# A.2.6: Approach Used for Cross Section Optimization Karamba3D does cross section design by going through the list of cross sections in a group of cross sections called a family. It starts at the first entry and proceeds to the next until a cross section is found that is sufficient for the given cross section forces of an element. The calculation of the utilization of a beam is done using the procedure described in EN 1993-1-1 i.e. Eurocode (EC) 3 [\[5\]](https://manual.karamba3d.com/appendix/bibliography). It takes account of buckling and lateral torsional buckling. The superposition of different cross section forces works according to procedure 2 (see annex B of EC 3). The values $$C\_{my}$$, $$C\_{mz}$$and $$C\_{mLT}$$are limited to 0.9. The **“Utilization”**-component’s **“Details”**-output returns a listing of intermediate values from the calculation according to EC3 (see section [3.6.6](https://manual.karamba3d.com/3-in-depth-component-reference/3.6-results/3.7.1-general-results/3.6.6-utilization-of-elements)). For a detailed comparison of the steel design procedures implemented in Karamba3D and Dlubal's RFEM see [\[9\]](https://manual.karamba3d.com/appendix/bibliography). --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://manual.karamba3d.com/appendix/a.4-background-information/a.4.6-approach-used-for-cross-section-optimization.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.