Easy to Use Beam Calculator
The first thing our users associate with PolyBeam is simplicity. PolyBeam is a very simple and intuitive beam calculator, which makes it very easy to use – even if you are not familiar with IT and software. Supports, loads and section properties are inserted with a minimum amount of user input. Simultaneously, PolyBeam will draw a graphical representation of the beam with the applied loads, calculate sectional forces and determine the utilization of the beam.
Lateral Torsional Buckling
The critical bending moment from lateral torsional buckling is determined based on an energy method, which accounts for the load attack height, the sectional forces and the restrains. Using this method, the critical moment is determined with high precision. This often leads to a higher load bearing capacity compared with traditional calculations.
Elastic and Plastic Sectional forces
As opposed to traditional engineering software PolyBeam determines sectional forces both elastic and plastically. This allows for a higher utilization of the most commonly used steel sections for statically indeterminate beams.
Ultimate Limit State Design (ULS)
An ULS load combination can be specified. If this is done PolyBeam will check the sectional forces from the beam calculation with the load bearing capacity of the chosen section and determine the utilization. For more details about what is included in the ULS design check see the question “What does the design check include?“.
Serviceability Limit State Design (SLS)
Two different types of SLS load combinations can be specified, Natural frequency analysis or deflection analysis. The natural frequency analysis determines the first natural frequency of the beam and allows the user to specify a threshold – this is very useful when dealing with vibration requirements. similarly, a deflection threshold can be specified, as default L/400 is used.
Fire Design
If a fire load combination is specified PolyBeam calculates the steel temperature based on the duration of the fire and determines the load bearing capacity. If the section is unable to withstand the load a critical steel temperature can be found and used to determine the required fire insulation.
PDF Export
When you have finished your beam calculation it is very easy to document your work. Simply click on export, chose which content you want to include and let PolyBeam create a short and elegant PDF document for you. This feature is one of the most liked features among our users. See example.