Beam and Column Calculator

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Beam and Column Calculator

Procedures | References
Calculates the straight bars of any section laying on n supports. The program calculates load and
deformation distributions and sizes of reactions in individual supports.
The application provides the strength check calculation of axially loaded columns. The check
calculation performs a strength check of the selected column section.
The calculation is done in metric or English units. The setting ANSI standard means that the
calculation uses English units, even in the relevant section dimensions.
Note: We recommend that you select components created using Extrude command within Autodesk
Inventor assembly.
Tip: See the Engineer's Handbook for calculation formulas for calculating beams and columns.
Procedures:
Calculate beams and columns
Calculate beams and columns
1. On the ribbon, click Design tab

Frame panel
Beam/Column Calculator
.
2. Specify parameters of the component. There are three ways how to define the parameters of the
component:
Click the Size column and enter the data to the edit fields manually.
Make sure that Object is selected. Select the component in the graphics window. The generator
reads the data from component and enters them to the table. Parameters that were transferred from
Autodesk Inventor by a calculator are grayed out and edit fields are locked, by default. You can
unlock the edit fields and edit such parameters. Parameters that were not transferred from Autodesk
Inventor are displayed in black and you can enter their values manually. You cannot lock such edit
fields. However, the calculator is not able to read the Section Modulus, (Wx, Wy) Torsional Section
Modulus (Wk), and Torsional Rigidity Modulus (Jk) data. However, components inserted from Content
Center have all data.
Click Section, select a beam shape and set the appropriate dimensions.
3. On the Model tab:
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In the Calculation Type group box, select the type of calculation you want to perform. According to
your selection, the Beam Calculation or Column Calculation tabs are enabled. (They can be enabled
at the same time).
In the Material group box, specify the material values. Check the box to open Material Database
where you can edit the values in the table.
4. On the Beam Calculation tab, specify calculation properties, and specify loads and supports.
Note: The Beam Calculation tab is enabled if you select Beam Calculation option in the Calculation
Type area on the Model tab.
5. On the Beam Graphs tab, view the diagrams of individual beam loadings, force or moment for
example.
Note: The Graphs tab is enabled if you select Beam Calculation option in the Calculation Type area
of the Model tab.
6. On the Column Calculation tab, specify calculation properties, and specify loads and supports.
Note: The Column Calculation tab is enabled if you select Column Calculation option in the
Calculation Type area of the Model tab.
7. Click Calculate to perform the calculation. Result values are displayed in the Results area on the right
side of the Beam and Column Calculation tabs, and the Beam Graphs tab.
8. Click
Results to display the HTML report.
9. Click OK to insert selected calculation into Autodesk Inventor.
Enter component section values to Beam and Column Calculator
When you want to perform beam or column calculation, you need model data to perform the
calculation and set Loads and Supports. You enter model data in the Beam / Column Component
area on the Model tab. There are three ways to get the model data.
Enter values manually
In the Beam / Column Component area, enter values for your beam or column component manually.
Click the value in the Size column and enter the value. We recommend entering all values. However
they are not mandatory and the calculation will be inserted into Autodesk Inventor graphics area.
When you switch to Beam Calculation tab and click Calculate, the calculation will fail and messages
in the Summary of Messages area inform you that values for parameters cannot be zero to perform
the calculation successfully.
Use the Section command
1. On the Design tab, In the Beam / Column Component area, click the Section command.
Note: The Flip Section button turns beam section by 90 degrees and changes values for the beam
section dimensions. It switches X and Y axes.
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2. The list of possible sections is available. Select the appropriate section profile. In the appropriate
dialog box, enter the section values. Dimensions and values such as Section Modulus or Moment of
Inertia are automatically inserted into the edit fields in the Beam / Column Component area.
Read data from Content Center part
When your assembly contains a part inserted using Content Center, the Beam and Column
Calculator is able to read the data of the part.
Note: You must be connected to Content Center to be able to use this procedure.
1.
2.
3.
4.
In an assembly file, click Assemble tab

Component panel
Place from Content Center .
In the Category View, select Structural Shapes, and select the part you want to insert.
Double-click the part to open the part dialog box. Select parameters of the part.
Click OK to insert the part into the assembly. In the Save As dialog box, specify the part name and its
location.
5. On the ribbon, click Design tab

Frame panel
.
6. On the Model tab, make sure the Object command is selected. Select the part in the graphics
window. All necessary data are inserted into the Beam and Column Calculator. The data in gray are
not editable.
Note: Be aware that not all Content Center parts have all data available. Insert the missing data to
Model tab manually.
7. To change values, click the lock icon next to particular edit field. The edit field is enabled and you can
edit the value.
Edit beams and columns using Beam and Column Calculator
1. Open the Autodesk Inventor assembly with the already inserted Design Accelerator beam
or column.
2. Select the beam or column, right-click to display the context menu, and then select the
Edit Using Design Accelerator command.
3. Edit the beam or column. If you change calculation values, click Calculate to see the
strength check. Calculation results are displayed in the Results area. The inputs that fail
the calculation are displayed in red (their value does not correspond with other inserted
values or calculation criteria). Reports of the calculation are displayed in the Summary of
Messages area.
4. Click OK.
References
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Beam and Column Calculator - Model tab
Calculates beams and columns, and creates graphic representations of their stress and deformations.
Access:
Ribbon: Design tab
Frame panel
Beam/Column Component
Use this area to specify components.
Object
Click the button and select the component. The generator reads the data from
component and enters them to the table. Parameters that were transferred from
Autodesk Inventor by calculator are grayed out, and locked. You can unlock the edit
fields and edit such parameters.
Parameters that were not transferred from Autodesk Inventor are displayed in black and
you can enter their values manually. You cannot lock such edit fields.
Section Select the desired type of section to enable calculation. Use this option if you do not
have an appropriate component within assembly. Select the type of section from the
drop-down list. When you click a desired type of section, a dialog box is displayed where
you can specify or measure the section parameters (size).
Flip
Use this option to non-symmetrical sections, I-Section for example. If you click the Flip
Section Section option, the Moment of Inertia and Bending Section modulus values are flipped.
Value
table
Displays list of all values necessary for ideal beam and column calculation. You can edit
the Size column only.
Calculation Type
Select the type of performed calculation (beam calculation, column calculation, or both).
Beam
Click the button and select the component. The generator reads the data entered in
Calculation the table. The check box is selected by default. You can clear the check box and
edit values for such parameters. Parameters that were not transferred from
Autodesk Inventor by the calculator are grayed out and unavailable for editing.
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Column
Select the appropriate type of section to enable calculation. Use this option if you do
Calculation not have an appropriate component within assembly. Select the type of section from
the drop-down list. When you click the type of section, a dialog box is displayed
where you can specify or measure the section parameters (size).
Material
Select the component material and its properties. Check the box to open the Material Database
where you can select the appropriate material.
If a material is selected from the Material Database, its values are inserted automatically into the
following edit fields, and the edit fields are locked. To unlock the fields clear the box.
Summary of Messages
Displays the reports about calculation. To open the Summary of Messages area at the bottom of the
Calculation and Design tabs, double-click the double line at the bottom of tabs or click the chevron at
the bottom of the tabs.
Toolbar Commands
Beam and Column Calculator - Beam Calculation tab

Sets parameters for calculation of a beam.
Access:
Ribbon: Design tab
Frame panel
the Beam Calculation tab.
, and switch to
Loads & Supports

Use this area to specify loads and supports. Select Loads or Supports from the drop-down list.
Depending on your selection, the commands within the toolbar display. The Options button is always
available.
Click the button to add appropriate force, load, or support. A dialog box displays where you can edit
the values.
Selected force or support displays in the list where you can edit or delete it.
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The graphical representation of loads and supports is displayed in Autodesk Inventor window. Work
with the preview as with 3D Grips. You can drag the preview to the appropriate position. Double-click
to display the edit dialog. Move the mouse cursor above the graphical representations to display a
description of a force or support. When you select load or support in the list in the Beam Calculation
tab, its graphical representation is selected within the Autodesk Inventor window, and vice versa.
Only one support carries the axial load, and its diagrammatic display is different from others.
Loads
Add Force Opens the Radial Force dialog where you can set the radial force properties, such
as distance or angle.
Add Axial Force Click to open the Axial Force dialog window where you can set the axial
force properties, such as distance or axial force value.
Add Continuous Load Click to open the Continuous Load dialog box and set the continuous
load properties, such as length or angle.
Add Bending Moment Specifies moments in all directions. Mx (torque), My (bending - XZ
plane) and Mz (bending - XY plane). Positive moment actuates in the counterclockwise
direction.
Click to open the Bending Moment dialog box and set the bending moment properties.
Add Torque Torque is entered using two forces which are mutually opposite. One of the
forces represents the actual torque, the second force must be negative (for example, 150 Nm
and -150 Nm). The sum of all torques (Max) must equal 0.
Click to open the Torque dialog box and set the torque properties, such as distance or torque
value.
Add Common Load Click to open the Common Load dialog box and set the common load
properties, such as force or length.
Supports
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Add Fixed Support Click to open the Fixed Support dialog box and set the fixed support
properties.
Add Free Support Click to open the Free Support dialog box and set the free support
properties.
Add Restraint Click to open the Restraint dialog box and set the restraint properties.
Options Click to open the Options dialog box and specify the 3D and 2D preview settings.
Loads and supports are editable:
Opens the appropriate dialog box to edit loads or supports.
Deletes the selected load or support.

Calculation Properties
Use density
Check the box to include the mass in the calculation. If you clear the Use density
check box, the Density is not included in the calculation. Mass is calculated as if
the density is used.
Use shear
Determines if the value is used in the deflection calculation.
displacement
Shear displacement ratio: The radial forces acting on the profile cause it both to
ratio
bend, and to slide. If the profile is expected to bend a lot (long or thin profiles), the
sliding effect does not appear and the shear displacement ratio may be
disregarded - switched off. For thick or rigid profiles this effect is more significant.
Value 1.18 is used as a default for cylindrical profiles.
Number of
Beam
divisions
Specify the number of the beam divisions used for calculation.
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Mode of
reduced
stress
Select either HMH or Tresca-Guest mode of reduced stress calculation. The

selected mode affects calculated value of reduced stress.
Results
To display the Results area on the right side of the Calculation tab, double-click the double line on the
right or click the chevron.
Displays the calculated dimensions values such as mass or length. Click Calculate to display the
values. The units of the calculated results values can be changed. Double-click the specified value
you want to change.
Following output parameters are displayed in the Results pane:
Results
Section Length (L)
Mass (Mass)
Maximal Bending Stress (sB)
Maximal Shear Stress (tS)
Maximal Torsional Stress (t)
Maximal Tension Stress (sT)
Maximal Reduced Stress (sred)
Maximal Deflection (fmax)
Angle of Twist (f)
Load
Deflection in Y Axis (fY)
Deflection in X Axis (fX)
Support
Support Force in Z Axis(FZ)
Support Force in Y Axis (FY)
Support Force in X Axis (FX)
Yielding in Y Axis (YY)
Yielding in X Axis (YX)
Deflection in Y Axis (fY)
Deflection in X Axis (fX)
Note: For more information on the calculated parameters, see the Engineer's Handbook.
Position markers
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Defining points on a beam to which the loads and supports are
positioned. Use ALT + drag to move a force or support and
assign it to another position marker.
Summary of Messages
Toolbar Commands
Beam and Column Calculator - Column Calculation tab

Sets parameters for calculation of a column.
Access:
Ribbon: Design tab
Frame panel
the Column Calculation tab
, and switch to
Loads
Specifies the input force, coefficient for end conditions, and maximum loaded column length.
Axial Load
Specify the maximum operating force. Its direction is displayed on the schematic
image showing individual end types.
Coefficient Enter the coefficient according to the schematic picture containing end types in the
for End
main dialog box. These values are theoretical only. Also take into account the
Conditions mounting clearance and elasticity.
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Click the button next to the edit field to display a schematic image that enables you
to specify the coefficient value. Select the appropriate column, and click OK. The
value of the coefficient is transferred to the Column Calculation tab.
Required
Safety
Factor
Set the appropriate value for the required safety margin (usually in the range of 2 10).
Column
Enter the values for column calculation. Edit fields are disabled if the calculator could not transfer the
appropriate data from the Autodesk Inventor object. The disabled values correspond with entered
parameters in the Model tab.
Enter the values for column length, section area, and least moment of inertia.
Graphical area
In the graphical area, the graphs of critical stress according to the slenderness ratio are displayed.
Results
To display the Results area on the right side of the Calculation tab, double-click the double line on the
right or click the chevron.
Displays the calculated dimensions values such as slenderness ratio. Click Calculate to display the
values. The units of the calculated results values can be changed. Double-click the specified value
you want to change.
The following output parameters are displayed in the Results pane:
Results
Slenderness ratio (l)
Least radius of gyration (jmin)
Rankine formula
Rankine's critical stress (sR)
Rankine's critical force (FcrR)
Rankine's maximum force (FmaxR)
Rankine's calculated safety factor (kscR)
Euler formula
Euler's critical stress (sE)
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Euler's critical force (FcrE)

Euler's maximum force (FmaxE)
Euler's calculated safety factor (kscE)
Johnson formula
Johnson's critical stress (sE)
Johnson's critical force (FcrJ)
Johnson's maximum force (FmaxJ)
Johnson's calculated safety factor (kscJ)
Pure Pressure
Pressure stress (sP)
Critical force (FcrP)
Maximum Force (FmaxP)
Calculated safety factor (kscP)
Note: For more information on the calculated parameters, see the Engineer's Handbook.
Summary of Messages
Toolbar Commands
Radial Force
Use the dialog to enter parameters for beam radial force.
Access: Ribbon: Design tab
Frame panel
Click the Beam Calculation tab. In the drop-down list in the Loads & Supports area
select Loads, click Add Force from the toolbar.
In the Loads & Supports area of the Calculation tab, select Radial Force in the tree
control, and click Loads properties.
Double-click the load preview in the Autodesk Inventor window.
Properties Enter the value for distance measured from the beginning, middle, or end of the
section defined by active position marker.
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Forces
Depending on your selection, Force with angle or Forces in Y and X axis, the
additional options display in lower part of the area.
Force with angle
Force enter the value of the force.
Angle enter the angle value.
Forces in Y and X axis
Force in Y axis enter the value of the force in the Y axis.

Force in XZ axis enter the value of the force in the X axis.
Axial Force
Use the dialog box to enter parameters for axial force of beam.
Frame panel
select Loads, click Add Axial Force from the toolbar.
In the Loads & Supports area of the Calculation tab, select the Axial Force in the tree
Double-click the force preview in the Autodesk Inventor window.
Properties Distance Enter the value for distance measured from the beginning, middle, or end
of the section defined by active position marker.
Force
Axial
Force
Enter the value for axial force.
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Common Load
Use the dialog to enter parameters for common load of the beam.
Frame panel
select Loads, click Add Common Load .
In the Loads & Supports area of the Calculation tab, select common load in the tree
Enter the values of the Radial Force, Axial Force, Continuous Loads, Bending Moment, Torque, and
Distance. Click OK to recalculate values.
Continuous Load
Use the dialog to enter parameters for continuous load of the beam.
Frame panel
select Loads, click Add Continuous Load from the toolbar.
In the Loads & Supports area of the Calculation tab, select continuous load in the tree
Force
Depending on your selection, Load with angle or Load in X and Y axis, the additional
options display in lower part of the area.
Load with angle
Continuous Load enter the value of the continuous load.
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Length enter the length value.
Load in X and Y axis
Continuous Load in Y axis enter the value of the continuous load in the Y axis.
Continuous Load in X axis enter the value of the continuous load in the X axis.
Length enter the length value.
Bending Moment
Use the dialog to enter parameters beam bending moment.
Frame panel
select Loads, and on the toolbar click Add Bending Moment.
In the Loads & Supports area of the Calculation tab, select Bending Moment in the tree
Moments
Depending on your selection, Moment with angle or Moment in X and Y axis, the
additional options display in lower part of the area.
Moment with angle
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Bending Moment enter the value of the bending moment.

Moment in X and Y axis
Bending Moment in Y axis enter the value of the bending moment in the Y axis.
Bending Moment in X axis enter the value of the bending moment in the X axis.
Supports
Use the dialog to enter parameters of beam supports.
Frame panel
Click the Beam Calculation tab. In the Loads & Supports drop-down list select Supports,
and on the toolbar click Add Fixed Support or Add Free Support.
In the Loads & Supports area of the Calculation tab, select free or fixed support in the
tree control, and click Support properties.
Double-click the support preview in the Autodesk Inventor window.
Distance
Enter the distance value which defines the distance of the restraint from the left
side of the element.
Yielding
Define the plasticity for XY and XZ planes.
Radial
Displacement
Enter the radial displacement values for XY and XZ planes.
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Torque
Use the dialog to enter parameters of beam torque.
Frame panel
Click the Beam Calculation tab. In the Loads & Supports drop-down list select Supports,
and in the toolbar click Add Torque.
In the Loads & Supports area of the Calculation tab, select Torque in the tree control,
and click Loads properties.
Double-click the torque preview in the Autodesk Inventor window.
Properties Enter the distance value.
Moments
Enter the force value.
Restraint
Use this dialog box to enter parameters of a restraint.
Frame panel
Click the Beam Calculation tab. From the Loads & Supports drop-down list select
Supports, and on the toolbar click Add Restraint.
In the Loads & Supports area of the Calculation tab, select restrain in the tree control,
and click Restraint properties.
Double-click the support preview in the Autodesk Inventor window.
Distance
Enter the distance value which defines the distance of the restraint from the left
side of the element.
Yielding
Define the plasticity for XY and XZ planes.
Radial
Displacement
Enter the radial displacement values for XY and XZ planes.
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