Steel Beam Design Calculator (AISC)
This calculator is designed for civil and structural engineers to compute steel beam design parameters according to AISC standards, ensuring safety and compliance in structural designs.
Calculator
Results
Data Source and Methodology
All calculations are rigorously based on formulas and data provided by the AISC Design Examples. All calculations adhere to AISC standards.
The Formula Explained
Moment Capacity: \( M_c = \frac{F_y \cdot Z}{\gamma_m} \)
Deflection: \( \delta = \frac{5 \cdot w \cdot L^4}{384 \cdot E \cdot I} \)
Glossary of Variables
- Fy: Yield strength of the steel (ksi).
- Z: Plastic section modulus (in³).
- \(\gamma_m\): Material safety factor.
- w: Distributed load (kips/ft).
- L: Beam length (ft).
- E: Modulus of elasticity (ksi).
- I: Moment of inertia (in⁴).
Example Calculation
For a beam of length 20 ft with a load of 10 kips, using the given formulas:
- Moment Capacity: Calculate using the formula for Mc.
- Deflection: Calculate using the formula for \(\delta\).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What standards does this calculator use?
This calculator uses the AISC 360-16 standard for steel beam design.
What units are used in the calculations?
The calculator uses US customary units: feet for length and kips for load.
Can this calculator be used for beams of any material?
No, it is specifically designed for steel beams using AISC standards.
What is the safety factor used in calculations?
A material safety factor of 1.67 is commonly used for steel design.
How do I interpret the results?
The moment capacity indicates the maximum bending moment the beam can support, while deflection shows the vertical displacement under load.