About Beam Deflection & Bending Stress Calculator
Euler-Bernoulli beam theory calculator for simply supported and cantilever beams subject to center point loads or uniform distributed loads (UDL). Computes maximum bending moment (M_max), midspan deflection (δ), and peak outer-fiber bending stress.
Key Capabilities & Features
- Supports Simply Supported (pin-roller) and Cantilever (fixed-free) beam configurations
- Handles Concentrated Center Point Loads and Uniform Distributed Loads (UDL)
- Calculates Maximum Bending Moment (N·m and kN·m) and Maximum Deflection (mm)
- Calculates Peak Outer-Fiber Bending Stress (σ = M · c / I)
- Evaluates building code live-load deflection limits (L/360 and L/240)
How to Use Beam Deflection & Bending Stress Calculator
Configure Beam Boundary
Select Simply Supported beam or Cantilever beam topology.
Specify Load & Span
Enter beam span in meters and applied load in kiloNewtons (kN).
Set Section Properties
Input section moment of inertia (Ixx in cm⁴) and distance to extreme fiber (c in mm).
Privacy & In-Browser Execution Guarantee
100% private structural analysis executed directly in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the formula for simply supported beam deflection under a point load?
For a simply supported beam with span L and center point load P, maximum deflection at midspan is δ_max = (P · L³) / (48 · E · I), and maximum bending moment is M_max = (P · L) / 4.
What is the L/360 deflection rule in building codes?
Building codes such as the International Building Code (IBC) restrict live-load floor beam deflection to no more than the beam length divided by 360 (L/360) to prevent plaster cracking and floor bounce.