Plastic Section Modulus

Zp is the Plastic Section Modulus

Resisting moment Mp = fy x Zp

The plastic section modulus assumes the entire section yields.

If the failure is considered till the plastic zone (breaking point) then we consider plastic modulus

The plastic modulus is after yielding.

Zp is used to determine the maximum bending moment at the point where all bers have yielded
elastically and the entire section is behaving plastically. This is the point when the so-called plastic
hinge has developed.

Elastic Section Modulus

Ze is the Elastic Section Modulus

Resisting moment My = fy x Zy

The elastic section modulus assumes the section remains elastic.

If the failure is considered till the elastic zone then we consider elastic modulus.

Elastic modulus is the steel modulus based on the stress strain curve before yielding.

Ze is used to determine the maximum bending moment up to the point where the extreme ber has
yielded elastically. All other bers will be below their elastic yield stress.