By inputting the appropriate loads and beam properties, the calculator determines the bending moment at various points along the beam's span. The ClearCalcs Free Beam Calculator simplifies the process of calculating bending moment. Bending moment is crucial for understanding how the beam will behave and deform under different loading conditions. It quantifies the resistance of the beam to bending under an applied load. Bending Moment Calculator What is bending moment?īending moment is a measure of the internal moment or torque exerted on a beam section. By examining shear and moment diagrams, engineers can determine critical locations and identify areas of high stress or deflection. These diagrams provide valuable insights into how the shear force and bending moment vary along the length of the beam. Shear and moment diagrams are graphical representations of the internal forces and moments within a beam. Shear and Moment Diagram Calculator What is shear and moment diagram The example below shows the outputs for a two-span continuous beam with a linear distributed patch load and point load. Using the cursor to hover over any point on the bending moment, shear force or deflection diagrams gives the specific values at that location along the beam. The sign convention used in the shear force and bending moment diagrams is (positive values shown): Positive values imply a downward deflection and negative values imply an upward deflection. The maximum values of each are output as ‘Moment Demand’, ’Shear Demand’ and ‘Deflection’, along with the diagrams along the length of the beam. Once the loading and geometry have been specified, the calculator automatically uses the ClearCalcs finite element analysis engine to determine the moments, shear forces and deflections. The sign convention used for loading is (positive values shown): The calculator supports a variety of different loading types which can be applied in combination. The reactions at each of the supports are automatically updated as supports are added, changed or deleted, based on the specified loading. The beam calculator also allows cantilever spans at each end, as the position of the first support does not have to be equal to 0mm and the last support position does not have to be equal to the length of the beam. A minimum of one fixed support, or two pinned supports are required. The support type can either be pinned (fixed in translation, free in rotation) or fixed (fixed in both translation and rotation) and is selected from the drop-down menu.

Position of Supports from Left allow the user to input any number of supports, and specify their position along the length of the beam. The properties E, A, and Ix for other beam sections can be obtained from the ClearCalcs section properties library.Alternately, you can create your own custom section using our free moment of inertia calculator. Second Moment of Area (or Moment of Inertia) is also specific to the beam section selected, and again defaulted to the properties of a common steel beam. Young’s Modulus is set to a default value of 200,000 MPa or 29000 ksi for structural steel, but can be edited by the user.Īrea of the Cross-Section is specific to the beam section selected, and is defaulted to the values for a common steel beam.

Length of Beam is the total including all spans of the beam, in mm or ft. The properties of the beam and section are specified by typing directly into the input fields. Clicking on any of the input/property labels gives a descriptive reference explanation. ‘Summary’, which displays the key outputs and diagrams.Ī ‘Comments’ section is also included for the user to leave any specific design notes.‘Loads’, where the use can input distributed, point and applied moment loads,.‘Key Properties’, where the user inputs the geometry of their chosen section and the beam supports.The sheet is divided into three main sections: ClearCalcs enables design in steel, concreteand wood, according to Australian, US and EU Standards. Signing up for a ClearCalcs account will unlock further advanced features for design and analysis of beams and a variety of other structural elements. It then determines bending moment, shear and deflection diagrams, and maximum demands using a powerful finite element analysis engine. The ClearCalcs beam calculator allows the user to input the geometry and loading of a beam for analysis in a few simple steps. How to Use The Free Beam Analysis Calculator

Statics shear and moment diagrams