Engineering Disclaimer
A comprehensive disclaimer clarifying scope, limitations, and user responsibilities for using steelcalculator.app.
This disclaimer is written to make the scope and limitations of steelcalculator.app explicit. It is intended to be read by users before relying on any output and by maintainers who want to keep the site legally conservative.
This page is written in plain language, but it is intentionally comprehensive. If you operate this site commercially, have counsel review your final wording.
Educational use only — no professional engineering advice
Steelcalculator.app provides general information, calculators, tables, and documentation for educational purposes. It does not provide professional engineering services, and it does not create an engineer–client relationship.
- Nothing on this site should be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific project.
- Outputs are not a substitute for an independent design check and professional sign-off.
- You are responsible for complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards in your jurisdiction.
No warranty and limitation of liability (general statement)
The site and its content are provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind. The operator does not warrant that:
- Results are complete, correct, or suitable for any purpose.
- The site will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of harmful components.
- The calculators will match any specific standard edition or jurisdictional amendment.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the operator disclaims liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from use of the site or reliance on outputs.
Engineering safety and critical use restrictions
Do not use this site as the sole basis for decisions where failure could cause harm, including:
- life-safety design,
- public safety infrastructure,
- emergency situations,
- or any context requiring certified engineering review.
If you are working on a real project, obtain qualified professional input and use validated design workflows.
Standards and copyright
Many building codes and steel standards are copyrighted by their publishers. This site does not reproduce proprietary code text or tables as a substitute for purchasing the standard. Where standards are referenced, it is for high-level educational context only.
Always consult the official published standard and any applicable amendments for authoritative requirements.
User responsibilities (practical)
If you choose to use the calculators, you are responsible for:
- Entering correct inputs and units.
- Confirming the calculator mode/standard matches your jurisdictional requirement.
- Verifying results independently.
- Checking constructability, detailing rules, and system-level behavior that may not be captured by simplified tools.
- Keeping an audit trail (inputs, outputs, date, and references).
A calculator is an arithmetic assistant. It is not a stamp.
Software and availability
The site may change over time. Tools can be updated, renamed, or re-implemented. For reproducibility, keep copies of:
- the inputs you entered,
- the outputs you received,
- and the date/time/version of the tool if available.
If you deploy the site, consider adding an explicit version identifier to each calculator page.
FAQ
Is this disclaimer legal advice?
No. It is a conservative informational statement. If you need legal advice about disclaimers, consult qualified counsel.
Why so strict?
Because structural engineering is safety-critical and calculator outputs can be misused if their limits are not explicit.
Can I still use the site professionally?
You can use it as a convenience tool, but outputs must be independently verified and integrated into a professional workflow.
Does this prevent liability entirely?
No. Liability depends on jurisdiction and facts. The goal is transparency and risk reduction, not a guarantee.
Should privacy and terms be separate?
Yes. Privacy covers data handling; terms cover usage conditions. This page is a high-level disclaimer.
What about local jurisdiction requirements?
Jurisdictions vary widely. Always follow the requirements applicable to your project.
Does the site claim compliance with a specific standard?
No. It provides tools and documentation that can support workflows, but compliance must be established by professional verification.
Where can I learn how to verify outputs?
Use the verification guide and the checklists in the Guides hub.