Young's Modulus
RAAC playbook, published by the Manufacturing Technology Centre and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult in 2024 defines Young’s Modulus as a: ‘property of the material that tells us how easily it can stretch and deform and is defined as the ratio of tensile stress to tensile strain.’
Young’s Modulus (also called the modulus of elasticity) is a measure of the stiffness of a material. It quantifies the relationship between stress (force per unit area) and strain (proportional deformation) within the elastic limit of a material. Mathematically, it is expressed as: Stress (force per unit area, N/m²) / Strain (deformation per unit length, dimensionless)
Young’s Modulus is critical in the construction industry because it determines how materials behave under load, helping engineers and architects design safe, efficient, and durable structures. In the UK, where strict building codes and standards apply, understanding material properties is essential for compliance and safety.
Engineers use Young’s Modulus to calculate deflections and stresses in beams, columns, and slabs. This ensures structures can support anticipated loads without excessive deformation or failure. Different materials (e.g., steel, concrete, timber) have distinct Young’s Moduli. The choice of material depends on the specific demands of the project, such as stiffness, flexibility, or load-bearing capacity.
Examples of Material Young’s Moduli:
- Steel: ~200 GPa
- Concrete: ~20–40 GPa (depends on mix and density)
- Timber: ~8–15 GPa (varies with species and grain orientation)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
ECA progress on Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter
Working hard to make progress on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.