Guangdong LiYou Steel Structure Engineering Co., Ltd. +8619147784007 liyousteelstructure@outlook.com
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At LiYou Steel Structure, we leverage shape factor principles to design safer, more economical structures:
✔ Software-Aided Optimization
Using Tekla, 3D3S, and STAAD.Pro, we analyze sections for optimal plastic moment capacity.
✔ Material Efficiency
Selecting high shape factor sections (e.g., RHS over CHS) where bending dominates.
✔ Seismic & Dynamic Load Considerations
In earthquake-prone regions, we prioritize ductile sections (SF > 1.2) for energy dissipation.
✔ Compliance with International Codes
AISC 360 (U.S.), Eurocode 3 (EU), and GB 50017 (China) shape factor requirements are strictly followed.
| Quantity: | |
|---|---|
Online technical support, Onsite Installation, Onsite Training, Onsite Inspection, Free spare parts, Return and Replacement, Other
graphic design, 3D model design, total solution for projects, Cross Categories Consolidation, Others
garage shed, storage closet, poultry houses, Hotel, Villa, Apartment, Office Building, Hospital, School, Mall, Sports Venues, Leisure Facilities, supermarket, Warehouse, Workshop, Park, Farmhouse, Courtyard, Other, Kitchen, Bathroom, Home Office, Living Room, Bedroom, Dining, Babies and kids, Outdoor, Storage & Closet, Exterior, Wine Cellar, Entry, Hall, Home Bar, Staircase, Basement, Garage & Shed, Gym, Laundry
steel
Guangdong, China
Modern
Lifetime
Liyou
LYB-001
CE Certification
Industrial Commercial
C.Z Shape Steel Channel
Sliding Door
Customized Color
Sandwich Panel Optional
Aluminum Alloy Sliding Window
SAP2000/AutoCAD /PKPM /3D3S/TEKLA
Hot Dip Galvanized
25-60 days
The shape factor in steel structure design is a critical parameter that measures the plastic moment capacity of a cross-section relative to its elastic moment capacity. It is defined as:
where:
Mp = Plastic moment capacity (fully yielded section)
My = Yield moment capacity (first yield at extreme fiber)
A higher shape factor indicates a section’s ability to redistribute stresses before collapse, making it crucial for plastic design and ductility considerations.
Plastic Design Efficiency
Sections with a high shape factor (e.g., I-beams, rectangular hollow sections) are preferred in plastic design because they can undergo significant deformation before failure.
Example: A typical I-beam has a shape factor of 1.12–1.20, allowing for moment redistribution in continuous beams.
Ductility & Safety
Steel structures must exhibit ductile behavior to avoid sudden collapse. A higher shape factor means more plastic hinge formation before failure.
Critical in seismic zones where energy dissipation is required.
Economical Material Usage
Optimizing shape factor helps engineers select cost-effective sections without overdesigning.
Example: Rectangular hollow sections (RHS) have a higher shape factor than circular hollow sections (CHS), making them more efficient for bending.
Influence on Buckling Resistance
Compact sections (high shape factor) resist local buckling better than slender sections.
Eurocode 3 and AISC classify sections based on width-thickness ratios to ensure adequate shape factor for stability.
| Cross-Section | Shape Factor (SF) | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular Section | 1.50 | Beams, short-span girders |
| I-Beam (Wide Flange) | 1.12–1.20 | Multi-story frames, bridges |
| Circular Hollow (CHS) | 1.27 | Architectural trusses |
| Rectangular Hollow (RHS) | 1.35–1.50 | Portal frames, cantilevers |
| Angle Section | ~1.50 | Bracing, light structures |
For our Philippine Logistics Warehouse (11,790㎡), we used RHS sections (SF = 1.40) because:
Higher plastic moment capacity allowed longer spans (45m) without intermediate columns.
Cost savings of 15% compared to I-beams due to better stress redistribution.
✅ Shape factor determines a section’s plastic reserve strength.
✅ Higher SF = Better ductility & economical design.
✅ I-beams (SF ~1.15) vs. RHS (SF ~1.40) behave differently under plastic conditions.
✅ LiYou’s designs optimize SF for safety, cost, and performance.
Need a steel structure designed for optimal shape factor? Contact LiYou’s engineering team for a free consultation!
Q: Does shape factor affect fatigue resistance?
A: Indirectly—higher SF sections (ductile) often perform better under cyclic loads.
Q: Can shape factor exceed 1.5?
A: Rarely; most practical steel sections range between 1.1–1.5.
Q: How is shape factor used in limit state design?
A: It helps determine rotation capacity in plastic hinge zones.
| No | Components | Specification | ||||||
| Embedded Parts | ||||||||
| 1 | Anchor Bolt | M24 | ||||||
| 2 | High Strength Bolt | M20,10.9S | ||||||
| 3 | Common Bolt | M16 | ||||||
| 4 | Galvanized Bolt | M12 | ||||||
| 5 | Shear Nail | M16 | ||||||
| 6 | Tir rod | ∅32*2.5 | ||||||
| Main Steel Structure Parts | ||||||||
| 1 | Steel Column (Q355B) | H550*300*10*16 | ||||||
| 2 | Wind Column (Q355B) | H400*220*6*10 | ||||||
| 3 | Roof Frame Beam (Q355B) | H900~500*220*10*12 H500~650*220*8*12 | ||||||
| 4 | Crane Beam (Q355B) | H650*320/240*10*16/14 | ||||||
| 5 | Tie Bar(Q235B) | ∅168*4.0 | ||||||
| 6 | Horizontal Brace (Q235B) | ∅168*4.0 | ||||||
| 7 | Column Brace (Q235B) | ∅25 | ||||||
| 8 | Angle Brace (Q235B) | L63*5.0 | ||||||
| 9 | Roof Purlin (Galvanized) | Z280*80*20*2.5 | ||||||
| 10 | Wall Purlin (Galvanized) | C250*75*20*2.5 | ||||||
| 11 | Connecting Plate | 6mm-30mm | ||||||
| Other Steel Structure Parts | ||||||||
| 1 | Roof Panel | 50mm Rock wool Sandwich panel | ||||||
| 2 | Wall Panel | 50mm Rock wool Sandwich panel | ||||||
| 3 | Gutter | 2mm Galvanized Steel Plate | ||||||
| 4 | Down Pipe | PVC160 (Including parts) | ||||||
| 5 | Trimming | Color steel 0.5mm Gavanized steel panel | ||||||
The shape factor in steel structure design is a critical parameter that measures the plastic moment capacity of a cross-section relative to its elastic moment capacity. It is defined as:
where:
Mp = Plastic moment capacity (fully yielded section)
My = Yield moment capacity (first yield at extreme fiber)
A higher shape factor indicates a section’s ability to redistribute stresses before collapse, making it crucial for plastic design and ductility considerations.
Plastic Design Efficiency
Sections with a high shape factor (e.g., I-beams, rectangular hollow sections) are preferred in plastic design because they can undergo significant deformation before failure.
Example: A typical I-beam has a shape factor of 1.12–1.20, allowing for moment redistribution in continuous beams.
Ductility & Safety
Steel structures must exhibit ductile behavior to avoid sudden collapse. A higher shape factor means more plastic hinge formation before failure.
Critical in seismic zones where energy dissipation is required.
Economical Material Usage
Optimizing shape factor helps engineers select cost-effective sections without overdesigning.
Example: Rectangular hollow sections (RHS) have a higher shape factor than circular hollow sections (CHS), making them more efficient for bending.
Influence on Buckling Resistance
Compact sections (high shape factor) resist local buckling better than slender sections.
Eurocode 3 and AISC classify sections based on width-thickness ratios to ensure adequate shape factor for stability.
| Cross-Section | Shape Factor (SF) | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular Section | 1.50 | Beams, short-span girders |
| I-Beam (Wide Flange) | 1.12–1.20 | Multi-story frames, bridges |
| Circular Hollow (CHS) | 1.27 | Architectural trusses |
| Rectangular Hollow (RHS) | 1.35–1.50 | Portal frames, cantilevers |
| Angle Section | ~1.50 | Bracing, light structures |
For our Philippine Logistics Warehouse (11,790㎡), we used RHS sections (SF = 1.40) because:
Higher plastic moment capacity allowed longer spans (45m) without intermediate columns.
Cost savings of 15% compared to I-beams due to better stress redistribution.
✅ Shape factor determines a section’s plastic reserve strength.
✅ Higher SF = Better ductility & economical design.
✅ I-beams (SF ~1.15) vs. RHS (SF ~1.40) behave differently under plastic conditions.
✅ LiYou’s designs optimize SF for safety, cost, and performance.
Need a steel structure designed for optimal shape factor? Contact LiYou’s engineering team for a free consultation!
Q: Does shape factor affect fatigue resistance?
A: Indirectly—higher SF sections (ductile) often perform better under cyclic loads.
Q: Can shape factor exceed 1.5?
A: Rarely; most practical steel sections range between 1.1–1.5.
Q: How is shape factor used in limit state design?
A: It helps determine rotation capacity in plastic hinge zones.
| No | Components | Specification | ||||||
| Embedded Parts | ||||||||
| 1 | Anchor Bolt | M24 | ||||||
| 2 | High Strength Bolt | M20,10.9S | ||||||
| 3 | Common Bolt | M16 | ||||||
| 4 | Galvanized Bolt | M12 | ||||||
| 5 | Shear Nail | M16 | ||||||
| 6 | Tir rod | ∅32*2.5 | ||||||
| Main Steel Structure Parts | ||||||||
| 1 | Steel Column (Q355B) | H550*300*10*16 | ||||||
| 2 | Wind Column (Q355B) | H400*220*6*10 | ||||||
| 3 | Roof Frame Beam (Q355B) | H900~500*220*10*12 H500~650*220*8*12 | ||||||
| 4 | Crane Beam (Q355B) | H650*320/240*10*16/14 | ||||||
| 5 | Tie Bar(Q235B) | ∅168*4.0 | ||||||
| 6 | Horizontal Brace (Q235B) | ∅168*4.0 | ||||||
| 7 | Column Brace (Q235B) | ∅25 | ||||||
| 8 | Angle Brace (Q235B) | L63*5.0 | ||||||
| 9 | Roof Purlin (Galvanized) | Z280*80*20*2.5 | ||||||
| 10 | Wall Purlin (Galvanized) | C250*75*20*2.5 | ||||||
| 11 | Connecting Plate | 6mm-30mm | ||||||
| Other Steel Structure Parts | ||||||||
| 1 | Roof Panel | 50mm Rock wool Sandwich panel | ||||||
| 2 | Wall Panel | 50mm Rock wool Sandwich panel | ||||||
| 3 | Gutter | 2mm Galvanized Steel Plate | ||||||
| 4 | Down Pipe | PVC160 (Including parts) | ||||||
| 5 | Trimming | Color steel 0.5mm Gavanized steel panel | ||||||
