What it checks
The module designs a simply-supported W-shape steel beam using AISC 360-22. It retrieves the exact section properties from a central catalog to ensure real values for Sx, Zx, and tw are used without estimates. The design method applies strength checks for flexure and shear, alongside serviceability checks for deflection. The sequence of checks begins with flexure, including lateral-torsional buckling per §F2 and §F3. It then evaluates shear capacity per §G. If a minor-axis moment is provided, the module checks minor-axis flexure per §F6. Finally, the module calculates total and live-load deflections against user-defined limits.Inputs
- Loads - Central concentrated load (kips, unfactored) and its basic load case designation.
- Geometry - Unbraced length Lb (ft), where 0 indicates a fully braced condition.
- Deflection - Total-load deflection limit denominator L/N and live-load deflection limit denominator L/N.
- Moments - Minor-axis applied moment Muy (kip·ft), which is optional.
- Combinations - Project load combinations, with a fallback to ASCE 7-22 §2.3.1 if absent.
- Seismic - Ev toggle SDS value, which folds 0.2*SDS*D into every seismic strength set when provided.
What it reports
- Moment Combination - The specific load combination that governed the moment and the source of its factors.
- Shear Combination - The load combination that governed the shear, which may differ from the moment combination.
- Seismic Label - The governing combination label, which states the SDS value when the seismic toggle is active.
- Flexure Check - The result of the flexure check, including lateral-torsional buckling considerations.
- Shear Check - The result of the shear capacity check against the applied shear.
- Minor-Axis Check - The result of the minor-axis flexure check, if Muy was provided.
- Deflection - The calculated total and live-load deflections compared against the specified L/N limits.
Code references
The engine cites AISC 360-22 §F2, §F6, §G2, §H1, and §J10, as well as ASCE 7-22 §2.3 and §2.4 for load combinations. The module specifically references §F2 and §F3 for flexure and lateral-torsional buckling, §G for shear, and §F6 for optional minor-axis checks.Limits
The module assumes a simply-supported W-shape configuration and does not handle other support conditions or shape types. It requires the section to exist in the central catalog; it does not estimate properties for unknown sections. The minor-axis check is optional and only runs if Muy is provided. Results are engineering aids; the engineer of record is responsible for the design.Try it free in your browser
The Steel Beam calculator runs this module's engine with no install and no signup.