Beam Load Calculator
Calculate bending moments, shear forces, and deflections for structural beams. Supports simply supported, cantilever, and fixed-end conditions with visual moment and shear diagrams.
Steel: 200,000 MPa, Concrete: ~25,000 MPa
Required for deflection calculation
| Section | Depth (mm) | Capacity (kN·m) |
|---|---|---|
| UB 203x133x25 | 203 | 50 |
| UB 254x146x31 | 254 | 80 |
| UB 305x165x40 | 305 | 120 |
| UB 356x171x51 | 356 | 170 |
| UB 406x178x60 | 406 | 230 |
Max Moment
90.00
Max Shear
60.00
Deflection
16875.00
Positive moment = tension at bottom (sagging)
Positive shear = upward force on left of section
Left Reaction (R₁)
60.00 kN
Right Reaction (R₂)
60.00 kN
Notes:
- Results are for preliminary design only
- Verify with detailed structural calculations
- Consider load combinations per applicable code
- Deflection limit typically L/360 for floors, L/240 for roofs
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This calculator provides PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES ONLY and is intended for planning and budgeting purposes. Results should NOT be used for final structural design or construction without verification by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
By using this tool, you acknowledge that:
1. All calculations are indicative and may not account for site-specific conditions, load combinations, or local code requirements.
About This Calculator
The Beam Load Calculator helps structural engineers analyze and design beams for buildings and infrastructure across the UAE and Gulf. Calculate bending moments, shear forces, and deflections for various support conditions and load types. Essential for preliminary beam sizing, checking existing designs, and understanding load distribution in concrete and steel structures.
When to Use This Calculator
- Preliminary sizing of reinforced concrete beams
- Analyzing load effects for steel beam selection
- Checking deflection limits against serviceability requirements
- Understanding moment and shear distribution for complex loads
- Verifying hand calculations before detailed analysis
How to Use This Calculator
Select Support Conditions
Choose beam type: simply supported, cantilever, fixed-end, or continuous.
Enter Beam Geometry
Input span length and cross-section dimensions (width, depth).
Define Loads
Add point loads, uniformly distributed loads (UDL), or varying loads with positions.
Specify Material
Select material properties (E modulus) for deflection calculations.
View Results
Get maximum moment, shear, deflection, and visual diagrams for the beam.
Typical Scenarios in UAE & Gulf Projects
A 6m span floor beam carries 45 kN/m UDL from slabs and partitions. The calculator shows maximum moment 202.5 kNm at mid-span, maximum shear 135 kN at supports, and deflection of 12mm. Results guide selection of 300×600mm RC beam with appropriate reinforcement.
A 12m simply supported steel beam carries 25 kN point loads at third points plus 15 kN/m self-weight. Calculator determines 383 kNm moment, 135 kN shear, suggesting W610×140 steel section to limit deflection to L/360 for serviceability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take Your Calculations Further
This calculator reflects the logic built into Arkan's construction management platform.
Last Updated: January 2026
Standards Reference: Beam analysis per ACI 318, BS 8110, and Eurocode 2