Steel Beam With Torsion (ASD, AISC 360-16)
Run the calcBeam reactions link to the columns and footings below, so load changes propagate downstream automatically. Design closed-section steel beams subject to torsion to AISC 360-16 ASD. Combined bending, shear, and torsion are checked per Chapter H alongside standard deflection limits.
This calculator uses an earlier code edition (AISC 360-16 (ASD)). It stays available for existing projects. For new designs, check the Calculator Library for the current edition.
Method & scope
What it calculates
Beam reactions link to your column and footing calculations automatically, change a load once and everything downstream updates. For US structural engineers designing closed-section steel beams subject to torsional loading under AISC 360-16 ASD. Checks combined bending, shear, and torsion per Chapter H alongside standard deflection limits. Check steel beams for torsion when shear loads are offset from the shear center, combined with bending and shear in one template.Calculation method
The Steel Beam With Torsion (ASD, AISC 360-16) calculator extends the standard ASD steel beam check with closed-section torsion provisions from AISC 360-16 Chapter H, covering combined bending, shear, and torsion on multi-span beams.Section classification (AISC 360-16 B4)
Flanges and webs are classified as compact, noncompact, or slender per B4. For closed HSS sections, wall slenderness governs both local buckling classification and torsional section properties. The maximum slenderness ratio is checked against the limit and reported in the member properties panel.Flexural capacity, AISC 360-16 Chapter F
Allowable bending moment Mn / Omega_b (Omega_b = 1.67) is calculated for positive and negative bending separately. For compact closed sections LTB typically does not govern, but the calculator evaluates all applicable Chapter F limit states including yielding, FLB, and LTB. utilization = M_service / (Mn / 1.67) ≤ 1.0.Shear capacity, AISC 360-16 Chapter G
Allowable shear uses web shear coefficient Cv1: utilization = V_service / (0.6 Fy Aw Cv1 / 1.67) ≤ 1.0.Closed section torsion checks, AISC 360-16 Chapter H
For closed sections the torsional shear stress is computed from the applied torque using the closed-form St. Venant torsion formula. The combined interaction of torsion, shear, and flexure is checked per Chapter H Section H3: utilization = (Combined torsion, shear, and flexure force) / (Allowable combined strength) ≤ 1.0 The allowable torsion strength is governed by yielding under combined shear stress from flexure and torsion. The summary reports the torsional load, allowable torsion strength, and the combined interaction ratio.Load combination analysis
ASD service-level combinations (D; D+L; D+S; D+0.6W; etc.) are evaluated with FEA. The governing combination for moment and shear is identified. Torsional demands are applied alongside gravity loads.Deflection checks
Three deflection criteria are tracked: instantaneous live-load deflection, long-term deflection (with creep), and simplified DL+(LL or SL) deflection. utilization = delta / delta_allow ≤ 1.0 for each.Inputs summary
Key inputs: section (closed HSS), yield strength Fy, span lengths, support types, incline pitch, applied bending loads with tributary width, required torsional loads, and deflection limit criteria. The torsional load input accepts the applied torque magnitude and location along the span.Outputs summary
Summary outputs: allowable bending moment and demand, allowable and actual shear, torsional load and allowable torsion strength, combined torsion-shear-flexure interaction ratio, maximum slenderness ratio, maximum vertical and horizontal reactions, and deflection ratios for all three criteria.How to use it
1
Open the calculator
Open it from Run calc in the About this calculator panel above. To start from a typical setup, choose one of the presets listed there.
2
Enter your inputs
Work through the input sections from top to bottom. Click any input label to see its reference explanation, clause, conditions and assumptions. See Checks, References, Conditions and Assumptions.
3
Review the results and export
Check the utilization of each governing check in the summary, then export a PDF report. See Views and Export.
Common questions
What design method and code standard does this calculator use?
What design method and code standard does this calculator use?
This calculator uses Allowable Strength Design (ASD) per AISC 360-16. Combined torsion, shear, and flexure are checked per Chapter H using service-level demands. Allowable strengths are computed as Rn / Omega with Omega_b = 1.67 for bending and Omega_v = 1.67 for shear and torsion.
What are the key inputs?
What are the key inputs?
Key inputs include section designation (closed sections such as HSS rectangular or square), yield strength Fy, span lengths and support conditions, service-level bending loads with tributary widths, required torsional loads (applied torque), unbraced length, and deflection limit criteria.
What does it check or output?
What does it check or output?
The calculator checks allowable bending moment (AISC 360-16 Chapter F), allowable shear (Chapter G), torsional strength (Chapter H), and the combined torsion-shear-flexure interaction (Chapter H Section H3). Deflection limits and slenderness (maximum slenderness ratio) are also checked. The summary shows torsional load, allowable torsion strength, combined interaction ratio, and support reactions.
What section types support torsion checks in this calculator?
What section types support torsion checks in this calculator?
The torsion module applies to closed sections (HSS rectangular and square tubes) where St. Venant torsional stiffness dominates. Open sections (W-shapes, channels) are not covered in this calculator, for those, warping torsion methods apply. The calculator computes the closed-section torsion checks per AISC 360-16 Chapter H.
When should I use this versus the standard steel beam ASD calculator?
When should I use this versus the standard steel beam ASD calculator?
Use this calculator when your beam carries a torque, for example, when an eccentric point load acts at a distance from the shear center, when a spandrel beam supports facade loads offset from the web, or when a crane rail applies lateral loads above the centroid. For beams without significant torsion, use steelBeamASD or steelBeamASDAISC360-22 for simpler input.
Does this calculator support load linking with column and footing calculations?
Does this calculator support load linking with column and footing calculations?
Yes, beam reactions at supports link directly to connected column and footing calculations in the same project. When span length, loads, or member size changes, all connected calculations update automatically, no manual re-entry.
Next steps
Calculator Library
Complete list of Calcs.com design calculators available for United States projects (AISC, ACI, NDS, ASCE 7, IBC, and related standards).
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