To determine the allowable stresses or design capacities for a member, it is necessary to know the grade of steel to be used for the section. This grade determines the yield strength (Fy) and ultimate tensile strength (Fu) of the material of the section. The strength of the steel may be specified by selecting a material standard and grade or by specifying the values of the Fy and Fu directly. With some codes, a material standard is not required and only a grade of steel need be selected.

The Japanese AIJ code does not require the ultimate tensile strength (Fu) but instead requires the user to specify the yield strength (Fy) for steel thicknesses of less than and greater than 40mm.

To set the Steel Grade

Ø  Select the required members in the Frame window

Ø  Choose Steel Grade from the Design menu

AS4100 shown

Either

Ø  Choose a standard and/or steel grade from the pop-up menu or…

Ø  Type in values for Fy and Fu
(or Fy<40mm and Fy>40mm when using AIJ)

Ø  Choose the fabrication type for the section

Ø  Click OK

If you choose a standard and/or a grade of steel, the Fy and Fu values will be automatically entered for you.

The initial value for the steel grade for all members is: