Back to All Demos
Structural Engineering
Intermediate

Structural Beam Sizing

Calculate optimal steel or concrete beam sizes for given loads, spans, and design criteria.

Before

Sample Problem

Design a steel beam for an office building:
• Span: 30 feet
• Spacing: 25 feet
• Dead load: 80 psf
• Live load: 125 psf (office occupancy)
• Code: IBC 2021 / ASCE 7-22
• Material: A992 steel (Fy = 50 ksi)
• Deflection limit: L/360
After

AI-Generated Solution

LOAD CALCULATIONS:
• Total dead load: 80 psf × 25 ft = 2.0 k/ft
• Total live load: 125 psf × 25 ft = 3.125 k/ft
• Factored load (LRFD): wu = 1.2(2.0) + 1.6(3.125) = 7.4 k/ft

STRENGTH DESIGN:
• Maximum moment: Mu = (7.4)(30²)/8 = 832.5 k-ft
• Required Zx: 832.5/(0.9 × 50) = 18.5 in³

RECOMMENDED SECTION: W27×84
• Zx = 213 in³ ✓
• Utilization ratio: 87% ✓
• Deflection: L/420 < L/360 ✓

✅ W27×84 MEETS ALL CRITERIA

Key Results

Recommended Beam
W27×84
Load Capacity
87% utilization
Deflection Check
Passes L/360
Weight
84 lb/ft

Common Use Cases

Office buildings
Commercial spaces
Mezzanines
Industrial platforms

Professional Review Required

This demo shows AI-generated output for preliminary design purposes only. All calculations must be verified by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Cognitive BuiltWorld assumes no liability for designs based on AI outputs.

Get Full Access to This Tool

Premium members get the complete prompt text, multiple templates, advanced features, and priority support.