Batch Calculator — Run Multiple Steel Design Calculations
Run multiple structural steel calculations in a single batch with the free online Batch Calculator. Instead of running each check separately — beam bending, column buckling, connection design, section properties — you can combine them into one workflow and compare results side by side.
Quick links: Beam capacity → | Column buckling → | All tools →
Core calculations run via WebAssembly in your browser with step-by-step derivations across AISC 360, AS 4100, EN 1993, and CSA S16 design codes. Results are preliminary and must be verified by a licensed engineer.
Overview of Batch Steel Calculation
Structural engineers often need to evaluate multiple members simultaneously — checking beams on a single floor, verifying columns in a bay, or comparing connection details across a frame. The Batch Calculator streamlines this by consolidating multiple calculation types into a single interface. Each row in the batch represents one independent calculation, and results appear in a unified table for rapid comparison.
The Batch Calculator supports four calculation categories:
Beam checks — Flexural strength, shear strength, deflection, and vibration for simply supported, continuous, and cantilever beams. Each beam check includes section selection or section verification mode.
Column checks — Compressive strength (flexural buckling, torsional buckling, flexural-torsional buckling), combined axial and bending interaction per AISC H1-1a/b. K-factors can be specified per column for precise alignment chart input.
Connection checks — Bolt group capacity, weld group capacity, end plate moment connection, and shear tab capacity. Connection checks include bearing, tear-out, block shear, and weld metal checks.
Section properties — Area, moments of inertia (Ix, Iy), section moduli (Sx, Sy), plastic moduli (Zx, Zy), radius of gyration (rx, ry), torsional constant (J), and warping constant (Cw). Results are displayed for any standard shape or custom built-up section.
Batch Processing Workflow
The batch calculator processes calculations sequentially but independently — no calculation depends on another within the batch. This means you can freely add, remove, or reorder rows without affecting other results. The typical workflow:
- Define a template — Set default code, units (imperial or metric), and material properties for the batch
- Add rows — Add individual calculations by selecting type (beam, column, connection, or section) and entering parameters
- Run batch — Execute all calculations with a single click; each row processes independently
- Review results — Results display DCR (demand-capacity ratio), governing limit state, and code clause reference for each row
- Export — Copy results to clipboard or download as CSV for further analysis in spreadsheet software
Units and Code Selection Per Row
Each row in the batch can use different units and design codes independently. This enables direct cross-code comparison of the same member — for example, running an AISC 360 beam check in one row and an EN 1993 check for the same section and loading in an adjacent row. All unit conversions are handled automatically, and results display in the user-selected unit system.
Beam Calculation Types
The batch calculator supports these beam analysis types:
Simply supported — uniform load — Maximum moment Mmax = wL²/8 at midspan, maximum shear Vmax = wL/2 at supports. Deflection Δmax = 5wL⁴/(384EI). This is the most common configuration for floor beams and roof beams.
Simply supported — point load at midspan — Mmax = PL/4, Vmax = P/2, Δmax = PL³/(48EI). Common for beam reactions from secondary beams or equipment loads.
Simply supported — partial uniform load — For loads applied over a portion of the span, the moment and shear envelope is computed from first principles. This is typical for concentrated equipment areas.
Cantilever — uniform load — Mmax = wL²/2 at support, Vmax = wL at support, Δmax = wL⁴/(8EI). Common for canopies, balconies, and roof overhangs.
Continuous beam — two equal spans — The maximum positive moment is 0.07wL² per span, maximum negative moment at interior support is 0.125wL². Continuous beams provide 20-30% higher efficiency than simply supported beams.
Column Calculation Types
The batch calculator supports column capacity analysis per AISC 360 Chapter E:
Flexural buckling — The nominal compressive strength Pn = Fcr × Ag, where Fcr is the critical stress determined by slenderness KL/r. For KL/r ≤ 4.71√(E/Fy): Fcr = (0.658^(Fy/Fe)) × Fy. For KL/r > 4.71√(E/Fy): Fcr = 0.877 × Fe. The elastic buckling stress Fe = π²E/(KL/r)² per Euler's formula.
Torsional and flexural-torsional buckling — For unsymmetric sections (angles, tees, cruciforms), torsional buckling or flexural-torsional buckling may govern. Fe for these modes is computed per AISC E4 using the section's torsional and warping properties.
Combined axial and bending (beam-columns) — Interaction is checked per AISC H1-1a: Pr/Pc + 8/9 × (Mrx/Mcx + Mry/Mcy) ≤ 1.0 for Pr/Pc ≥ 0.2, and Pr/(2Pc) + (Mrx/Mcx + Mry/Mcy) ≤ 1.0 for Pr/Pc < 0.2. Second-order effects (P-Δ and P-δ) are accounted for per Chapter C using the B1/B2 amplification method.
Design Example — Bay Frame Batch
Consider a warehouse bay with the following members: (1) W18×35 roof beam spanning 30 ft with 50 psf snow load, (2) W14×53 column at 20 ft height with concentric axial load of 120 kips, (3) W12×45 crane beam with 5-ton moving hoist, and (4) W21×44 floor beam with 100 psf live load on 25 ft span.
The batch calculator processes all four checks simultaneously. Results: Roof beam DCR = 0.72 (deflection governs at L/325 — specify L/360 for final design). Column DCR = 0.45 (KL/r = 60, well within AISC limit of 200). Crane beam DCR = 0.58 (fatigue is not checked in the batch — use the dedicated crane runway tool). Floor beam DCR = 0.81 (flexure governs, consider W18×50 for additional capacity).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is batch steel calculation? Batch steel calculation runs multiple structural design checks — beam bending, column buckling, connection design, and section property verification — in a single workflow. Instead of running each calculation separately, you get consolidated results side-by-side, saving time during multi-member design and allowing direct comparison of different sections or loading conditions.
How many calculations can I run in a batch? The batch calculator supports up to 100 individual calculation checks per batch. Each row in the batch represents one calculation (beam check, column check, or connection check). Pro subscribers get 500 calculations per month; Pro Plus gets 1,000. The free tier offers 10 per hour and 50 per day for registered users.
Which design codes does the batch calculator support? The batch calculator supports AISC 360-22 LRFD, AS 4100:2020, EN 1993-1-8 (Eurocode 3), and CSA S16:2019. Each calculation includes code clause references, phi factors, and code-specific parameters. You can mix codes within a single batch for cross-standard comparison.
Can I export batch results to CSV or Excel? Yes. Batch results can be exported as CSV format for import into spreadsheet software or structural engineering documentation. The export includes: member ID, calculation type, section, demand, capacity, DCR, governing limit state, and code reference. This makes it easy to compile calculation packages for review. A JSON export option is also available for integration with custom workflows.
How is the batch processing rate determined for the free tier? The free tier limit of 10 calculations per hour and 50 per day is designed to prevent abuse while allowing reasonable use for evaluation and educational purposes. Each individual row in a batch counts as one calculation. Registered users get tracked limits that reset hourly and daily. Upgrade to Pro for higher limits and priority processing.
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Disclaimer (educational use only)
This page is provided for general technical information and educational use only. It does not constitute professional engineering advice. All results must be independently verified by a licensed Professional Engineer.