Section Modulus: Definition, Types, Formula with Derivation

In this article, you will learn a complete overview of section modulus such as its definition, types, formula with derivation for different sections, and much more.

Let’s know about each of the aspects related to section modulus in detail.

Section Modulus

Section Modulus is a geometric property used to calculate the bending stresses in a structural member.

Mathematically,

It is defined as the ratio of the moment of inertia of a section about its centroidal axis and to the distance of the extreme layer from the neutral axis.

It is denoted by Z.

Z = I/ymax

Mathematically By bending stress equation,

M/I = σmax/ymax

M = σmax × (I/ymax)

M = σmax × Z

Where,

I = Moment of Inertia(m⁴)

y = distance from NA to extreme layer(m)

The unit of section modulus is m³.

Types of Section Modulus

There are two types of section modulus:
  • Elastic Section Modulus
  • Plastic Section Modulus

Elastic Section Modulus

Elastic section modulus is calculated when we are to use the material behavior till the yield point. 

For general design purposes, we use elastic section modulus.

Generally, elastic section modulus is denoted by Zₑ.

So,

Zₑ = I/ymax

Where,

I = Moment of inertia 

ymax = Distance from NA to extreme layer

Elastic Section Modulus of Different Section

There are following different elastic section modulus:

Rectangular Section

As we know the moment of inertia of the rectangular section, 
section modulus for rectangular
I = bd³/12

And the distance from the neutral axis,

ymax = d/2

So,

Zₑ = I/ymax

Zₑ = (bd³/12)/(d/2)

After calculating them,

Section modulus of rectangular section,

Zₑ = bd²/6

Hollow Rectangular Section

As we know the moment of inertia of the hollow rectangular section,
section modulus for hollow rectangular

I = (BD³/12) - (bd³/12)

ymax = D/2

After putting these values,

Zₑ = I/ymax

(BD³/12) - (bd³/12)/(D/2)

Zₑ = (BD³ - bd³)/6D

Solid Circular

For solid Circular moment of inertia,
section modulus for solid circular

I = (π/64) × d⁴

ymax = d/2

Then,

Zₑ = {(π/64) × d⁴}/(d/2)

After calculating then find values of section modulus of solid circular

Zₑ = (π/32) × d³

Hollow Circular

The moment of inertia of hollow Circular,
section modulus for hollow circular section

I = (π/64) × (D⁴ - d⁴)

And,

ymax = D/2

After putting these values,

Zₑ = (π/64) × (D⁴ - d⁴)/(D/2)

Zₑ = π/32 × {(D⁴ - d⁴)/D}

Symmetric I & C Section

Moment of inertia for the I & C section,
elastic section modulus for I and C section

I = (BD³/12) - {(B - b)d³}/12

ymax = D/2

So,

Zₑ = [(BD³/12) - {(B - b)d³}/12]/(D/2)

Zₑ =  {BD³ - (B - b)d³}/6D


Diamond

Elastic section modulus for diamond is,

Zₑ = bd²/24

Plastic Section Modulus

The plastic section modulus is used for materials where the elastic yield is acceptable and the plastic behavior is considered to be an acceptable range.

It depends on the location of the plastic neutral axis.  The PNA is the axis that bisects the cross-section such that the compressive force from the region in compression is equal to the tension force from the region under tension.  So, for sections with a constant yield stress, the area above and below the PNA will be equal, but for mixed sections, this is not necessarily the case.

Mathematically,

The plastic section modulus is the sum of the areas of cross-sections on each side of the plastic neutral axis that may or may not be equal and multiplied by the distance from the local centroid of the two regions to the plastic neutral axis.
plastic section modulus

Zₚ = (Ac × yc) + (Aₜ + yₜ)

Where,

Ac = Area of cross-section under compression.

Aₜ = Area of cross-section under tension.

yc = Distance from the plastic neutral axis to the center of gravity of the areas under compression.

yₜ = Distance from the plastic neutral axis to the center of gravity of areas under tension.

Since on the neutral axis, the area under compression is equal to the area under tension.

So,

Ac = Aₜ

And,

yc = yₜ


Plastic Section Modulus of Different Section

There are following section modulus for different section:

Rectangular Section

plastic section modulus for recrangular

As we know,

on the neutral axis, the area under compression is equal to the area under tension.

So,

Ac = Aₜ

And,

yc = yₜ

Ac = Aₜ = bd/2

yc = yₜ = d/4

So,

Zₚ = (Ac × yc) + (Aₜ + yₜ)

Zₚ = (bd/2 × d/4) + (bd/2 × d/4))

After calculating

Zₚ = bd²/4

Similarly, we can calculate the section modulus of the rectangular hollow section,

Zₚ = (bd²/4) - (b- 2t) × {(b/2) - t}²

Circular Section

plastic section modulus for circular

As we know, on the neutral axis, the area under compression is equal to the area under tension.

So,

Ac = Aₜ = πd²/8

yc = yₜ = 2d/3π

Zₚ = (πd²/8 × 2d/3π) + (πd²/8 × 2d/3π) 

After calculating,

Zₚ = d³/6

Similarly, we can calculate the section modulus of the circular hollow section,

Circular hollow section,

Zₚ = (D³ - d³)/6

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