Evaluate beam webs, plates, and built-up sections quickly. Convert units, inspect stress, and export reports. Use clear outputs for stronger structural checking workflows today.
Enter values in one consistent length system. Q must match length cubed. I must match length to the fourth power.
| Section | V (kN) | Q (mm³) | I (mm⁴) | t (mm) | τ (MPa) | Allowable (MPa) | Utilization (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plate Girder Web | 18.00 | 2,400,000 | 210,000,000 | 10.00 | 20.5714 | 90.00 | 22.86 |
| Box Beam Side Wall | 26.00 | 3,100,000 | 260,000,000 | 12.00 | 25.8333 | 110.00 | 23.48 |
| Built-Up I Section | 34.00 | 3,900,000 | 340,000,000 | 14.00 | 27.8571 | 125.00 | 22.29 |
| Channel Web Panel | 15.00 | 1,800,000 | 145,000,000 | 8.00 | 23.2759 | 80.00 | 29.09 |
τ = VQ / (I × t)
τ = shear stress
V = internal shear force
Q = first moment of area above or below the point
I = second moment of area about the neutral axis
t = local thickness where stress is checked
The calculator first converts entered values into consistent base units.
It then computes shear flow using q = VQ / I.
Finally, it divides shear flow by thickness using τ = q / t.
When allowable stress is entered, the page also reports utilization and the maximum force that keeps the section within the adjusted limit.
It calculates transverse shear stress at a chosen location in a beam or plate-like section. The result is useful for web checks, built-up sections, and structural design verification.
Q is the area above or below the point of interest multiplied by the distance from that area’s centroid to the neutral axis. It describes how area distribution affects shear transfer.
Because Q uses length cubed and I uses length to the fourth power, inconsistent dimensions can distort the answer badly. This page handles unit conversion, but the selected length basis must still be correct.
Use the local thickness where shear stress is being checked. In an I-beam web, t is usually the web thickness. In a plate or wall, it is the thickness at that exact shear path.
Utilization compares calculated shear stress with the adjusted allowable stress. A value at or below 1.00 passes the stated limit. A value above 1.00 indicates overstress under the chosen assumptions.
The design factor reduces the allowable stress to create a more conservative check. This helps engineers screen designs using a chosen margin before final code-based verification.
The graph shows how shear stress rises with increasing shear force while section properties stay fixed. It helps visualize sensitivity and makes it easier to compare actual demand against a limit.
Use it for engineering estimation, checking, and reporting support. Final approval should still consider applicable design codes, load combinations, material behavior, local effects, and project-specific detailing requirements.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.