CSA S16 Canadian Steel Design
Perform factored resistance checks for structural steel members according to CSA S16-19. Our calculator integrates section classification, member stability, and interaction formulas.
Design Check Overview
The calculator classifies your cross-section into Classes 1 through 4 based on plate width-to-thickness ratios, which determines whether the member can develop its full plastic capacity or is limited by local buckling. It then evaluates section and member resistances for tension, compression, bending, and shear, accounting for effective lengths, buckling curves, and lateral-torsional buckling. Where combined actions are present, interaction checks with P-δ amplification are performed automatically.
Clause Compliance Coverage:
- Tensile Resistance (13.2): Gross section yield and net section fracture checks.
- Compressive Resistance (13.3): Uses the 'n' exponent for different fabrication types (Rolled vs. Class H vs. Class C).
- Flexural Resistance (13.5): Evaluates major and minor axis bending with LTB considerations.
- Shear Resistance (13.4): Standard web shear checks for various section types.
- Interaction (13.8): Combined axial and bending checks using U1 amplification factors.
Supported Section Types
I-Shapes - W, WWF, S, HP
Channels - C, MC
Tees - WT, WWT
RHS / SHS
CHS / Pipe
Angles - L
Current Limitations
- Net section area (An) uses gross area — bolt hole deductions are not applied to tension rupture checks.
- Single member analysis only — no automatic frame buckling analysis or system-level effects.
- No connection design, no composite construction, and no seismic provisions (Clause 27).
- Effective length factors (K) must be user-specified (default 1.0). Moment gradient factor (ω2) is auto-calculated from the moment distribution per Clause 13.6.
- The calculator assumes the default section orientation shown in the preview. Major and minor axis inputs are relative to that orientation. Rotated or sideways mono-symmetric members, such as channels, tees, and angles, should be checked in the FEA workflow.
- Torsion is not an input in the standalone calculator. In the FEA tool, torsion (Cl 14.10) is checked for closed hollow sections (RHS/CHS) only — warping torsion for open sections is not performed.
Benchmarks: 50 independent test cases, 0.16% average difference
Full Documentation →