Here are the different EB (Euler-Bernoulli) and TIMO (Timoshenko) deflections for the same simple supported beam with a basic UDL (no self weight, just the external load applied) :

My parameters are:

2×10, L=144 in, E=1.7e6 psi, I=98.931 in⁴, A=13.875 in², G=106250 psi, κ=5/6

As you can see the Timoshenko analysis yields slightly more deflection since we are accounting for deflection from both shear and bending. According to my calculations my results are within less than 0.05% of the theoretical value so I think the algorithm is working correctly

Now I need to check a few different multi-span configurations as well as overhangs to make sure everything is indeed robust.

When I calculate the Timoshenko beam I'm wondering if I should adjust the tabulated E value since it is being adjusted for the shear already by %3 for sawn lumber per Appendix F of the NDS (Sec. F.3). So the listed value is is actually 3% larger than the (shear-free) or true value of E.

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This will reduce the bundle price from $280.00 USD to $196.00 USD. This promo code does not apply to any of the extensions purchased separately. As part of this promotion a permanent license for the Electrical, HVAC and Engineering plugins will also be included upon request at no additional cost. The offer ends on Dec.1st and no rain checks will issued thereafter.

design.medeek.com

Version 0.8.3 - 11.12.2025

• Enabled a detailed and simple engineering report/analysis for sawn lumber beams.
• Added an option to switch between Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam analysis.
• Report now includes live load and total load deflection graphs.
• Shear, Moment and Deflection graphs can be toggled to all load combinations within the report.

Tutorial 1 - Beam Calculator

I'm very excited about this release, it is the first time in history (that I know of) that one can do actual engineering all within SketchUp. The API is magical, you can turn SketchUp into just about any thing you can imagine.

First look at a sample load diagram that will be generated within the report:

I was going to include the numerical values but it clutters things up too much so I think it makes more sense to just include the appropriate tables below the diagram with all of that information.

Notice how P3 is essentially on top of D1. The point loads and distributed loads can be anywhere along the beam so things may become a little cluttered even with my best attempts at trying to make the diagram as clear as possible.

If you look at the output from Weyerhaeuser's Forte app, my diagram is similar in many respects but somewhat more detailed.

One thing I have not considered yet is what if the user wants to input negative (uplift) loads. I will need to give that some more thought and figure out if that is something I should add and then determine how to best represent an uplift load.

The other thing I realized is that unlike a truss, I'm actually only dealing with a one dimensional structural entity here. Do I really need the grid? It does help show the size of the beam (the length and depth are to scale) but otherwise there is really no need for it.

Thoughts overall?

Tutorial 76 - Double Stud Walls (18:03 min.)

Tutorial 77 - Mitek vs. Simpson (11:00 min.)

Version 1.1.0 - 12.11.2025

• Updated the file/component loading method for hangers and certain joist types to increase plugin performance.
• Fixed multiple bugs with CFS joists.

Version 4.1.8 - 12.13.2025

• Fixed a long standing bug where blocking was not created above and below doors, windows and garage doors.
• Fixed the blocking bug for rectangular, gable, shed and hip walls.
• Fixed a context menu bug (Edit Opening...) for gable, shed and hip walls.

Version 1.5.6 - 12.14.2025

• Added three and four gang dimmer and timer switches.