SteelSolver Extension — Complete Feature Overview
Explore the SteelSolver Extension, a structural engineering Chrome tool with AI chat, unit conversions, and RFQ generation. Core features always free.
SteelSolver Extension — Complete Feature Overview
Structural & Mechanical Engineering Assistant for Chrome
SteelSolver Extension is a specialized structural and mechanical engineering assistant embedded as a Chrome extension. It provides instant access to AISC steel section properties, unit conversions, engineering calculations, AI-powered design assistance, and professional document generation — all with offline capabilities for core features.
Core Philosophy
- Free Core Features: AI Chat, Tools, Sections, Convert, and RFQ are unconditionally free with no trial or expiry.
- Premium Unlock ($5 one-time): Only unlocks specific convenience actions — Copy/Share in AI Chat, and Re-open/Copy/Email/WA in History.
- Offline-First: AISC section database (150+ sections), unit conversions (50+ pairs), and instant calculations work without internet.
- Engineering-Focused: Specialized for structural steel, mechanical engineering, and construction calculations.
The 7 Tabs
💬 AI Chat
The primary interface where you interact with the engineering AI assistant.
Core Capabilities:
- Ask engineering questions about beams, columns, connections, and structural design
- Get instant offline calculations (unit conversions, weight calculations, section properties)
- Receive AI-powered explanations with formulas and code references
- Follow-up suggestions appear after each AI response
- Calculator links appear automatically when a SteelSolver.com calculator exists for your query
Offline Instant Calculations (no AI needed):
- Unit Conversions: 50+ unit pairs (MPa→psi, kN→tonne, mm→inch, etc.)
- Steel Plate Weight:
10mm plate 2m x 1m→ calculates weight - Round Bar Weight:
16mm bar 6m→ calculates weight - Pipe Weight:
219mm OD 6.3mm wall 6m→ calculates weight - Euler Buckling: Provides formula and guidance
- Moment of Inertia: Rectangle section properties
Quick Prompts: Pre-built engineering questions (W-shape selection, beam design, column checks, wind/seismic loads) — tap any to instantly send to AI.
Premium-Gated Actions (require $5 unlock):
- 📋 Copy AI response
- 🔗 Share AI response (Email, WhatsApp, X/Twitter, LinkedIn)
Follow-Up Suggestions: After each AI response, 4-6 context-aware follow-up questions appear. These are shuffled from expanded pools (8-12 options per category) using Fisher-Yates randomization, so you get variety across conversations.
Instant Calculation Cards: When the query matches a calculator pattern, a styled card appears with the result, formula, and a link to the full calculator.
🔧 Tools
A categorized library of engineering calculators available on SteelSolver.com.
Features:
- Auto-Sync: Fetches the latest calculator list from
steelsolver.com/sitemap-pages.xml - Categorized: Structural Steel, Mechanical Properties, Fabrication, Construction, Weight, Trade, DIY, Materials, Units, Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Thermal, Electrical, Geometry, Fasteners
- Search: Type to filter calculators by name, category, or subcategory
- Collapsible Categories: Click category headers to expand/collapse
- Direct Open: Click any tool to open it in a new tab
Sync Info: Shows how many tools are loaded and when they were last synced. Auto-syncs every 24 hours.
📐 Sections
Offline AISC Steel Construction Manual 16th Edition section database.
150+ Sections including:
- W-Shapes: Wide-flange beams (W44X335 down to W4X13)
- HSS Rectangular: Hollow structural sections (HSS16X16X5/8 down to HSS3X3X1/4)
- Angles (L-shapes): L8X8X1 down to L2X2X1/4
- Channels (C-shapes): C15X50 down to C8X13.75
Properties Displayed (US customary units):
- A (Area, in²)
- Ix (Moment of inertia, in⁴)
- Sx (Section modulus, in³)
- Zx (Plastic section modulus, in³)
- rx (Radius of gyration, in)
- d (Depth, in)
- bf (Flange width, in)
- W (Weight per foot, lb/ft)
Features:
- Search: Type any section designation (e.g., W14X90, HSS6X6, L4X4X1/2)
- Filter: Filter by W-Shapes, HSS, Angles, or Channels
- Quick Grid: 8 pre-built section questions (Moment Capacity, Shear Capacity, Axial Capacity, etc.)
- Ask AI About Section: Sends the section to AI Chat with a design check prompt
- Copy Props: Copies section properties to clipboard
Common Section Queries:
- W14X90: A=26.5in², Ix=999in⁴, Sx=143in³, Zx=157in³, W=90lb/ft
- W18X50: A=14.7in², Ix=800in⁴, Sx=88.9in³, Zx=101in³, W=50lb/ft
- HSS6X6X1/2: A=9.74in², Ix=30.3in⁴, Sx=10.1in³, W=33.1lb/ft
- L8X8X1: A=15.0in², Ix=89.0in⁴, Sx=15.8in³, W=51.0lb/ft
🔄 Convert
Offline unit converter with 50+ engineering unit pairs.
Conversion Categories:
- Stress/Pressure: MPa→psi, psi→MPa, MPa→ksi, ksi→MPa, MPa→kPa, kPa→MPa, MPa→N/mm²
- Length: mm→inch, inch→mm, m→ft, ft→m, m→mm, mm→m, m→inch, mm→cm, km→mile
- Force/Load: kN→tonne, tonne→kN, kN→lbf, lbf→kN, N→lbf, kN→N, kN→kgf
- Mass/Weight: kg→lb, lb→kg, tonne→kg, kg→tonne, tonne→lb, kg/m→lb/ft, lb/ft→kg/m
- Moment/Torque: kN·m→kip·ft, kip·ft→kN·m, N·m→lb·ft, lb·ft→N·m, N·m→lb·in
- Temperature: °C→°F, °F→°C, °C→K, K→°C
- Area/Section: mm²→in², in²→mm², m²→ft², ft²→m², mm³→in³ (section mod), mm⁴→in⁴ (inertia), in⁴→mm⁴
- Distributed Load: kN/m→lb/ft, lb/ft→kN/m
Features:
- Real-time conversion as you type
- Displays conversion factor
- Shows full result: "250 MPa = 36,259.5 psi"
- Note: "Results are mathematically exact. Always verify critical values."
📧 RFQ
Professional engineering document and RFQ (Request for Quotation) generator.
Document Templates (12):
- Steel Purchase RFQ — Complete procurement email with material grade, quantity, delivery terms
- Material Request (MR) — Internal procurement document with approval blocks
- Site Inspection Report — Structural steel inspection template with pass/fail checklist
- Supplier Follow-Up — Professional email for overdue deliveries
- Weld NCR Report — Non-conformance report for weld defects
- Submittal Cover Letter — Shop drawing submission cover letter
- Design Calculation Cover — Engineering calculation package cover sheet
- Bolt/Weld Inspection — Connection inspection checklist per AISC/AWS
- Change Order Request — Scope/cost variation letter
- Material Test Certificate — MTR verification checklist
- Column Design Summary — Calculation note with formula and code references
- Wind/Seismic Load Report — Lateral load calculation summary
Quick Calculations Grid: 16 pre-built engineering prompts (Moment Capacity, Shear Capacity, Axial Capacity, Compare Sections, Deflection Check, etc.) — tap any to open in AI Chat.
Features:
- Click any template to generate a complete document in AI Chat
- Documents include placeholders for project-specific details
- Ready to edit, copy, and send
🕘 History
Saves your last 50 AI conversations locally.
Features:
- Shows question preview, answer preview, and time elapsed
- Click "Re-open" to restore the full conversation in AI Chat (Premium-gated)
- Copy conversation to clipboard (Premium-gated)
- Email conversation (Premium-gated)
- WhatsApp share (Premium-gated)
- Clear all history with confirmation
Premium-Gated Actions:
- 💬 Re-open conversation
- 📋 Copy conversation
- ✉️ Email conversation
- 💬 WhatsApp share
⚙️ Settings
Configure API keys, preferences, and view extension information.
AI Provider & API Key
- Providers: Claude (Anthropic), OpenAI/GPT, Google Gemini, Grok/xAI
- API keys are stored locally in your browser only — never sent to SteelSolver servers
- Support for each provider's specific API format (Anthropic's
anthropic-dangerous-direct-browser-accessheader, Gemini's system instructions, etc.)
Preferences (Toggles)
- Show calculator links — Display SteelSolver.com calculator links in AI replies
- Instant offline calculations — Enable/disable instant calculations without AI
- Save conversation history — Enable/disable history tracking
- Show units clearly — Format units in all results
About
- Extension version: v1.0.5
- AI Models: Claude · GPT · Gemini · Grok
- Section DB: AISC 16th Ed · 150+ sections · Offline
- Unit Pairs: 50+ conversions · Offline
- Link to User Guide on SteelSolver.com
Premium Unlock ($5 one-time)
All core features are free forever. Premium unlocks only specific convenience actions:
| Feature | Free | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| AI Chat (ask questions) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tools (calculator library) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sections (AISC database) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Convert (unit converter) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| RFQ (document generator) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| AI Chat — Copy response | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| AI Chat — Share response | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| History — Re-open conversation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| History — Copy conversation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| History — Email conversation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| History — WhatsApp share | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Right-Click Context Menu — Calculate on Any Webpage
The most powerful feature of the extension is the right-click context menu — it lets you act on any engineering text on any webpage in Chrome, without copying, switching tabs, or reformatting.
How to Use the Right-Click Context Menu
- Highlight any engineering text on any webpage — a value, a formula, a section designation, a material spec, anything.
- Right-click the selected text. The browser context menu opens.
- Hover over "⚙️ Engineering Calculator" in the menu to expand the submenu.
- Choose your action — the selected text is automatically prefixed with the right instruction and sent to AI Chat.
Context Menu Actions
| Action | What It Does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ⚖️ Calculate | Performs the calculation | "219.1mm OD × 8mm wall, 12m" → pipe weight |
| 🔄 Convert Units | Converts between engineering units | "345 MPa" → 50,038 psi |
| 📐 Explain Formula | Explains variables with worked example | "W = Fy × Zx" → step-by-step derivation |
| 🔍 Lookup Section | Returns all AISC section properties | "W14X90" → A, Ix, Sx, Zx, d, bf, tf, W |
| 🧠 Solve / Design | Full code check per AISC 360 | "W10X49 column, 400 kN" → LRFD check |
| 📧 Generate RFQ | Writes complete procurement document | "50 tonnes MS plate 12mm" → RFQ email |
Real-World Context Menu Examples
| You're Reading | You Highlight | You Right-Click | AI Does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplier quote | "219.1mm OD × 8mm wall, 12m" | ⚖️ Calculate | Returns pipe weight: 49.3 kg |
| AISC code PDF | "W = Fy × Zx" | 📐 Explain Formula | Explains each variable with worked example |
| Tender document | "W14X90" | 🔍 Lookup Section | Returns all 10 section properties |
| Engineering spec | "345 MPa Grade A36" | 🔄 Convert Units | Returns 50,038 psi / 345 N/mm² |
| Project email | "50 tonnes MS plate 12mm" | 📧 Generate RFQ | Writes complete purchase RFQ email |
| Calculation sheet | "W10X49 column, 400 kN" | 🧠 Solve / Design | Full AISC 360-22 LRFD column check |
🔒 Privacy note: Selected text is stored only in chrome.storage.session — which clears automatically when Chrome closes. It is transmitted only to your chosen AI provider (Anthropic/OpenAI/Google/xAI) using your own API key, and never to SteelSolver servers.
Technical Details
Data Sources
- Sections: AISC Steel Construction Manual 16th Edition (bundled offline)
- Tools: Synced from
steelsolver.com/sitemap-pages.xml - Conversions: Hardcoded conversion factors in
brain.js
AI Provider Support
- Anthropic Claude: Model
claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 - OpenAI: Model
gpt-4o-mini - Google Gemini: Model
gemini-1.5-flash - Grok/xAI: Model
grok-beta
Offline Capabilities
- Section lookup (150+ sections) — fully offline
- Unit conversions (50+ pairs) — fully offline
- Instant calculations (plate weight, bar weight, pipe weight, etc.) — fully offline
- AI Chat and RFQ generation require API key and internet
Data Privacy
- All API keys stored locally in browser storage only
- Never sent to SteelSolver servers
- History stored locally in browser storage
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Expecting AI features to work without an API key | Add an API key in ⚙️ Settings first |
| Using the extension on browser internal pages (chrome://) | Works only on normal web pages and steelsolver.com |
| Typing section names with spaces instead of no spaces | Use "W14X90" not "W14 X 90" |
| Forgetting to reload tab after activation | Premium activation requires reloading the popup |
| Confusing LRFD (φ) and ASD (Ω) load factors | Tell the AI: "Check using LRFD" or "Check using ASD" |
| Entering weight per metre as total weight | W18X50 = 50 lb/ft. For 6m: 74.4 × 6 = 446 kg |
| Confusing Sx (elastic) and Zx (plastic) | φMn = 0.9 × Fy × Zx, not Sx |
| Using K=1.0 for all columns | Fixed base K=0.7-0.8 increases capacity up to 2× |
Quick Reference
Common Section Queries
| Section | A (in²) | Ix (in⁴) | Sx (in³) | Zx (in³) | W (lb/ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W14X90 | 26.5 | 999 | 143 | 157 | 90 |
| W18X50 | 14.7 | 800 | 88.9 | 101 | 50 |
| W21X57 | 16.7 | 1170 | 111 | 129 | 57 |
| W24X84 | 24.7 | 2370 | 196 | 224 | 84 |
| W27X94 | 27.7 | 3270 | 243 | 281 | 94 |
| W30X116 | 34.2 | 4930 | 329 | 378 | 116 |
| W36X150 | 44.2 | 9040 | 504 | 581 | 150 |
Common Unit Conversions
| From | To | Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 MPa | 145.038 psi | × 145.038 |
| 1 kN | 0.101972 tonne | ÷ 9.80665 |
| 1 mm | 0.0393701 inch | ÷ 25.4 |
| 1 kN·m | 0.737562 kip·ft | × 0.737562 |
| 1 kg | 2.20462 lb | × 2.20462 |
| 1 °C | 33.8 °F | ×9/5 + 32 |
Effective Length Factor K — AISC 360-22
| End Condition | K (Theoretical) | K (AISC Recommended) | Effect on Pcr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both ends pinned | 1.0 | 1.0 | Baseline |
| Fixed base, pinned top | 0.699 | 0.80 | 1.56× higher |
| Both ends fixed | 0.5 | 0.65 | 2.37× higher |
| Pinned base, fixed top (sway) | 2.0 | 2.10 | 0.23× (most vulnerable) |
| Fixed base, free top (cantilever) | 2.0 | 2.10 | 0.23× (most vulnerable) |
Formula Reference
- Steel Plate Weight:
W = ρ × t × L × B(ρ = 7850 kg/m³) - Steel Round Bar Weight:
W = ρ × (π/4) × d² × L - Steel Pipe Weight:
W = ρ × (π/4) × (OD² − ID²) × L(ID = OD − 2 × wall) - Moment of Inertia (Rectangle):
Ix = b × h³ / 12,Sx = b × h² / 6,Zx = b × h² / 4 - Euler Buckling Load:
Pcr = π² × E × I / (K × L)²
Real-World Usage — How Engineers Use This Extension Every Day
| Role | Scenario | How They Use It |
|---|---|---|
| 🛒 Procurement Engineer | Reviewing structural drawing | Right-clicks plate schedule → Generate RFQ → complete purchase order email in seconds |
| 🏗️ Site Engineer | On site, notices undersized column | Types "W10×49 4m pinned-pinned, 350 kN" → full LRFD check in under 10 seconds |
| 📐 Steel Detailer | Needs flange dimensions for connection | Types "W14X90" in Sections → instantly gets bf, tf, tw, d, Ix, Sx, Zx |
| 💰 Estimator | Preparing material takeoff | Types "weight of 100 pieces 12mm plate 2.4m × 1.2m" → total tonnage instantly |
Worked Examples
Example 1: Beam Design Check — W18X50
Type in AI Chat: W18X50 beam, 7m simply supported, 25 kN/m UDL — check moment capacity and deflection per AISC 360
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Factored moment | Mu = w × L² / 8 | Mu = 25 × 7² / 8 = 153 kN·m |
| Section property | Zx (W18X50) | 800 × 10³ mm³ |
| Plastic moment | Mp = Fy × Zx | Mp = 345 × 800,000 = 276 kN·m |
| Design capacity | φMn = 0.9 × Mp | φMn = 0.9 × 276 = 248 kN·m |
| Check | Mu < φMn | 153 < 248 → ✅ PASS (DCR = 0.62) |
| Deflection | δ = 5wL⁴ / 384EI | δ = 12.4 mm |
| Deflection limit | L/360 | 7000/360 = 19.4 mm → ✅ PASS |
Example 2: Built-up I-Section — Parallel Axis Theorem
Calculate Ix for: Flanges 200×20 mm, Web 400×10 mm
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Web contribution | Ix_web = 10 × 400³ / 12 | 53.33 × 10⁶ mm⁴ |
| Flange centroid | y = 400/2 + 20/2 | 210 mm from N.A. |
| Flange own Ix | 200 × 20³ / 12 | 0.133 × 10⁶ mm⁴ |
| Flange parallel axis | A × d² = 200×20 × 210² | 176.4 × 10⁶ mm⁴ per flange |
| Total Ix | 53.33 + 2 × (0.133 + 176.4) | 406.4 × 10⁶ mm⁴ |
| Section modulus | Sx = Ix / (d/2) | 1847 × 10³ mm³ |
⚠️ Common mistake: Forgetting the parallel axis term A×d² for flanges offset from the neutral axis — this accounts for >99% of the flange's Ix contribution.
Example 3: Steel Plate Weight
12mm × 2.5m × 1.2m steel plate
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness in m | 12mm = 0.012m | 0.012 m |
| Volume | t × L × B = 0.012 × 2.5 × 1.2 | 0.036 m³ |
| Weight | ρ × Volume = 7850 × 0.036 | 282.6 kg |
⚠️ Common mistake: Entering plate thickness in mm as if it were metres — entering 0.012 gives the correct result; entering 12 gives a result 1000× too small.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the extension work without an internet connection?
Yes, partially. The Sections tab (150+ AISC sections), Convert tab (50+ unit pairs), and offline instant calculations (plate weight, bar weight, pipe weight, unit conversions) all work completely offline. AI Chat, the Tools sitemap sync, and premium verification require internet.
Does my API key get stored securely? Who can see it?
Your API key is stored in
chrome.storage.local — local to your browser only, never transmitted to SteelSolver.com servers. It is sent directly to your chosen AI provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, or xAI) when you submit a chat message.How accurate are the AI design checks?
AI responses are based on AISC 360-22, ASCE 7-22, ACI 318, AWS D1.1, and other referenced codes as instructed in the system prompt. They are suitable for preliminary design and feasibility checks. All critical results should be independently verified by a licensed structural engineer against the full code before use in construction documents.
Why are section properties shown in US customary units (in², in⁴)?
The AISC Steel Construction Manual is published in US customary units. The extension uses AISC SCM 16th Edition data as published. Use the Convert tab: 1 in⁴ = 416,231 mm⁴, 1 in³ = 16,387 mm³, 1 in² = 645.16 mm².
How do I activate Premium after purchasing on Gumroad?
After purchasing, check your Gumroad receipt email for your License Key (format:
XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXX). Open the extension → ⚙️ Settings → paste the key → click Activate Premium. Verification happens instantly via Gumroad's API.Which AI model gives the best engineering answers?
In testing, Claude Haiku (Anthropic) gives the most code-accurate structural engineering responses. Gemini 1.5 Flash is recommended for cost-conscious users as it has a free tier. GPT-4o-mini is a strong middle option. Grok is newer with less engineering-specific training data.
The "Tools" tab shows no tools. How do I fix this?
Click the 🔄 Sync Now button in the Tools tab. This fetches the latest sitemap from SteelSolver.com. If you're offline, no tools will appear until you reconnect. Tools sync automatically every 24 hours once internet is available.
Accuracy Statement
All offline calculations use published AISC Steel Construction Manual 16th Edition data and verified mathematical constants. AI-generated design checks are based on AISC 360-22, ASCE 7-22, ACI 318, and AWS D1.1. Always verify critical results against the relevant code and have designs reviewed by a licensed professional engineer. Results are for preliminary design and engineering judgement — not for construction without independent verification.
Feedback & Support
- Privacy Policy: SteelSolver.com - Privacy Policy
- Contact: Contact Me
- User Guide: SteelSolver.com Extension Guide
- Homepage: SteelSolver.com
SteelSolver Extension v1.0.5 — Built for structural and mechanical engineers
