ProBeam is for educational and preliminary use only. It does not replace a full structural design to Eurocodes. Always have a qualified structural engineer sign off the final beam sizes and details.
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Free FEA beam tool • Built by SECalcs
Online Beam Calculator – ProBeam V2.0
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For quick checks, teaching and beam ideas
ProBeam lets you build a beam model with nodes, supports and loads, then runs a full analysis so you can see shear, bending and deflection in real time.
It is ideal for early checks, teaching or comparing beam options before you order a full structural design for Building Control.
- Build beams in seconds with spans, nodes and mixed support types.
- Add UDLs and point loads and see reactions, shear and bending diagrams update instantly.
- Visualise deflections so you can spot weak spans before doing a full code check.
Built for engineers, students and builders who want quick beam behaviour checks before locking in a final design.
Important disclaimer
ProBeam is provided “as is” for educational use and early beam behaviour checks only. It does not produce a complete design to Eurocodes or BS 5950 and must not be submitted to Building Control. All real projects must be designed and verified by a suitably qualified structural engineer. By using this tool you accept that SECalcs Ltd is not responsible for any loss, damage or consequences arising from its use.
How to use the ProBeam online beam calculator
Use these steps as a quick checklist when you build or edit a model in ProBeam.
Step-by-step workflow
1
Choose a span length and add your nodes along the beam where supports or loads will go.
2
Set the support types at each node (for example pinned, fixed or roller) to match your idea.
3
Add point loads or UDLs with the correct direction and units, then run the analysis.
4
Look at the reaction forces plus the shear, bending and deflection diagrams. Change the model until the behaviour looks sensible.
5
When you have a layout you like, use it as a starting point for a full code check by a structural engineer.
Good uses for ProBeam
- Testing different support layouts before choosing final steel sizes.
- Teaching students how load paths, shear and bending work.
- Checking whether a span feels qualitatively stiff or flexible.
- Comparing several beam ideas before paying for formal design work.
What ProBeam is not for
- Final structural designs for Building Control or warranty providers.
- Manual override of Eurocode / BS 5950 checks or connection design.
- Projects that have 3D frames, complex stability or second-order effects.
- Any real job without a qualified structural engineer reviewing the results.
Technical notes and assumptions
These points summarise the current model behind the ProBeam calculations so you know how the numbers are being produced.
Units
ProBeam is written around typical UK structural engineering units:
- Length usually in metres.
- Loads typically in kN (point) and kN/m (UDL).
- Reactions, shear and bending are reported in consistent units with the inputs.
Analysis model
The tool uses a linear elastic beam model. Each span is prismatic and the analysis assumes:
- Small deflections only.
- Supports behave as specified (ideal pinned / fixed etc.).
- No lateral torsional buckling checks are included.
Signs and diagrams
By default:
- Sagging bending is shown as positive, hogging as negative.
- Downward loads are usually taken as negative.
- Deflections are plotted relative to the original straight beam.
ProBeam – common questions
Short answers you can point students, builders and clients to when they ask what this online beam calculator is doing.
Can I use ProBeam results directly for Building Control?
No. ProBeam is for educational and preliminary checks only. Real projects still need a full design to the Eurocodes or BS 5950 with member checks, stability checks and proper drawings.
Does ProBeam choose a steel section for me?
Not yet. The current version focuses on reactions, shear, bending and deflection for a given beam model. Section choice, code checks and connection design stay with the structural engineer.
Who is ProBeam designed for?
It is mainly for engineers, students and experienced builders who already understand basic structural behaviour and want a fast way to test ideas before paying for formal calculations.
Will ProBeam be updated in future?
Yes, the tool is experimental and will be refined over time as more test cases are checked. Always read the on-screen disclaimer so you know which version you are using.
Need a full structural design, not just an online beam calculator?
Use ProBeam to explore ideas, then send your drawings to SECalcs for Building Control-ready calculations, sections and details for real projects.
Send your ProBeam model or drawings for a quote
Fill in a few details and attach your ProBeam model output or architect drawings. An engineer will reply with a fixed-fee proposal for a full design.
Tell us what you need help with
You will usually hear back from a structural engineer within one working day.
- Head Office: Corwell Lane, Uxbridge, England, UB8 3DE.
- 07359 267907
- info@structuralengineercalcs.com
- Company No: 12653163