------------------------ | ------------- | ------- | --------------------------------- | | Carbon steel (A36, A992, A572) | 29,000 | 200 | Standard structural steel | | High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) | 29,000 | 200 | Same as carbon steel | | quenched and tempered (A514) | 29,000 | 200 | Strength varies, E stays constant | | Stainless steel 304 | 28,000 | 193 | Slightly lower than carbon | | Stainless steel 316 | 28,000 | 193 | Similar to 304 | | Stainless steel 410 | 29,000 | 200 | Martensitic stainless | | Tool steel (various) | 28,000-30,000 | 193-207 | Varies by grade | | Cast steel | 28,500 | 196 | Slightly lower than wrought | | Steel castings (mild) | 29,000 | 200 | Similar to rolled steel | | Cold-rolled steel | 29,000 | 200 | Cold working does not change E |

Key insight: The modulus of elasticity is essentially the same (29,000 ksi) for ALL carbon and low-alloy structural steels, regardless of yield strength. A W14x90 made from A992 (Fy=50 ksi) has the same E as a W14x90 made from A572 Gr 65 (Fy=65 ksi).

Temperature Effects on Modulus

The modulus decreases as temperature increases. This affects deflection calculations for fire-exposed members.

E₀ = modulus at room temperature (70°F). Data from AISC Specification Appendix 4 and Eurocode 3.

Related Elastic Constants

Poisson's Ratio by Steel Type

How E Affects Structural Design

Deflection

Beam deflection is inversely proportional to E:

Δ = 5wL⁴ / (384EI) (simply supported, UDL)

If E decreases (e.g., at elevated temperature), deflection increases proportionally. This is why fire-exposed beams deflect significantly before losing strength.

Buckling

Euler buckling load depends on E:

Pcr = π²EI / (KL)²

Higher E → higher critical buckling load. But since E is the same for all carbon steels, switching from A36 to A992 does NOT change the buckling load (only the yield strength changes).

Vibration

Natural frequency depends on √(E/ρ):

f = (π/2) × √(EI / (ρAL⁴))

Higher E → higher natural frequency → stiffer floor system.

AISC Design Impact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the modulus of elasticity of structural steel? 29,000 ksi (200 GPa, 29,000,000 psi). This value is the same for all common structural steels: A36, A992, A572, A500, A588.

Does higher strength steel have a higher modulus? No. The modulus is essentially the same (29,000 ksi) for all carbon steels regardless of yield strength. A36 (Fy=36 ksi) and A514 (Fy=100 ksi) have the same E. Strength and stiffness are different properties.

How does temperature affect the modulus of elasticity? E decreases as temperature rises. At 1000°F, E is about 71% of its room-temperature value. At 1200°F, it drops to about 58%. This causes increased deflection and reduced buckling capacity in fire conditions.

What is the difference between modulus of elasticity and yield strength? Modulus of elasticity (E) measures stiffness — resistance to elastic deformation. Yield strength (Fy) measures strength — the stress at which permanent deformation begins. They are independent properties. Steel can be very stiff (high E) and relatively weak (low Fy), or stiff and strong.

Does cold working change the modulus of elasticity? Not significantly. Cold working increases yield strength through strain hardening but does not meaningfully change E. The modulus remains approximately 29,000 ksi for cold-formed steel members.

What is the shear modulus of steel? G = E / (2(1+ν)) = 29,000 / (2 × 1.30) = 11,200 ksi (77 GPa). The shear modulus is used in torsion calculations and shear deformation analysis.

Try it now: Check your steel modulus of elasticity with our free Steel Grade Selection calculator →

Related Pages

• Steel Stress-Strain Curve — Complete stress-strain behavior
• Steel Grades — ASTM steel specifications
• Deflection Limits — L/240, L/360 criteria
• Beam Serviceability Limits Calculator — Deflection analysis
• Steel Density Table — Density by steel type

Disclaimer

This is a calculation tool, not a substitute for professional engineering certification. All results must be independently verified by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) before use in construction, fabrication, or permit documents. The user is responsible for the accuracy of all inputs and the verification of all outputs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended design procedure for this structural element?

The standard design procedure follows: (1) establish design criteria including applicable code, material grade, and loading; (2) determine loads and applicable load combinations; (3) analyze the structure for internal forces; (4) check member strength for all applicable limit states; (5) verify serviceability requirements; and (6) detail connections. Computer analysis is recommended for complex structures, but hand calculations should be used for verification of critical elements.

How do different design codes compare for this calculation?

AISC 360 (US), EN 1993 (Eurocode), AS 4100 (Australia), and CSA S16 (Canada) follow similar limit states design philosophy but differ in specific resistance factors, slenderness limits, and partial safety factors. Generally, EN 1993 uses partial factors on both load and resistance sides (γM0 = 1.0, γM1 = 1.0, γM2 = 1.25), while AISC 360 uses a single resistance factor (φ). Engineers should verify which code is adopted in their jurisdiction.