Back to FAQ
167x
005709
Jonas Bien, Dr.-Ing.
2025-07-07

Partial Internal Forces Method in Steel Design

Are plastic cross-section design checks according to the partial internal forces method [1] allowable for design according to EN 1993-1-1?

Answer:

Yes, they are. EN 1993-1-1 [2] describes basic requirements for plastic cross-section design in Section 6.2.1 (6). These principles are all fulfilled by the partial internal forces method according to Kindmann. In addition, the German commentary on Eurocode 3 [3] explicitly refers to the partial internal forces method as a sensible alternative/supplement to the plastic interaction rules of the standard.

FAQ 5709 | Plastic design according to the Partial Internal Forces Method
Plastic Design According to Partial Internal Forces Method
Author

Dr. Bien is responsible for the development of products for steel structures and provides technical support for our customers.

References
  1. Kindmann, R., & Frickel, J. (2002). Elastische und plastische Querschnittstragfähigkeit. Berlin: Ernst & Sohn.
  2. DIN. (2010). Eurocode 3: Design of Steel Structures – Part 1‑1: General Rules and Rules for Buildings. Berlin: Beuth Verlag GmbH.
  3. Kuhlmann, U., Feldmann, M., Lindner, J., Müller, C., & Stroetmann, R. (2014). Eurocode 3 Bemessung und Konstruktion von Stahlbauten - Band 1: Allgemeine Regeln und Hochbau - DIN EN 1993-1-1 mit Nationalem Anhang, Kommentar und Beispiele. Berlin: Beuth.
;