Channel Section Properties Calculator

C Channel Sections

Channel or C shaped sections are very common across all types of steel framed construction. The C shape works in a similar way to an I section by concentrating the majority of the steel to the periphery of the section. This takes advantage of the lever arm effect to give the section a great deal of resistance to bending in that direction.

However, unlike an I beam the C section shape is not symmetrical. This makes this type of beam less stable under axial and bending forces than an equivalent I shaped beam. For this reason C Channel section beams are not generally used as bending beams or columns, for these purposes I shaped beams are stronger and more economical.

Channel or C shaped sections however are commonly used as secondary sections, joists, braces and other sections where the full strength of an I shaped beam is not required. Where a Channel section is strong enough, the C shape has added benefits including ease of connections for other members and for floors, and panels.

Channel or C shaped sections are often used as;

• Studs for steel walls for garages, warehouses and other steel buildings
• Rails between columns for steel cladding
• Rafters and ceiling joists
• Frames for doors and windows
• Added strength beams when required in timber framed buildings

CivilWeb Channel Section Properties Calculator - Section Properties Included

The CivilWeb Channel Section Properties Calculator includes all the Channel and C shaped sections published in current national standards from the US (AISC), UK, European and Indian national standards. The spreadsheet also includes historical Channel section information from superseded US, UK and European standards. This allows the designer to access design information for any C or Channel sections which they may encounter when conducting structural analysis of existing steel framed structures.

The spreadsheet includes the following published design section properties for all C sections and Channel sections;

• All geometric properties including root radius and detailing dimensions
• Toe radius and flange taper angle where appropriate for rolled sections
• Section area
• Section mass per metre
• Section surface area per metre
• Ratios for local buckling
• Second moment of area (or moment of inertia) in both directions
• Radius of gyration in both directions
• Elastic and plastic section modulus in both directions
• Buckling parameter
• Torsional constant, torsional index and torsional constant modulus
• Warping constant
• Shear centre location
• Section fire design properties

C Channel Moment of Inertia Calculator

In addition to the above published information, the CivilWeb Channel Section Properties Calculator also includes a C channel moment of inertia calculator for the calculation of section design information from first principles. This is essential for the design of non-standard or fabricated C channel shaped sections which do not conform to any of the standard sized sections in published national standards.

The C channel moment of inertia calculator includes the following calculators for user specified C shaped sections;

• Section area
• Centre of gravity location
• C channel moment of inertia calculator (second moment of area)
• Radius of gyration
• Elastic and plastic section modulus

CivilWeb Channel Section Properties Calculator

The CivilWeb Channel Section Properties Calculator is a vital tool for any designer working with steel structures. The spreadsheet includes all published design information for all standard C shaped or Channel sections included in the national steel standards of the US (AISC), UK, Europe and India. The spreadsheet also includes a useful set of section property calculators which can be used to determine all the design information required for the design of non-standard C shaped sections of any dimensions.

Buy the CivilWeb Channel Section Properties Calculator now for only £9.99.