Free Continuous Beam Calculator

Analyse multi-span continuous beams instantly. Get bending moment diagrams, shear force diagrams, deflection curves, and support reactions for any number of spans—no signup or download required.

Visualise bending moment, shear force, and deflection diagrams instantly

Continuous Beam Analysis

Continuous beams span over multiple supports and are statically indeterminate—you can't solve them with simple equilibrium equations alone. They're everywhere in practice: floor beams running over columns, bridge decks over piers, and roof purlins over rafters. Our FEA-based solver handles any number of spans with any combination of loads automatically.

How It Works

AutoCalcs uses Pynite, an open-source finite element engine, to solve continuous beam problems using the Direct Stiffness Method. Unlike simplified coefficient methods, this gives you exact results for any span ratio, any load pattern, and any support configuration.

1. Place supports — Add nodes at each support location with pin or roller restraints
2. Connect spans — Draw members between supports (add overhangs if needed)
3. Assign a section — Same section across all spans, or different sections per span
4. Apply loads — Different UDLs per span, point loads, multiple load cases
5. Run analysis — Get moment, shear, and deflection diagrams across the full beam

Why Choose AutoCalcs?

Most online continuous beam calculators limit you to 2-3 equal spans with uniform loads. AutoCalcs has no such limitations:

• Unlimited Spans — 2, 3, 5, 10 spans — no artificial limits on your model.
• Unequal Spans — Different length per span, different loads per span. Real-world configurations.
• Load Combinations — Define dead, live, and other cases with factored combinations. Check pattern loading effects.
• Design Code Checks — Integrated AISC 360, Eurocode 3, AS 4100, and CSA S16 steel design checks (Pro).
• Professional Accuracy — FEA-based solver gives exact results, not approximate coefficients.