> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/sel-faq/using-the-software/calculation-modules/beams2/beams/structural-analysis-in-enercalc-sel.md). # Structural Analysis within ENERCALC SEL How ENERCALC SEL performs structural analysis using a finite element solver across its calculation modules. ## How is the structural analysis performed within the various ENERCALC modules? All structural analyses performed within the various ENERCALC modules are computed using a robust finite element solver. This is true of beam modules, column modules, wall modules, and essentially any other analysis where geometry, boundary conditions, and applied loads are used to arrive at calculated reaction forces, deflections, shears, and moments. In the case of beam modules in particular, the finite element solution for the beam yields reaction forces, deflections, and internal end forces for each beam span. Based on the internal end forces the beam is then post-processed along its entire length at densely spaced internal slices. Each internal slice is analyzed using equilibrium of instantaneous internal forces and cumulative external forces (i.e., applied loads) to compute instantaneous shear and bending moment at that slice. This process produces a continuous contour of shear and bending moment values across the complete extents of the beam. The use of an FEA solver which implements a stiffness matrix solution allows the user to flexibly create arbitrary geometries and load those geometries using an unlimited variety of load configurations. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.enercalc.com/sel-faq/using-the-software/calculation-modules/beams2/beams/structural-analysis-in-enercalc-sel.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.