Question 1

What is SteelSections EC3?

Accepted Answer

It is a Runet Software program that provides design tables of structural steel sections to Eurocode 3 (EN 1993-1-1:2005). For any section it gives the dimensions and properties, the EC3 cross-section class, and the design tension, compression, bending, shear, buckling and lateral-torsional-buckling resistances.

Question 2

Which design code does it follow?

Accepted Answer

EN 1993-1-1:2005 (Eurocode 3, Part 1-1). It applies §5.5 for classification, §6.2 for cross-section resistance, §6.3.1 for compression buckling, and §6.3.2 for lateral-torsional buckling, with the critical moment Mcr computed per Annex F.

Question 3

Does it actually design to the code, or just list properties?

Accepted Answer

Both. Beyond geometric properties it performs code-based verification — computing Npl,Rd, Nc,Rd, My,Rd, Mz,Rd, Vz,Rd, Vy,Rd, Nb,Rd and Mb,Rd per the EN 1993-1-1 clauses — so it determines resistances, not just section dimensions.

Question 4

Which steel section types are included?

Accepted Answer

European I-beams (IPE, IPE A/O/V), wide-flange beams and columns (HE A/AA/B, HEM, HD, HP, HL), European standard beams (IPN), American wide-flange (W), British universal beams and columns (UB, UC), channels (UPN, UAP, UPE), equal and unequal angles, square and rectangular hollow sections (hot-rolled and cold-formed), and circular hollow sections.

Question 5

Which steel grades are supported?

Accepted Answer

Four grades by default — S235, S275, S355 and S450. The yield and ultimate strength values for each grade are parametric and can be edited under Parameters / Structural steel.

Question 6

Can I change the partial safety factors for a National Annex?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The partial factors for materials (γM0, γM1, γM2) used in classification and resistance are user-editable under Parameters / Partial factors, so results can be aligned with a project specification or National Annex.

Question 7

Does it handle slender Class 4 sections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Classification distinguishes Class 1-4 per §5.5; for Class 4 sections the resistances use effective cross-section properties (Aeff, Weff), consistent with EN 1993-1-1's effective-section approach for slender cross-sections.

Question 8

Can I analyse welded or non-standard sections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can edit the basic dimensions of standard sections, or define user welded built-up sections by their plate dimensions; the program automatically recomputes the geometric, strength and buckling properties and lets you reuse the section like a standard one.

Question 9

Does it calculate buckling and lateral-torsional buckling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It computes compression buckling resistance Nb,Rd (§6.3.1) using the appropriate buckling curve, and lateral-torsional buckling resistance Mb,Rd (§6.3.2) with Mcr per Annex F, tabulated for buckling and restraint lengths from about 1.0 to 15 m, for both uniform and parabolic moment diagrams.

Question 10

What output does it produce?

Accepted Answer

Selecting (or double-clicking) a section produces an analytical report covering its classification, resistance values and buckling resistance — suitable as a reference for design calculations. The same EC3 section tables are also used by Runet's FRAME2Dexpress.

Question 11

How does it relate to Runet's other steel tools?

Accepted Answer

It is the section-database engine behind Runet's steel suite — the same EC3 tables are activated inside FRAME2Dexpress, and Runet also offers STEELexpress for element design and Steel Portal Frame EC3 for portal-frame design to Eurocode 3.

Question 12

Is SteelSections EC3 available in India through RAM CADDSYS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RAM CADDSYS is an authorised distributor of Runet Software and lists Runet's Eurocode building-component tools on its catalogue, providing licensing, training and technical support for structural engineering firms in India and the wider region.

Question 13

What platform does it run on?

Accepted Answer

It is a Windows desktop application, distributed in English (the Runet suite is offered in English and Bulgarian), with free internet updates provided by the vendor.

Criterion	SteelSections EC3	STEEL express
Primary purpose	SteelSections EC3Section property database, EC3 classification and per-section resistance/buckling lookup	STEEL expressFull design and verification of steel members, connections, frames and footings
Scope	Individual section properties, classification and capacity across a range of lengths — not tied to a specific real load case or member layout	Strength: Beams, columns, portal frames, purlins, bracing, base anchoring and bolted/welded connections under actual project loading
Design codes	EN 1993-1-1:2005 (classification §5.5, resistance §6.2, buckling §6.3, Mcr Annex F)	Strength: EN 1993-1-1, EN 1993-1-3 (cold-formed), EN 1993-1-5 (plated elements), EN 1993-1-8 (joints), plus EN 1994-1-1 composite design
Typical use	Fast section lookup and sizing reference during design, or as the section source for FRAME2Dexpress	Complete member and connection design packages with detail drawings for submittal

SteelSectionDatabaseandClassificationperEurocode3

What is SteelSections EC3?

Applications

Fast section sizing during steel design

Verifying members to Eurocode 3

Designing welded and built-up sections

Section property reference for analysis software

Teaching and learning Eurocode 3 steel design

Supported codes and standards

EN (Eurocode)

BIM Integration

FRAME2Dexpress (Runet)

SteelSections EC3 vs STEEL express

Part of the RUNET Family

Looking for SteelSections EC3 Training?

License Types

Perpetual License

Subscription License

Frequently Asked Questions

Put SteelSections EC3 to work
on your next project.

SteelSectionDatabaseandClassificationperEurocode3

What is SteelSections EC3?

Applications

Fast section sizing during steel design

Verifying members to Eurocode 3

Designing welded and built-up sections

Section property reference for analysis software

Teaching and learning Eurocode 3 steel design

Supported codes and standards

EN (Eurocode)

BIM Integration

FRAME2Dexpress (Runet)

SteelSections EC3 vs STEEL express

Part of the RUNET Family

Looking for SteelSections EC3 Training?

License Types

Perpetual License

Subscription License

Frequently Asked Questions

Put SteelSections EC3 to workon your next project.

Put SteelSections EC3 to work
on your next project.