Steel-Beam is a user-friendly robust program that allows the combined stress evaluation of steel beams and steel columns under combined axial and flexural loads. Designs can be examined with Allowable Stress Design Codes by AISC ( ASD 9th Edition ), and with Load Factored Resistance Design codes LRFD 2nd and 3rd editions. Multiple pipe or I-shaped sections can be investigated for the same loading conditions. The program has an extensive database of standard AISC section properties and investigates numerous equations for determining structural capacities.

In particular, since most steel sections are shaped as I members (flange and web), researchers progressively realized that many modes of flexural faiiure of the flange or the web could exist. As a result, codes have evolved to include flexural torsional buckling of the flange or localized buckling of the web. In regards to axial loads, the Euler equations have evolved and been modified to better match the observed behavior of steel columns. Many investigators in the AISC committee have proposed various equations that essentially yielded the same results (AISC: American Institute of Steel Construction).

Exhibit 1: Typical Steel-Beam Screen Output

Exhibit 2: Typical Input for Dimensions and Inclinations