C Channel Load Capacity Calculator
The SkyCiv Channel Load Capacity Calculator is a free resource to help you determine the strength and capacity of steel channel beams. The tools are based on the American Institute of Steel Construction’s (AISC) 360-16 steel design standard. The c channel calculator designs structural members subjected to bending, shear and axial loads in both major and minor axis. The members are generally used as C beams or C Channel columns in a structure. The calculator features an input panel to import your loads for geometry, material, design actions and design factors, as well as results for both combined and regular member utilization.
About the AISC 360 Channel Load Capacity Calculator
What is a C Channel Section?
Like the name suggests a C Channel section is shaped like the letter C. Channel sections are usually made of hot rolled steel. C shapes are made of two flanges connected to a web to form the channel shape. Generally most standard channel sizes have the same top and bottom flange thickness. These channels can also have a fillet radius in the joints between the flange and the web to strengthen the joint and help it withstand higher stress concentrations.
Where are C Channel Sections commonly used?
Like other popular cross sections including I-beams and Angle sections, the Channel section is used in many structural engineering contexts. These beams are often chosen over I-beams due to cost, material, weight and fabrication advantages. Channels are also preferred when bi-directional support is required or certain orientation needs to occur in the installation to meet architectural designs.
What is C Channel load capacity?
Like any beam load capacity the steel c channel load calculation is influenced by multiple factors including material, dimensions, span length. Most importantly the loading conditions and orientation (shear, axial and bending loads) play a vital role in determining if the beam load capacity is safe. The C Channel load capacity calculator also supports design for local buckling and lateral torsional buckling with design factors such as shear lag factor, effective length parameters and torsional factor.
The SkyCiv Channel CapacityCcalculator supports both Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) design methods as prescribed by AISC 360-16. The difference between the two design philosophies is that ASD relies on allowable stresses and laid factors to determine design loads while LRFD incorporates load and resistance factors to create a more consistent approach to calculate factored loads.
Angle Capacity Calculator
The above calculator also supports the design of angle beam load capacity. To access this version of the calculator use the “Related” dropdown at the top of the left side input panel. An angle section consists of two legs, joining together at a right angle. Equal angle sections are when both legs are of the same width. These are commonly used in structures for support and bracing. Like the channel calculator the angle beam capacity calculator supports both ASD and LRFD design with multiple restraint case types available.
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FAQ
The ASIC 360 Channel calculator will calculate the capacity of a channel and angle section based on AISC 360-16 Design Standards. The calculations are based on the dimensions, span length and design loads entered by the engineer.
To get load capacity for an angle section use the above SkyCiv Angle capacity calculator design to AISC 360. This follows a similar process to channel beam design, however with factors considered for an angle section. To access this tool use the “Related” drop-down above the top left input panel.
