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Shape Factor in Design of Steel Structure

 

How LiYou Optimizes Shape Factor in Steel Structures

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.

 
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What is Shape Factor?

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:

Shape Factor (SF)=MpMyShape Factor (SF)=MyMp

where:

  • MpMp = Plastic moment capacity (fully yielded section)

  • MyMy = 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.


Why is Shape Factor Important in Steel Design?

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.


Shape Factor Values for Common Steel Sections

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

Practical Example: Shape Factor in a Warehouse Roof Truss

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.


Key Takeaways

✅ 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!


FAQ

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.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
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


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