Build a beam model
create_beamRead-onlyIdempotent
Generate a solver-ready FERS model JSON for one beam. Use a named library section (IPE300, HEA200, 'RHS 100x50x5', 'UB 457x191x67', 'W10X22', …) or a solid rectangle. Returns model JSON to pass to solve_model. Accepts common parameter aliases (span/length for span_m, load/udl/uniform_load for load_kn; point_load implies load_type 'point'). Units: metres, kN, kN/m. The model carries two load combinations: 1 'SLS characteristic (auto)' at factor 1.0 and 2 'ULS (auto)' at 1.35, so ULS unity checks evaluate factored loads. Free.
Input Schema
TableJSON Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| udl | No | Alias for load_kn as a UDL in kN/m | |
| load | No | Alias for load_kn (kN/m as a UDL, kN as a point load) | |
| span | No | Alias for span_m (beam span in metres) | |
| length | No | Alias for span_m (beam span in metres) | |
| span_m | No | Beam span in metres (required — or use alias `span`/`length`) | |
| load_kn | No | UDL in kN/m or point load in kN, downward (default 10) | |
| section | No | Library section name, e.g. 'IPE300', 'HEA200', 'RHS 100x50x5', 'UB 457x191x67', 'W10X22'. Overrides height_mm/width_mm. | |
| support | No | 'simply_supported' (default) or 'cantilever' | |
| material | No | steel_S235 (default), steel_S275, steel_S355, steel_S460, aluminium_6061 or concrete_C30 (shorthand S235/S275/S355/S460 ok) | |
| width_mm | No | Section width b in mm (default 100) | |
| height_mm | No | Rectangular section depth h in mm (default 200; ignored if `section` is set) | |
| load_type | No | 'udl' (default) or 'point' | |
| point_load | No | Point load in kN, downward (implies load_type 'point') | |
| uniform_load | No | Alias for load_kn as a UDL in kN/m | |
| load_position | No | Alias for load_position_frac (0..1 along the span) | |
| point_position | No | Alias for load_position_frac (0..1 along the span) | |
| load_position_frac | No | Point-load position along the span, 0..1 (default 0.5; 1.0 for cantilever) |