![[steel shapes]](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Purple124/v4/54/1c/da/541cdac9-6fdf-2fa9-1da5-c32c3491ffbf/AppIcon-1x_U007emarketing-0-5-0-85-220.png/100x100bb.png)
[steel shapes]
By David Homes
[steel shapes] is a structural engineering reference app for iOS that provides digital access to AISC steel shape databases.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Engineers use the app to replace bulky physical handbooks with a portable, searchable database that functions during site visits.
For Structural engineers, architects, fabricators, and construction professionals.
What does it look like?
Key features
Access to structural steel databases including current v14.1, historic, LRFD, and ASD editions
Toggle between imperial and metric units for section properties with a single button
Identify metric or imperial equivalent designations for nearly 2000 shapes
How much does it cost?
The $4.99 price point positions [steel shapes] as a professional tool, avoiding the ad-supported friction of free rivals.
Velocity
Intense developmentShow more...
5 versions in history. Development pace: intense.
Who built it?
David Homes
4 apps tracked · Reference
Steel Beams Bulk Checker
Structural SteelBook![[steel shapes] canada](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Purple113/v4/97/5c/71/975c7145-5bd2-7ee4-d22b-cc8bcb2fceaf/AppIcon-1x_U007emarketing-0-4-85-220.png/512x512bb.jpg)
[steel shapes] canadaUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
The recent review mood reads thrilled. Users appreciate structural engineers value the extensive library of steel shapes that replaces heavy physical reference manuals and the interface provides quick access to complex steel data which improves productivity during field work.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Structural engineers value the extensive library of steel shapes that replaces heavy physical reference manuals
- The interface provides quick access to complex steel data which improves productivity during field work
- Responsive developer support resolves technical issues quickly and maintains the utility of the reference tool
- Layout regressions on specific reference screens following recent updates disrupt the user workflow
48 of 48 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Thrilled overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 1 more frustration theme and 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for [steel shapes]
How's the Reference market?
The app maintains a 4.8 rating across 111 reviews, positioning it as a reliable, high-utility reference tool. Its $4.99 price point effectively differentiates it from ad-supported, lower-rated rivals in the reference category.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By V PUGAZHENTHI
Both apps compete for the same professional field-reference utility space by providing geometric and mechanical data for structural and mathematical tasks. They overlap in target audience segments that require quick, precise calculations during field work.
- Steel shapes provides a specialized 18,000-entry AISC database; Geometry Calculator offers 783 general geometric calculations.
- Steel shapes maintains a 4.8 rating across 111 reviews; Geometry Calculator holds a 4.6 rating across 33 reviews.
- Steel shapes costs $4.99 for structural specialization; Geometry Calculator is priced at $2.99 for general geometry.
- Geometry Calculator includes multi-language support; Steel shapes focuses on English-centric AISC structural standards.
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for [steel shapes]
Where is it heading?
The structural reference market is consolidating around tools that offer high reliability and deep, verified data. [steel shapes] remains advantaged due to its high rating, but the recent UI regressions must be addressed to prevent churn to multi-disciplinary rivals.
- Layout regressions on reference screens disrupt the professional workflow, which threatens the app's high reliability rating.
- Responsive developer support maintains user trust, which acts as a retention lever against free, unmaintained rivals.
The SWOT
- 18,000-entry AISC database provides category authority
- 4.8 rating across 111 reviews sustains install velocity
- Expansion into aluminum and stainless steel libraries
Next best moves
Rebuild reference screen layout because recent updates introduced blank screens → restore professional workflow
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's lack of multi-disciplinary calculators is a strength, not a weakness…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Fractional dimension input (missing here, requested by users) +1
Since the last report: The app has transitioned from a generic reference tool to a more explicitly positioned professional product, though this is currently offset by new UI regressions that disrupt core workflows.
Bottom line
Restoring UI stability is the priority to protect the 4.8-star rating, as the app's value rests on its reliability as a field reference tool. Addressing fractional dimension input would then unlock better alignment with professional field workflows.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is [steel shapes] suitable for structural engineering field work?
How does [steel shapes] compare to free steel calculators?
Does [steel shapes] support fractional dimensions?
What are some alternatives for broader engineering calculations?
Sources
- [1] App Store
Report last updated