student resources

more places to learn.

A curated list of free and low-cost tools for students — organized by what you're trying to do. None of these are affiliated with structuralzero.

structural engineering learning
Structural Engineering Academy
structuralengineeringacademy.com
Online courses covering structural theory and practice, from fundamentals to professional exam prep.
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Structural Engineering Basics
structuralengineeringbasics.com
Courses aimed at non-engineers — architects, contractors, and developers — who work alongside structural engineers.
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Beginner's Guide to Structural Engineering
bgstructuralengineering.com
Text-based notes from 20 years of university teaching, grounded in real structures and drawings.
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Alison
alison.com
Free structural engineering courses with certificates, accessible to complete beginners.
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Coursera · edX · Udemy
coursera.org  /  edx.org  /  udemy.com
University-backed and instructor-led video courses on structural analysis, design, and software tools. Quality and cost vary — audit options are often free.
interactive beam & force calculators
BeamGuru
beamguru.com
Free BMD/SFD calculator for beams, frames, and trusses. Very popular with undergrads for quick checks.
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SolverEdu
solveredu.com
Shear and moment diagram calculator that outputs manual-style step-by-step solutions — ideal for checking homework.
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SkyCiv Beam Calculator
skyciv.com
Professional-grade beam analysis with reactions, SFD, BMD, deflection, and design code checks.
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WebStructural
webstructural.com
Free multi-span beam designer with interactive drawing and steel/wood design checks.
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CivilCalc
civilcalc.com
Clean beam calculator for continuous and indeterminate beams with moment, shear, and deflection diagrams.
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Simulations4all
simulations4all.com
Interactive shear and moment diagram builder with real-time feedback, verified against Beer & Johnston and Hibbeler.
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STRIAN
structural-analyser.com
Browser-based solver for beams, frames, and trusses — runs offline and draws SFD, BMD, and deflected shape.
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UnborEng
unboreng.com
Free interactive statics apps including a free body diagram maker and Mohr's circle visualizer.
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section properties calculators
SkyCiv MOI Calculator
skyciv.com
Calculates moment of inertia, centroid, and section modulus for common shapes.
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Calcs.com
calcs.com
Custom cross-section property calculator for arbitrary shapes including warping and plastic analysis.
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CivilCalc Section Properties
civilcalc.com
Free centroid, moment of inertia, and section modulus calculator for standard structural profiles.
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professional analysis tools
EasyCiv
easyciv.com
Free browser-based 3D structural analysis app — no prior software experience needed.
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SkyCiv Full Suite
skyciv.com
Comprehensive structural engineering platform including 3D analysis, section builder, and design tools.
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SimScale
simscale.com
Cloud-based FEA and structural simulation platform — no installation required.
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These tools are for learning and exploration — not for use in professional practice without appropriate review and licensure.