2
113.2
99.6

63.8
66.0
69.1

0.574
0.487
0.403

12.90
11.69
10.26

14.33
14.50
14.76

13.51
13.34
13.74

C150 19.3
15.6
12.2

2471
1994
1548

152
152
152

54
51
48

8.7
8.7
8.7

11.1
8.0
5.1

7.24
6.33
5.45

95.3
83.3
71.7

54.1
56.4
59.4

0.437
0.360
0.288

10.67
9.40
8.23

13.34
13.44
13.64

13.06
12.70
13.00

C130 13.4
10.0

1703
1271

127
127

47
44

8.1
8.1

8.3
4.8

3.70
3.12

58.3
49.1

46.5
49.5

0.263
0.199

7.54
6.28

12.42
12.52

12.14
12.29

0.8 1374
8.0
1029
8.9
1135
7.4
948
6.1
781

102
102
76
76
76

43
40
40
37
35

7.5
7.5
6.9
6.9
6.9

8.2
4.7
9.0
6.6
4.3

1.911
1.602
0.862
0.770
0.691

37.5
31.4
22.7
20.3
18.18

37.3
39.6
27.4
28.4
29.7

0.180
0.133
0.127
0.103
0.082

5.74
4.69
4.47
3.98
3.43

11.43
11.40
10.57
10.41
10.26

11.66
11.63
11.56
11.13
11.10

C100 1
C75

An American Standard Channel is designated by the letter C followed by the nominal depth in millimeters and the mass in kilograms per meter.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

31

Engineering Encyclopedia

Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 5 of 6)

x or y
mm

Axis
Z-Z
r
mm

Axis X-X and Axis Y-Y

Size and Thickness, mm

Mass per
Meter, kg/m

Area, mm2

I
106mm

S
103mm3

r
mm

L203 203 25.4

19.0
12.7

75.9
57.9
39.3

9680
7360
5000

37.0
29.0
20.2

259
200
137.0

61.8
62.8
63.6

60.2
57.9
55.6

39.6
40.1
40.4

L152 152 25.4

19.0
15.9
12.7
9.5

55.7
42.7
36.0
29.2
22.2

7100
5445
4590
3710
2800

14.78
11.74
10.07
8.28
6.41

140.4
109.1
92.8
75.5
57.8

45.6
46.4
46.8
47.2
47.8

47.2
45.2
43.9
42.7
41.7

29.7
29.7
30.0
30.0
30.2

L127 127 19.0

15.9
12.7
9.5

35.1
29.8
24.1
18.3

4480
3780
3070
2330

6.53
5.66
4.70
3.64

74.2
63.3
51.8
39.7

38.2
38.7
39.2
39.5

38.6
37.6
36.3
35.5

24.8
24.8
25.0
25.1

L102 102 19.0

15.9
12.7
9.5
6.4

27.5
23.4
19.0
14.6
9.8

3510
2970
2420
1845
1252

3.19
2.77
2.31
1.815
1.265

46.0
39.3
32.3
24.9
17.21

30.1
30.5
30.9
31.4
31.8

32.3
31.2
30.0
29.0
27.7

19.76
19.79
19.86
20.0
20.2

12.7
9.5
6.4

16.5
12.6
8.6

2100
1600
1090

1.515
1.195
0.837

24.4
18.85
13.01

26.9
27.3
27.7

26.9
25.7
24.6

17.35
17.45
17.63

12.7
9.5
6.4

14.0
10.7
7.3

1774
1361
929

0.924
0.733
0.516

17.53
13.65
9.46

22.8
23.2
23.6

23.7
22.6
21.4

14.83
14.91
15.04

12.7
9.5
6.4
4.8

11.4
8.7
6.1
4.6

1452
1116
768
581

0.512
0.410
0.293
0.228

11.86
9.28
6.46
4.97

18.78
19.17
19.53
19.81

20.5
19.35
18.21
17.63

12.37
12.37
12.47
12.57

9.5
6.4
3.2

7.0
4.7
2.4

877
605
312

0.1994
0.1448
0.0791

5.75
4.05
2.15

15.08
15.47
15.92

16.15
15.04
13.87

9.88
9.93
10.11

L89 89

L76 76

L64 64

L51 51

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(Page 6 of 6)

L203 152

L152 102

L127 76

L102 76

L89 64

L76 51

L64 51

25.4
19.0
12.7

65.5
50.1
34.1

8390
6410
4350

33.6
26.4
18.44

247
192
131

63.3
64.2
65.1

67.3
65.0
62.7

16.15
12.78
9.03

146.2
113.4
78.5

43.9
44.7
45.6

41.9
39.6
37.3

32.5
32.8
33.0

0.543
0.551
0.558

19.0
12.7
9.5

35.0
24.0
18.2

4480
3060
2330

10.20
7.24
5.62

102.4
71.0
54.4

47.4
48.6
49.1

52.8
50.5
49.3

3.61
2.61
2.04

48.7
34.1
26.2

28.4
29.2
29.6

27.4
25.1
23.9

21.8
22.1
22.3

0.428
0.440
0.446

12.7
9.5
6.4

19.0
14.5
9.8

2420
1845
1252

3.93
3.07
2.13

47.7
36.7
25.1

40.3
40.8
41.2

44.5
43.2
42.2

1.074
0.849
0.599

18.85
14.55
10.06

21.1
21.5
21.9

19.05
17.88
16.69

16.46
16.61
16.84

0.357
0.364
0.371

12.7
9.5
6.4

16.4
12.6
8.6

2100
1600
1090

2.10
1.648
1.153

31.0
23.9
16.39

31.6
32.1
32.5

33.8
32.5
31.5

1.007
0.799
0.566

18.35
14.19
9.82

21.9
22.3
22.8

21.0
19.86
18.69

16.23
16.36
16.54

0.543
0.551
0.558

12.7
9.5
6.4

13.9
10.7
7.3

1774
1361
929

1.349
1.066
0.749

23.1
17.86
12.37

27.6
28.0
28.4

30.5
29.5
28.2

0.566
0.454
0.323

12.45
9.70
6.75

17.88 17.91
18.26 16.76
18.65 15.60

13.56
13.64
13.82

0.486
0.496
0.506

12.7
9.5
6.4

11.5
8.8
6.1

1452
1116
768

0.799
0.637
0.454

16.39
12.80
8.88

23.5
23.9
24.3

27.4
26.4
25.2

0.280
0.226
0.1632

7.77
6.08
4.26

13.89 14.81
14.20 13.69
14.58 12.52

10.87
10.92
11.05

0.414
0.428
0.440

9.5
6.4

7.9
5.4

1000
684

0.380
0.272

8.96
6.24

19.51 21.1
19.94 20.0

0.214
0.5148

5.95
4.16

14.66 14.76
15.04 13.64

10.67
10.77

0.614
0.626

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Basic Properties of Sections

WORK AID 7: PROPERTIES OF SAFE AXIAL LOADS FOR STRUCTURAL

LUMBER
Use Photostat

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Basic Properties of Sections

WORK AID 8: CALCULATINGSECTION PROPERTIES - TIMBER BEAM

Calculate A, I, S, and r for the following section:
Procedure:
A.

Timber beam
Nominal Dimensions: 4 x 10 in.
Actual Dimensions
b = 3.625 in.
d = 9.5 in.
Section Properties:
Using Formulas from Work Aid 3
A = (3.625)(9.5)
= 34.44in.2
3

I = bd =
12

or

(3.625)(9.5)3
= 259 in.4
12

3 (3.625)(9.5)3
S = bd =
= 54.53 in.3
6
6
r = d = 9.5
= 2.74 in.
12 3.46
250
r= I =
= 2.74 in.
A
33.25

FIGURE 18

Alternatively, values for A, I, and S can be obtained directly from the

tabulation in Work Aid 7.

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WORK AID 9: CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES - ELIPTICAL PIPE

(Page 1 of 2)
CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES FOR STANDARD SHAPES
ELLIPTICAL PIPE
Calculate A, I, S, and r for the following section:
B.

Elliptical sewer pipe having the dimensions shown in Figure 19.

FIGURE 19
Elliptical pipe (hollow ellipse) - Work Aid 3.
Dimensions - From Figure 19.
a = half outside major axis = 11 = 5.5 ft

2
b = half outside minor axis = 6 = 3.0 ft
2
c = half inside major axis = 10 = 5.0 ft
2
d = half inside minor axis = 5 = 2.5 ft
2

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Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 2 of 2)
Section properties, Work Aid 3:
A = (ab cd)
= 3.142 [(5.5)(3.0) (5.0)(2.5)] = 12.57 ft2
I=

ab3 - cd3
4

Note change in centroidal axis, that is, minor and major

axes are interchanged.

= 3.142 (5.5)(3.0)3 - (5.5)(2.5)3 = 55.27 ft4

4
S =
r

55.27
= 3.0

I
b
I
A

55.27
12.57

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

= 18.42 ft3
= 2.10 ft

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WORK AID 10: CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES - SQUARE TUBE

(Page 1 of 2)
CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES FOR STANDARD SHAPES
SQUARE TUBE
Calculate A, I, S, and r for the following section:
Procedure:
C.

Square tube

Square, thin-wall steel tube, mean side 10 in. wide and 0.25 in. thick.
1.

Use formula for rectangular tube from Work

Aid 4
Dimensions:
b = d = 10 in.
t = 0.25 in.
FIGURE 20

Section properties:
A = 2t(b + d)
2
I = td (3b + d)
6
2
2I
S =
= 8td
d
6
I
d
r =
=
A
6

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= 4dt = 4(0.25)(10)
3
4
4
= td3 = (0.25)(10)
6
6
2
8
= (0.25)(10)
6
= 10
245

= 10 in.2
= 166.67 in.4
= 33.33 in.3
= 4.08 in.3

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(Page 2 of 2)
2.

Use formula for hollow square from Work Aid 3.

Dimensions:
a = 10 + 0.25 = 10.25 in.
b = 10 0.25 = 9.75 in.
Section Properties:
A = a 2 - b2
I

S =
r

a 4 b4
12

2I
a
I
A

=
=

= (10.75)2 - (9.75)2

(1025) (9.75)
4

2(16677)
1025

16677
100

= 10 in.2

12

= 166.67 in.4

= 32.54 in.3
= 4.08 in.3

The results based on the two approaches are close. However, the second
method is more accurate and should be used for sections with thick walls. The
accuracy of the first approach is reduced as the wall thickness increases.

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Basic Properties of Sections

WORK AID 11: CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES - STEEL GIRDER

CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES FOR STANDARD SHAPES
STEEL GIRDER
Calculate A, I, S, and r for the following section:
Procedure:
D.

Steel girder, W610 155 (SI units)

Section Designation
W = Wide flange
d

= Nominal depth = 610 mm

= Unit weight

= 155 kg /m

FIGURE 21
Section Properties from Work Aid 6, page 1.
Identify designated section, W610 155, and read across to value in the
appropriate column. Note that for beams and girders section properties are
related to the strong axis (x-x) of the section:
A

= 19,700 mm2

I = 1290 106 mm4 (Axis x-x)

S = 4220 103 mm3 (Axis x-x)
rx

= 256 mm

ry

= 73.9 mm

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Basic Properties of Sections

WORK AID 12: CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES - BACK-TO-BACK

ANGLES
(Page 1 of 2)
CALCULATING SECTION PROPERTIES FOR STANDARD SHAPES
BACK-TO-BACK ANGLES
Calculate A, I, S, and r for the following section:
Procedures:
E.

Back - to - Back Angles (U . S. customary units )

Section Designation - Two L 8 6 1
L = Angle section
d = Depth of each angle = 8 in.
b = Width of each angle = 6 in.
t = Thickness of angle legs = 1 in.

Section Properties: Use Work Aid 5.

FIGURE 22

Note that the location of x-x axis for the back-to-back arrangement of the two
angles is the same as for a single angle. However, the y-y axis relocates to the
axis of symmetry which passes between the two angles.
- Identify designation L8 6 1 in Work Aid 5, page 6.
- Obtain section properties for a single angle by reading across to value in the
appropriate column.
- Modify (multiply by 2) value from table to obtain value for two angles:
A = 2(13.0) = 26.0 in.2
I

= 2(80.8) = 161.6 in.4

S = 2(15.1) = 30.2 in.3

I
16.16
r =
=
= 2.49 in.
A
260

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Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 2 of 2)
Procedures:
F.
Back-to-back Angles in Figure 64. Properties about y'-y' axis (axis of
symmetry).
Properties of single Angle, L8 6 1, from Work Aid 5.
- A = 13.0 in.2, for single angle.
- Obtain values of I and x for a single angle about centroid y-y axis:
Io = 38.8 in.4
x = 1.65 in.

FIGURE 23
- Transpose I to axis y'-y' in Figure 65 using formula:
I
I

= Io + A x 2
= 38.8 + 13.0 (1.65)2 = 74.19 in.4

- Modify (multiply by 2) for two angles

A = 2 (13)
I = 2 (74.19)
S = I/C
r

I
A

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= 26.0 in.2
= 148.4 in.4

148.4
= 24.73 in.3
6
148.4
= 26.0 = 2.39 in.
=

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Basic Properties of Sections

WORK AID 13: FORM FOR CALCULATING PROPERTIES OF COMPOUND

SECTIONS

x=

Aixi
= ____________________ =
Ai

I = Io + Aixi2 =

or

y=

Aiyi
= ____________________ =
Ai

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I = Io + Aiyi2 =

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WORK AID 14: CALCULATING PROPERTIES OF COMPOUND SECTIONS BRIDGE PIER

(Page 1 of 5)
Determine the area, moment of inertia, section modulus, and radius of gyration of the section
shown in Figure 24.

FIGURE 24
Procedure:

FIGURE 25

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Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 2 of 5)
Procedure:

Use form in Work Aid 13, (see Figure 27 for completed form).

Divide compound section into three simple shapes and mark 1, 2, and 3.

Select reference axis through point O.

Select formula and calculate Ai Ii and yi for each simple shape.

Section 1: Triangle, b = 20 in. h = 10 in.

20(10)
bh
=
= 100 in.2
A1 =
2
2
3
3
20(10)
bh
I1 =
=
= 555.56 in.4
36
36
2(10)
y1 = 2h
=
= 6.667 in.
3
3
Section 2: Square, a = 20 in.
a2 =
a4 =
12

A2 =
I2

y2 = 10 +

(20)2 = 400 in.2

20 4 = 13333.33 in.4
12

a
20
= 10 +
2
2

= 20 in.

Section 3: Half circle, radius, r = 10 in.

pr2 2.14(210)
=
= 157.1 in.2
2
2
2

A3 =
I3

r4
8

4r 2
3

= 1098 in.4

A3

y3 = 30 =

( )

4 10
4r
= 30 =
= 34.24 in.
3
3 3.142

Enter values on the form in Work Aid 13 (see Figure 27 for completed form) and complete
the calculations.

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Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 3 of 5)
Procedure
Calculate y at the bottom of the form to locate the centroid of the compound section:
y = 21.38 in.
This means that the centroid is 21.38 in. above O. By symmetry, the centroid also lies on the
y-axis.
Determine y i, the distance of the local centroid of each section from the centroid of the
compound section using the relationship:
y =y y
i
i
Therefore,

y
y
y

= 6.667 21.38

= 14.71 in.

= 20 21.38

= 1.38 in.

= 34.24 - 21.38

= 12.86 in.

Complete the last two columns in the form and obtain the totals.
Determine appropriate values for section properties:
= Ai

= 657 in.2

Area A

Moment of Inertia, I

= (Io + Ai y i2)

= 63,352.7 in.4

Alternatively, I

= (Io + Ai y i2)

= Io + Ai y i2

= 14,986.89 + 48,364.8 = 63,352 in. 4

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(Page 4 of 5)
Procedure
Use the appropriate formulas to calculate the other section properties.

Section Modulus, S = I
C

FIGURE 26
- Top of section:
C+ = h - y
= 40 - 21.38
63,352

S+ = 18.62

= 18.62 in.
= 3402 in.3

- Bottom of section:
y
63,352

S = 21.38

C =

= 21.38 in.
= 2963 in.3

Radius of Gyration, r =
=

63,352
657

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

I
A

= 9.82 in.

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.(Page 5 of 5)
Procedure

y = A iyi = 14,045.7 in. = 21.38 in.

Ai
657 in.2

I = Io + A iyi2 = 63,352.7 in.4

FIGURE 27

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WORK AID 15: CALCULATING PROPERTIES OF COMPOUND SECTIONS PLATE GIRDER

(Page 1 of 3)
Determine the area, moment of inertia, section modulus, and radius of gyration of the section
shown in Figure 28.

FIGURE 28
Procedures:

FIGURE 29

Divide section into three rectangles as shown and tabulate on the form from
Work Aid 13.
Choose reference axis at the center of rectangle (2).
Calculate Ai and Ii for each rectangle about its local axis by substituting the
appropriate values for bi and hi in the relationship:
Ai = bihi
bh
Ii = i i
12
and enter values on the form.

Determine yi, the distance from the reference axis to the local centroid of each
rectangle. Enter values on the form. Compute values of Aiyi and totals.
Locate centroid (CG) of compound section by calculating y (bottom of the
form), and calculate the distance y i from the local centroid of each rectangle to
CG of the overall section.

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Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 2 of 3)
Procedure:

Enter values of y on the form and complete calculations.

Obtain from the form the values for A and I, and compute the other section
properties required:

Ai =

= (Io + Ai y i2)

= 2811.43 in.4

Section modulus:
I/C+ or I/C

S+

2811.43
= 14.78

= 190.22 in. 3

2811.43
= 10.97

= 256.28 in. 3

FIGURE 30

Radius of Gyration:
r = I /A
2811.43
=
= 10.60 in.
25.0

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Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 3 of 3)
Procedure:

y = A iyi = -50.75 = -2.03 in.

250
Ai

I = Io + Aiyi2 = 2811.43 in.4

FIGURE 31

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WORK AID 16: CALCULATING PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE SECTIONS

(Page 1 of 4)
An 8 12-in. timber beam (exact size) is reinforced by adding a 7-7/8 1/2-in. steel plate at
the top and a C 7 9.8 steel channel at the bottom as shown in Figure 32. Determine the
section properties, A, I, S, and r relative to the horizontal axis for the composite section.

FIGURE 32
Procedure:
Step 1: Identify materials and obtain Elastic Modulus from Work Aid 1.
Material

Elastic Modulus

Timber

1.8 106 psi

Steel

29 106 psi

Steps 2 & 3: Select reference material and calculate modular ratio, n, for the other material.
Reference
material:
Timber
Modular ratio
for steel:
n=
=

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Esteel
E timber
29 106 psi
18 106 psi

= 16

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Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 2 of 4)
Procedure
Step 4: Transform the steel sections and draw the transformed sections for the composite
section. Multiply the horizontal steel dimensions by n = 16.

FIGURE 33
Step 5: Calculate the section properties for the transformed compound section (Figure 33)
using Work Aid 13.
a.
b.

The transformed section has three simple sections as indicated. Select the
horizontal axis through the centroid of rectangle 2 as the reference axis for the
sections.
Use the standard formulas to calculate A and I for the two rectangular sections.
A1

=bd

= 126(0.5)

3
bd = 12 60.5
I1 =
12
12

A2
I2 =
y2

= 1.31 in 4

= 8 12 = 96 in.2

( )

8 12
12

= 63 in.2

= 1152 in 4

The distance from the reference

axis to the centroid is:
d
d
y 1 = 1 + 2 = 6.25
2
2

=0

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(Page 3 of 4)
Procedure
For the transformed channel Section 3, the values are obtained by multiplying
the appropriate values from Work Aid 5 by n = 16.
Channel (3):
From Work Aid 5 for C7 9.8 channel:
A = 2.87 in.2
I = 0.968 in.4 about weak axis
Therefore, the transformed values are:
A = 2.87 16 = 45.92 in.2
I = 0.968 16 = 15.49 in.4
The distance from the back of the channel to its centroid is 0.54. Therefore,
y = 6 0.54 = 6.54 in.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Enter the values in Work Aid 13 and complete calculations, for Aiyi and totals.
Determine location of centroid (CG) by computing y and calculate the distance
(yi) from the CG to the local axis of the individual sections.
Complete calculations for the last two columns and compute totals.
Obtain totals for area A and moment of inertia I.
A = Ai = 204.92 in. 2
I
g.

= (Io + Aiyi2)

= 5551.21 in.4

Compute S and r
S+ = I = 555.121

= 918.47 in. 3

S = I = 555.121

3
= 649.57 in.

C+

r=

6.044

8.546

I =
A

555.121
20492

= 5.203 in.

FIGURE 34

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(Page 4 of 4)

y = A iyi = 93.43 = 0.456 in.

Ai 204.92

I = Io + Aiyi2 = 5551.21 in.4

FIGURE 35

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WORK AID 17: CALCULATING PROPERTIES OF REINFORCED CONTRETE

SECTIONS
(Page 1 of 3)
A 10 20-in. concrete beam is reinforced with four 1-in. diameter steel bars as shown in
Figure 36. If the effect of the concrete below the neutral axis through the centroid of the
section is ignored, determine the section modulus for calculating stresses in the concrete (top)
and in the steel (bottom).

FIGURE 36
Procedure
Step 1

Identify section materials, obtain their elastic modulus, and calculate modular ratio,
n.
Material
Concrete
Steel

Step 2.

Elastic Modulus
3 106 psi
30 106 psi

30 x 106 psi
Modular ratio, n =ES =
= 10
EC 3 x 106 psi
Determine the transformed steel area, At = n AS.
At = 10(4)

Step 3.

()

P 2
1 = 3142 in 2
4

Define/draw transformed section. This consists of the concrete above the neutral
axis and the steel below the neutral axis. The concrete below the neutral axis is to be
ignored.

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Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 2 of 3)
Procedure
If the neutral axis is located a distance, x, below the top of the concrete section, the
transformed section appears as follows:

FIGURE 37
Step 4.

Determine the location of neutral axis by calculating x from the relationship

Aixi

= 0 about neutral axis.

2
x
= 0
(bx ) - nA s ( d - x)
2
bx 2

+ nA s x - nA s d

2
10x 2

= 0

+ 31. 42x - 31. 42(18) = 0

2
x2

= 6.284x - 113.11

=
=

- b

= 0

b 2 - 4ac
2a

- 6.284 +

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

(6.284) 2 + 4(1) 113.11

2(1)

= 7. 02 in.

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Basic Properties of Sections

(Page 3 of 3)
Procedure
Calculate section properties.
Moment of Inertia, I
I concrete

= Ic =

bx 3
12

x
+ bx
2

I steel

= I s = nA s(d - x )

+= Is =

= Ic

bx 3

bx 3
3

+ nA s ( d - x) 2

10( 7.02) 3
3

+ 31. 42 (18 - 7. 02) 2

= 4941. 2 in . 4

Section Modulus, S
I
494.12
=
X
7.02
I
494.12
- Steel (bottom), Ss =
=
d x 18 7.02

- Concrete (top), Sc =

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=
=

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GLOSSARY
Area

Unit used in calculating stress, axial deformation, axial

stiffness.

Axial Compression

Condition which causes a structural member to compress or

shorten.

Axial Tension

Condition which results when a structural member is pulled or

stretched by force.

Centroid

Center of gravity or the geometric center of a section.

Elastic Modulus

Ratio of stress to strain of the material in the elastic range. Also

known as modulus of elasticity or Youngs modulus.

Flexure

Condition which results when a structural member bends or

flexes when it is subjected to a lateral load.

Instability

Condition which occurs when a slender structural component

subjected to compressive load buckles and fails suddenly
before the yield strength of the material is reached.

Mechanical Properties

Properties determined by testing standard samples of the

material in a laboratory that relate to how the a material
behaves when loads are applied.

Moment of Area

Unit used to locate the center of gravity of the area of a

composite section or neutral axis of a beam, and to compute the
shear stress in a beam.

Moment of Inertia

Second moment of area about a specified axis, the sum of the

product area times the square of the distance to the axis.

Physical Properties

Properties determine by testing standard samples of the

material in a laboratory other than mechanical, that affect the
behavior of a structure or structural member.

Poissons Ratio

Ratio of transverse to axial strain that relates the lateral and

axial deformations of a material when it is loaded along the
longitudinal axis.

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Engineering Encyclopedia

Onshore Structural
Basic Properties of Sections

Shear

Force or stress that causes a structural member to distort so that

angles are changed.

Shear Modulus

Ratio of shear stress to shear strain used to calculate shear and

torsional stiffness and deformations in structural analyses. Also
known as modulus of rigidity.

Specific Weight

Weight per unit volume. Often used to determine loads due to

the selfweight of materials.

Strain

The measure of deformation of a material when it is subjected

to a load. Change in length per unit length.

Stress

Internal resistance to an external force measured as force per

unit area.

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