Lesson 5D: Classification of Shapes

AISC classifies cross-sectional shapes as compact, noncompact, or slender, depending on the values of the width-to-
thickness ratios. For I shapes, the ratio for the projecting flange (an unstiffened element) is bf/2tf, and the ratio for the
web (a stiffened element) is h/tw. The classification of shapes is found in Section B4 of the Specification, “Member
Properties,” in Table B4.1b (Table B4.1a is for compression members). It can be summarized as follows. Let:

The category is based on the worst width-to-thickness ratio of the cross section. For example, if the web is compact and
the flange is noncompact, the shape is classified as noncompact.
NSCP 2015 Requirements:

Section 506 Design of Members for Flexure

NSCP 2015 Requirements:

Section 506 Design of Members for Flexure

Section 506.1 General Provisions

Figure 5.15 shows the value of Cb for several common cases of loading and lateral support.
Lesson 5F: Bending Strength of Non-Compact Shapes

As previously noted, most standard W, M, S, and C shapes are compact. A few are noncompact because of the flange
width-to-thickness ratio, but none are slender.

In general, a noncompact beam may fail by lateral-torsional buckling, flange local buckling, or web local buckling. Any of
these types of failure can be in either the elastic range or the inelastic range. The strength corresponding to each of these
three limit states must be computed, and the smallest value will control.