Performing Beam Calculations

You can perform deflection and stress calculations on structural steel cross sections.

1. Click Beam Calculator (Toolbox toolbar) or Toolbox > Beam Calculator .
2. In the Beam Calculator dialog box, select a Load Type.
3. Under Type of Calculation, select Deflection or Stress.

   The Input area displays the properties for your selection.

4. Select a beam:
   1. Click Beams.
   2. In the Structural Steel dialog box, select a beam and click Done.

   Some Input property values automatically update based on the beam you selected.

5. Select an Axis to determine the value for Moment of inertia or Section modulus.
6. Type values for the remaining Input properties except for the one to be calculated, and click Solve.
   For example, if you are calculating deflection, make sure there are values for all properties except Deflection.
   Beam Calculator calculates the remaining value for you.
7. Click Done.