Beam geometry and supports
Define the beam with an ordinate table, support conditions and section references along its length.
Basic Structural Analysis Bundle
BeamCalc: Online Continuous Beam Analysis
Continuous beam analysis
Model beams with multiple supports, changes of section and overhangs. Organise point and distributed loads into cases and combinations, then review reactions, shear forces and bending moments.
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Taster includes one analysis run per day, up to ten per month. Printing and PDF exports require a paid plan.
Application version: v139.
At a glance
Features
Descriptive load input
Enter point loads and distributed loads with arithmetic expressions and descriptions that retain their engineering context.
Cases and combinations
Keep individual load cases and combination expressions in one model and choose the result to display.
Diagrams and reactions
Review reaction diagrams, bending-moment diagrams and shear-force diagrams alongside the beam model.
Calculation records
Save and reopen model data, add project information and export the selected calculation content as a PDF.
Start here
Getting started
- Add a beam and enter its notes or design reference. Enter the material modulus and section second moment of area.
- Define support and free-end ordinates. Elements are created between consecutive X positions, so ordinates beyond the end supports create overhangs.
- Add point loads and distributed loads. A distributed load can be uniform or linearly varying; assign a case name when you want to separate actions.
- Create combinations with expressions such as 1.35*DL + 1.5*LL, then select a case or combination in the result selector.
- Review reactions, shear-force and bending-moment diagrams, and ordinate results. Save the model or export the calculation pack as PDF.
Reference
Help by topic
Choose a topic for the field guidance and controls.
Beam tabs and saved models
Several populated beams can be kept in one model and selected as separate working tabs.
Load input and display units
Descriptive arithmetic load input can turn a written load expression into a value while retaining a readable calculation trail.
The load display and results switch between SI and US customary units while the calculation model remains internally SI.
Diagrams and PDF output
Choose diagram scale and report content, use a drawing as a PDF sheet background, and export a clean A4 portrait calculation pack.
No matching topics. Try a field name such as loads, nodes or report.
Common questions
Work more quickly
Tips and shortcuts
Practise a workflow
Written tutorials
Use these modelling exercises with your own geometry, loads and engineering checks.
A two-span continuous beam
- Define three support ordinates to make two spans.
- Apply a distributed load to each span and run the analysis.
- Compare the span and support moments for the selected case.
Relevant help: Getting started · Diagrams and PDF output
An overhanging beam
- Place a free-end ordinate beyond the last support.
- Apply a point load on the overhang and run the analysis.
- Review the support reactions and bending-moment diagram.
Relevant help: Getting started · Checks and limits
Alternative loading patterns
- Give permanent and variable actions separate case names.
- Enter the required combination expressions and run the analysis.
- Switch between results to compare the loading patterns.
Relevant help: Load input and display units · Getting started
Watch and learn
Video tutorials
No video tutorials have been added for BeamCalc yet. The written tutorials are available above.
Before using a result
Checks and limits
Confirm that the ordinate order, support types, units, section stiffness and load directions represent the real beam. Check equilibrium between applied loads and reactions, and review the selected case/combination before exporting.
The app provides analysis results, not a complete code design of the beam, supports or connections. Verify section capacity, stability, serviceability and detailing separately.
Open BeamCalc
Build your model, run the analysis and export your calculation PDF in the calculator.
Launch BeamCalc