Overview

About the Calculator

The ClearCalcs Canadian steel member (Design Only) calculator enables the fast design of a steel member using CSA S16:24 provisions. Engineers can quickly and easily model any type of steel member with a handy range of presets that reduce repetitive data entry and improve accuracy. Loads can be dynamically linked between structural elements, so beams, columns, and connections can easily be linked and checked for adequacy.

Compliant with CSA S16:19 and NBCC 2015

Design your steel members with complete confidence that your calculations meet the most current Canadian structural codes. This calculator incorporates the provisions of CSA S16:19 and NBCC 2015, automating key checks to save you time on manual code compliance.

Built-in W shapes presets for rapid design

Easily select standard W shapes steel sections from a built-in member selector library. Input loads and other design parameters to instantly get checks for compression, bending, and shear, including interaction checks for combined loading scenarios. This makes it easy to handle common design tasks with minimal setup.

Custom cross-section modeling

Take advantage of the advanced functionality to create custom-built sections, such as custom I-sections or monosymmetric I-sections. This feature allows you to input unique dimensions and material properties, with the calculator automatically determining section properties like moment of inertia and torsional properties. This is ideal for designing deep girders or other non-standard steel members.

Dynamic load linking with truss and portal frame analysis

You can link the loads from the Steel Member (Design Only) calculator to ClearCalcs’ Truss Analysis and Portal Frame Analysis modules for seamless member design. This allows for the iterative design of truss or portal frame members.

Transparent formula referencing and code compliance

Every calculation step in the Steel Member (Design Only) calculator comes with detailed descriptions, references to relevant formulas, and applicable building code provisions. This transparency ensures engineers fully understand the calculations and design principles behind their work, building confidence that they are not designing in a "black box." By referencing standards like CSA S16:19 at every step, engineers can improve their competency and trust in the tool’s results.

Why ClearCalcs?

Frustration to Flow

See how ClearCalcs transforms structural calculations from a tedious, error-prone chore into an efficient, stress-free process.

With spreadsheets and clunky software

Frustration, fuss, and fragile formulas—the old way of engineering calculations that holds you back

Struggle with endless spreadsheets and custom formulas.

Building codes change, but outdated software and spreadsheets don’t.

Triple-check and verify manual input at every turn.

Old software feels like a maze, with unclear settings, limited templates, and rigid interfaces.

With ClearCalcs

Effortless, efficient engineering calculations at your fingertips.

100+ pre-built calculators for different materials.

Every calculation comply with the latest codes and standards.

Forget the worry of “black box” calculations; verify calculators with inline formulas, codes, and checks.

Intuitive tools built to your workflow, plus unmatched customer support.

How It Works

Your code-compliant calculator

Tired of complex calculations? ClearCalcs Calculator Library keeps it simple, secure and code-compliant – so you can calculate with confidence.

Save time with ready-to-use templates for wood, steel, and concrete

ClearCalcs offers an extensive library of easy-to-use calculators for beams, columns, and footings, designed to make structural calculations simpler and faster.

Choose from a wide range of pre-configured beam and column options, complete with automatic member sizing, so you can quickly reach reliable designs and reduce rework.

Beams

Columns

Foundations

Walls

Loads

Dynamically track your load paths from roof to foundation

No need to copy and paste reactions between calculations! If the top calculator's reactions change, the loads being inherited onto the lower calculator will update automatically. This includes all loads such as dead, live, snow, seismic, and wind.

Submit professional reports for permit review

ClearCalcs is not only easy to use, but also easy to check! All calculations follow an easy to understand traffic light check system, with multiple levels of detail available giving you the choice of printing every step of the calculation and all code and standard references, or simply a compact, one-page print out.

Report heading includes your project name and address

Easily upload your organization logo for a professional report

Use custom PDF upload to merge additional documents to your structural calculations

Download a sample report



Steel Member (Design Only) Calculator to CSA S16:19, NBCC 2015