MCP & ChatGPT integration

PileCalc exposes its complete analysis catalog as a remote Model Context Protocol (MCP) server at https://pilecalc.com/mcp. It calls the same Convex-backed contracts, engine, scientific-provenance layer, and paid-plan quota as the web app and REST API.

Connect a client

Create a key in Settings → API keys, then configure an MCP client that supports Streamable HTTP with the endpoint and a bearer header:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pilecalc": {
      "url": "https://pilecalc.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer <your_pilecalc_api_key>"
      }
    }
  }
}

Client configuration differs

Some clients store bearer tokens in a credential UI instead of the JSON file. Keep the key out of source control, prompts, and screenshots. Revoke it immediately if it is exposed.

ChatGPT

The official PileCalc integration uses OAuth with authorization-code PKCE. ChatGPT sends you to PileCalc to sign in and approve access; it does not ask you to paste an API key. The integration includes a compact result card, while the tools and structured results remain compatible with other MCP clients. Public directory availability begins only after OpenAI review and approval.

Available tools

Tool	Purpose
`analyze_lateral_pile`	Nonlinear p-y lateral pile analysis
`analyze_axial_capacity`	Axial capacity and settlement
`analyze_shallow_footing`	Bearing, settlement, sliding, and tilt
`analyze_drilled_shaft`	Drilled-shaft capacity and uplift
`analyze_vertical_pile_group`	Vertical group capacity and settlement
`analyze_lateral_pile_group`	Lateral group p-multiplier analysis
`analyze_uplift`	Plate, helix, and anchor uplift
`analyze_moment_curvature`	Section moment-curvature response
`analyze_slope_stability`	Pile-row slope stabilization
`analyze_capacity_vs_length`	Axial capacity versus pile length
`analyze_torsional_response`	Torsional capacity and rotation
`analyze_downdrag`	Negative skin friction and neutral plane
`analyze_foundation_stiffness`	Foundation spring stiffness
`analyze_pile_buckling`	Pile buckling with soil restraint
`analyze_helical_pile`	Helical-pile compression and tension
`analyze_pile_cap`	Pile reactions and structural cap checks
`get_pilecalc_usage`	Read the shared monthly quota

Authentication & quota

Generic MCP clients can authenticate with a personal Pro or organization Business API key. OAuth-capable clients can use PileCalc sign-in. Successful MCP analyses consume the same monthly pool as REST calls: 1,000 for Pro and 5,000 shared by a Business organization. The usage tool is read-only and does not consume quota. Invalid inputs are rejected before metering.

Data handling

The MCP gateway forwards the inputs needed for the tool call to PileCalc and returns the computed result to the client you selected. PileCalc records successful-run metadata for metering and product operations, not the engineering inputs or results. Your MCP client or AI provider may separately process and retain prompts, tool inputs, and results under its own terms and privacy policy.

Professional review remains required

Tool selection and valid JSON do not establish method applicability. Every result includes scientific provenance and an applicability status; independently verify the inputs, methods, assumptions, and output before real-world use.