First, you decide if you want to perform a design according to ASD or LRFD. Then, you enter the load cases, groups and combinations that you want to design. The load combinations according to ASCE 7 can be generated either manually in RFEM or automatically by using the add-on module RSCOMBI that contains the specifications in line with AISC 360-05. 

In further input steps, you can adjust the settings already predefined for lateral intermediate supports, effective lengths and other standard-specific design parameters such as the modification factor C_b for lateral torsional buckling or the shear lag factor. In case continuous members are used, it is possible to define individual support conditions and eccentricities for each intermediate node of the single members. In the program's background, a special FEA tool determines the critical loads and moments required for the stability analysis. 

Furthermore, in connection with RFEM, it is possible to apply the Direct Analysis Method taking into account the influence of a general calculation according to the second-order analysis. When you use this option, you can do without special enlargement factors.

The first results table shows the maximum design ratios with the corresponding design for each designed load case, group or combination.

The following tables show all detailed results sorted by specific subjects in extendable tree menus. Moreover, it is possible to display all intermediate results for each location along the members. In this way, you can easily retrace how the individual designs have been carried out by the module.

The complete module data is part of the RFEM printout report. The contents for the report and the extent of the output data can be selected specifically for the individual designs.