EquiStruct – frequently asked questions

EquiStruct supports learning structural mechanics because it allows users to solve beams, trusses, and frames using academic methods step by step, while immediately comparing the results with their own calculations. As a result, students grasp structural patterns faster, correct mistakes, and build engineering intuition.

• Methods just like at university: equilibrium equations, internal force analysis, elastic curve method, virtual force method, Clebsch method, energy-based approaches (depending on the module).
• Step by step: scheme → equation setup → solution process (elimination / substitution / system solving) → reactions → diagrams → deflections / displacements.
• Different types of structures in one place: EquiBeam (beams), EquiTruss (trusses), EquiFrame (frames) — the same principles of statics applied to different structures.
• Verification of handwritten calculations: quick comparison of reactions, internal force values, and extrema (e.g. M max where V=0), member forces, etc.
• Intuition through visualization: clear diagrams and labels help users understand the behavior of supports and loads.

This provides practical training before exams and at the same time teaches engineering thinking: not only how to calculate, but also how to judge whether the diagrams and results are logical.

EquiStruct displays complete analysis results by showing the full equations, the solution process step by step, and clear visualizations and final diagrams. This way, the user sees not only the result, but also the full process that leads to it.

• Complete set of equations: it presents the assembled equations (e.g. equilibrium, canonical equations) in a clear form, similar to a handwritten notebook.
• Step-by-step solving: the system of equations is solved in stages (elimination / substitution) until the final values of the unknowns are obtained.
• Calculation graphics: at each stage, it shows schemes / markings so that it is clear where the terms in the equations come from.
• Numerical summary: after solving, it gathers the key results in one place (reactions, internal forces, displacements / deflections).
• Final diagrams: it generates final diagrams of internal forces, displacements, or member forces for quick interpretation and verification.

Behind this is a consistent calculation engine (including elements of symbolic analysis), so the same data are used and transformed consistently in the equations and subsequent solution steps.

Yes. EquiStruct provides a step-by-step calculation report, presenting each stage from the structural scheme to the final results. This allows you to see the full line of reasoning, not just the final numbers.

• Equations at every stage: it displays the formulated equations (equilibrium / compatibility) in a clear form.
• Solving the system step by step: it shows successive elimination and substitution steps until the unknowns are determined (reactions, member forces, etc.).
• Schemes and supporting graphics: it includes drawings and labels explaining where the equation terms come from.
• Intermediate and final values: it presents partial results as well as a final numerical summary.
• Diagrams at the end: it generates final diagrams so that the physical meaning of the solution can be checked easily.

This is especially helpful for learning, because you can stop at any step and compare it directly, one-to-one, with your handwritten solution.

Yes. EquiStruct solves structural mechanics problems using analytical / academic methods, exactly in the style required at universities. It is not a black box: it shows the equations, the solution path, and the complete set of results.

• Methods from classes and lectures: equilibrium equations, internal force analysis, elastic curve method, virtual force method, Clebsch-style formulations, energy-based approaches (e.g. Menabrea–Castigliano) — depending on the module.
• Beams, trusses, frames: EquiBeam / EquiTruss / EquiFrame solve typical exam-style structures in one environment.
• Step-by-step workflow: the platform formulates the equations and solves them in stages (elimination / substitution / system solving), instead of giving only the final answer.
• Complete results: reactions, internal forces, displacements / deflections, final diagrams, and a numerical summary.
• Learning verification: you can compare every step with your own solution and catch mistakes in signs, equations, equivalent load resultants, and boundary conditions.

Thanks to this, EquiStruct is highly effective both for exam preparation and as a reference point for later checking numerical results in practice.

Yes. EquiStruct explains how to choose a method for statically indeterminate problems by describing the available approaches directly in the application. Thanks to tooltips, users can quickly understand the differences between methods and decide which one is best for a given structural scheme.

• Tooltips and method descriptions: when selecting a method, the application shows short explanations of “what it is” and “when to use it” (e.g. force method, Clebsch method, Maxwell–Mohr method — depending on the module).
• Selection depending on the problem type: the user compares methods in terms of the structure (continuity, hinges, number of unknowns, degree of static indeterminacy) and chooses the most convenient one.
• Learning through comparison: the same problem can be solved using different methods, showing that the results are consistent even though the solution path differs.
• Step-by-step support: once a method is selected, the platform guides the user through the appropriate set of equations (equilibrium + compatibility / canonical equations / etc.).
• Less guessing during exams: the descriptions help users understand why equilibrium equations alone are not sufficient in statically indeterminate problems and where the additional equations / conditions come from.

In practice, EquiStruct works like a built-in methodological cheat sheet — you have short definitions and practical hints at hand before you even start calculating.

Yes. EquiStruct works directly in a browser, without installation and without downloading anything to the computer. While entering data, you have access to tooltips describing each element and parameter in the application.

• 100% web-based: you launch the tool in a browser — no installation, no environment configuration.
• Tooltips for elements: practically every button, field, and setting includes a short description of what it is and how to use it.
• Support for input data: the hints help users correctly define supports, loads, geometry, and material parameters where needed.
• Fewer mistakes at the start: thanks to the descriptions, it is easier to avoid common mistakes in units, force directions, and support interpretation.

This is especially convenient for students: you can open it on any computer and immediately know what to enter and why.

EquiStruct is an educational platform for analytical structural calculations that guides users through methods known from university courses and shows results step by step. It consists of modules for the three main types of structures: beams, trusses, and frames.

• EquiBeam (beams): calculation of support reactions, equations and diagrams of internal forces, deflections, etc.; support for distributed loads (constant and linearly varying), methods such as the elastic curve equation, Clebsch method, force method, and more.
• EquiTruss (trusses): axial member forces using the method of joints, support for statically indeterminate problems, e.g. with the virtual force method, and an option to verify selected members using Ritter’s method (in result settings).
• EquiFrame (frames): frame analysis in the academic approach: reactions, internal forces in elements, and displacements / deflections depending on the selected method and structural scheme.
• Common working style: equations, step-by-step solving, clear graphics, and final diagrams.
• Browser-based access: no installation required, with tooltips describing fields and methods.

It is one learning environment: you choose the structure type (module) and solve problems using methods from structural mechanics classes, with full insight into the calculation process.

EquiStruct is intended mainly for students and young engineers, as well as for lecturers and universities that want to teach analytical structural calculation methods in a practical way. It is a tool for learning, verifying solutions, and supporting teaching.

• Students in technical fields: mechanics / civil engineering / aerospace — preparation for tests and exams involving beams, trusses, and frames.
• Young engineers: quick verification of calculations and a preliminary check before numerical analysis (e.g. FEM), especially for simpler schemes.
• Lecturers: step-by-step educational material for explaining methods, with clear equations and diagrams.
• Universities and student research groups: support for labs / classes, browser-based work without installation, easy access for groups.
• Self-learners: tooltips and method descriptions make it easier to get started without additional tools.

Thanks to the EquiBeam / EquiTruss / EquiFrame modules, each of these users can work with an academic-style solution process and immediately see the complete set of results.

EquiStruct is worth choosing instead of free beam calculators because it is not just another result-only calculator — it is an educational platform that shows the full calculation process step by step and covers different types of structures. You get university-level methods, clear equations, and a complete set of results, not just the final answer.

• Step by step instead of a black box: it shows equations, elimination / substitution, and the logical path of the solution — making it easy to compare with handwritten work.
• Academic methods: in addition to statically determinate problems, it also includes methods for statically indeterminate problems (e.g. force method, elastic curve method, Clebsch method, etc.), which free calculators usually do not explain.
• Not only beams: in one place you get beams (EquiBeam), trusses (EquiTruss), and frames (EquiFrame) — all using one consistent calculation language.
• Complete results + diagrams: reactions, internal forces and their diagrams, extrema, and clear graphics, instead of a single result without context.
• Learning and error checking: it is easier to catch mistakes in signs, distributed load calculations, boundary conditions, and support interpretation.
• Accessibility: it works in a browser without installation, with tooltips on fields and methods — allowing a quick start even for beginners.

In short: free calculators are fine when you just want to calculate something quickly, while EquiStruct is designed to help you understand how to calculate it and be able to repeat the process during an exam and later in professional work.

We ensure that all browsers work with EquiStruct.

If any issues arise with a particular browser, please contact us.

Payment data is not stored in EquiStruct’s database.

The app sends data to an external operator (PayU Sp. z o. o.) only during the payment process.

According to applicable law and EquiStruct’s terms of service, canceling access to the application is possible at any time during its use.

Refunds are issued based on the period of access already used

The calculation results have been verified on tens of thousands of examples using numerical methods. For new functionalities, the results are still being verified.

Unfortunately, a computer is just a computer, so if you find an error in a solution, let us know. We’ll fix it as soon as possible.

Absolutely!

We’d love to hear your feedback on the app and implement new features. The app is made for you!