C10x15.3 Section Properties — Channel

C10x15.3 Section Properties

Complete geometric properties for the C10x15.3 (Channel) per AISC Steel Construction Manual, 16th Edition. This section weighs 15.3 lb/ft. Channel shapes (C-shapes) have a C-shaped cross section with two flanges extending from one side of the web. They are commonly used as purlins, girts, and stiffeners.

Property Value Unit
Depth 10 in
Flange Width 2.6 in
Flange Thickness 0.436 in
Web Thickness 0.24 in
Cross-Sectional Area 4.49 in²
Moment of Inertia (x-axis) 67.4 in⁴
Moment of Inertia (y-axis) 2.28 in⁴
Elastic Section Modulus (x-axis) 13.5 in³
Elastic Section Modulus (y-axis) 1.16 in³
Plastic Section Modulus (x-axis) 15.6 in³
Plastic Section Modulus (y-axis) 2.04 in³
Radius of Gyration (x-axis) 3.87 in
Radius of Gyration (y-axis) 0.713 in
Torsional Constant 0.0937 in⁴

About Channel Shapes

Channel shapes (C-shapes) have a C-shaped cross section with two flanges extending from one side of the web. They are commonly used as purlins, girts, and stiffeners.

How to Use This Data

The properties listed above are used in structural engineering calculations including:

  • Moment of Inertia (I) — used to calculate deflection and stiffness. Higher I = less deflection under load.
  • Section Modulus (S) — used to calculate bending stress. σ = M/S, where M is the bending moment.
  • Plastic Section Modulus (Z) — used in LRFD design to calculate plastic moment capacity. Mp = Fy × Z.
  • Radius of Gyration (r) — used in column buckling calculations. Higher r = more resistance to buckling.
  • Torsional Constant (J) — used to calculate torsional resistance and lateral-torsional buckling.
  • Area (A) — used to calculate axial capacity and self-weight.

Use our interactive Section Properties Calculator to compare shapes, calculate composite sections, or look up any AISC shape. For beam design, try our Beam Calculator or Wood Beam Designer.


Data source: AISC Steel Construction Manual, 16th Edition. All dimensions in inches, areas in square inches, moments of inertia in in⁴, section moduli in in³. Values are for design reference — always verify against the current edition of the AISC Manual for final design.

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