Browser-based structural analysis
Analyze supports, loads, reactions, shear, moment, deflection and stress in a focused beam workspace. When your model becomes a frame or truss, continue in the full 2D analysis workspace.
Core beam analysis is free. No installation required. Compare plans
Workflow
Build the modelDraw members, supports, and loads, then assign section and material properties.
Analyze the responseReview reactions, deflected shape, and axial, shear, and moment diagrams.
Document the calculationExport the model, assumptions, and detailed results to a professional PDF report.
Proven in practice
Engineers use Optimal Beam for quick checks, structural modelling, and clear, documented calculations.
Online beam analysis
Optimal Beam is built for fast, focused beam analysis. Model simply supported, cantilever, fixed, overhanging, continuous, and statically indeterminate beams in a purpose-built one-dimensional workspace.
Place pinned, roller, and fixed supports with point loads, distributed loads, and applied moments at exact locations.
See maximum and minimum values with their locations, then enter any position along the span to calculate shear, moment, slope, deflection, or stress at that point.
Use custom or standard steel sections across one or more beam segments.
Choose which response diagrams to include, add the designer name, and carry the analyzed beam into a clear PDF calculation report.
Two purpose-built workspaces
Use the Beam Calculator for focused one-dimensional analysis. Move to 2D Structural Analysis when members connect into frames or trusses.
Focused one-dimensional analysis
Core analysis freeSet the span and stiffness, place pinned, roller or fixed supports at exact locations, then add point loads, distributed loads and applied moments along the beam.
Plane frame and truss analysis
Frames + trussesCreate nodes and members on the grid, assign supports and member-end releases, apply nodal or member loads, and solve stable determinate or indeterminate 2D models.
Optimal AI · model-aware proposals
Professional featureOptimal AI works with the model already on screen. It turns your instruction into structured model operations, then pauses for review. Nothing changes until you approve it.
Describe the change
The current geometry, assignments, model health, active selection and visible results provide the assistant’s working context.
Review before applying
Nodes, members, supports, loads, materials, and sections are proposed through the calculator’s existing modelling system.
When the model changes, an earlier proposal becomes outdated and cannot be applied to the newer version.
Optimal AI assists with modelling and interpretation. Reactions, forces, and displacements are calculated by the structural solver.
The example above uses the actual braced-frame model and its real 13-change preview—not a conceptual illustration.
Explore Optimal AIThe data behind the model
Choose familiar units, assign the material and section properties the solver needs, and organize loading into cases and combinations.
Units, sections and materials
Move between metric and imperial while converting the existing model inputs.
Choose from regional steel-section libraries or define your own cross-section and material properties.
Assign different sections along the model and reuse saved custom properties in future studies.
Load cases & combinations
Leave loads unassigned for a quick study, or group them into named load cases. Create linear combinations with custom factors, choose the scenario to solve, and carry it through every result view and report.
Inspect the calculated response
The result is not reduced to a single maximum. Review the global response, select individual nodes or members, and trace peak values back to their location in the model.
Global model results
Use one results ribbon to switch between the undeformed model, support reactions, amplified deflected shape, axial force, shear force, and bending moment. Control labels and the visual scale without changing the calculated values.
Selection-aware review
Select a member to see peak axial force, shear, moment, displacement, and local end actions beside the structure. Open detailed charts or station tables when you need a closer look.
Open member results
Member-by-member inspection
Review peak values, local end actions, station-by-station results, and response charts for the selected member. Axial force, shear force, bending moment, and displacement follow the same member orientation and sign convention used throughout the analysis and PDF report.
Example results shown for Member M2 under the selected load scenario.
Cloud Projects
Save named beam and 2D models, organize related studies in folders, and search or reopen your work from any browser session. Use Save As to preserve the current model while creating a separate design alternative.
PDF calculation report
The example shown is the exported report for the braced two-storey frame used above. Across 26 sheets, it documents the structural model, analyzed scenario, solver checks, global response, and individual member results.
Add project and designer details to the calculation record. Professional reports can replace Optimal Beam branding with your company logo.
Figures describe the attached braced-frame report example. Report length and model size vary by project.
Explore reports and plans
From model to calculation report
Start with a focused beam study or open the full 2D workspace for frames and trusses. Analyze the response, inspect the results, and produce a documented calculation report.