Design Verification
After the structural analysis is solved, CalcSteel automatically checks every bar against the selected design standard. Each bar receives a utilization ratio that indicates how close it is to its capacity limit.
Utilization Ratio
The utilization ratio is the demand-to-capacity ratio. A value of 0.85 means the bar is using 85% of its capacity. Values below 1.0 pass the check; values above 1.0 fail.
0 – 0.7Safe — bar is well within capacity. Consider optimizing to a lighter profile if utilization is very low.0.7 – 1.0Marginal — bar passes but is near its limit. Acceptable for final design, but check carefully.> 1.0Fails — bar exceeds capacity. Increase profile size, add bracing, or reduce loads.Verification Checks
Each bar is verified for multiple failure modes. The governing check (highest utilization) determines the bar color. The checks performed depend on the selected design standard.
Tension
Axial tension capacity — yield and net section rupture.
Compression
Axial compression — includes flexural, torsional, and flexural-torsional buckling.
Shear (Major)
Transverse shear in the strong axis direction.
Shear (Minor)
Transverse shear in the weak axis direction.
Bending (Major)
Flexural capacity about the strong axis — includes lateral-torsional buckling.
Bending (Minor)
Flexural capacity about the weak axis.
Combined
Interaction equations for combined axial + bending (e.g., AISC H1-1, EC3 6.3.3).
Deflection
Serviceability check — maximum displacement against L/250 or L/360 limits.
Bar Report
Click any bar after analysis to open its detailed report. The report shows all verification checks, the governing combination, section properties, and internal forces at the critical section. You can export this report as PDF.
Supported Standards
CalcSteel supports 33 design standards across 4 material types: hot-rolled steel, cold-formed steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Each standard implements specific capacity formulas, safety factors, and interaction equations.
Ver normas de projeto suportadas →
Optimization Tips
- •If most bars are green with low utilization (< 0.4), consider downsizing profiles to save material weight.
- •Red bars near mid-span usually indicate insufficient bending capacity — try a deeper profile.
- •Red bars at columns often indicate buckling — check effective length or add bracing.
- •Use the envelope combination to find the worst-case utilization across all load combinations.