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RF-STEEL 4.xx

General Stress Analysis of Surfaces and Members 

RF-STEEL is one of the add-on modules integrated in the RFEM user interface. The program is subdivided into two parts:

  • RF-STEEL Surfaces performs the stress analysis and also the serviceability limit state design for surfaces
  • RF-STEEL Members designs member elements

RF-STEEL carries out the general stress analysis by calculating existing stresses and comparing them with the limit stresses.

During the stress analysis process, the program determines the maximum stresses of surfaces, members, and sets of members and documents the governing internal forces for each member. In addition, it is possible to optimize cross-sections or thicknesses automatically and to export the modified sections and surface thicknesses to RFEM.

Features

  • General stress analysis
  • Automatic import of internal forces from RFEM
  • Complete graphical and numerical output of stresses and stress ratios in RFEM
  • Several adjustment options for graphical data representation
  • Flexible design in different design cases
  • Quick and clear results output to overview results distribution immediately subsequent to the design
  • High efficiency due to few data required for input
  • Flexibility due to detailed setting options for basis and extent of calculations
  
Features of RF-STEEL Members

  • Efficient design due to automatic optimization of rolled and welded cross-sections
  • Selection of the maximum stress ratio for optimization process 
  • Transfer option for optimized cross-sections to RFEM
  • Design of any thin-walled cross-section from RFEM and SHAPE-THIN
  • Representation of stress diagram on a cross-section
  • Determination of normal and shear stresses
  • Output of stress components for particular types of internal forces
  • Equivalent stress determined by the shape modification hypothesis (von Mises) or the maximum shear stress theory (Tresca)
  • Output of maximum stresses sorted according to cross-sections, members, and sets of members
  • Efficient designs due to consideration of plastic shape factors and locally limited plastification
  • Detailed representation of stresses in all stress points
  • Determination of maximum Ds for each stress point (for example for fatigue designs)
  • Colored representation of stresses and stress ratios for a quick overview about critical or oversized zones
  • Parts list and quantity surveying
Cross-Section Optimization
 
Features of RF-STEEL Surfaces

  • Determination of principal and basic stresses, membrane and shear stresses as well as equivalent stresses and equivalent membrane stresses
  • Stress design for structural parts of almost any shape
  • Equivalent stresses calculated according to different approaches: 
    • Shape modification hypothesis (von Mises)
    • Maximum shear stress theory (Tresca)
    • Maximum principal stress criterion (Rankine)
    • Principal strain criterion (Bach)
  • Option to optimize surface thicknesses and to transfer data to RFEM
  • Serviceability limit state design by checking surface displacements
  • Detailed output of different stress components and ratios in tables and graphics
  • Filter function for surfaces, lines, and nodes in tables
  • Transversal shear stresses according to Mindlin, Kirchhoff, or user-defined specifications
  • Parts list of designed surfaces
Colored Results in RFEM Graphic - Surfaces
 
Input

To facilitate the data input, the surfaces, members, sets of members, materials, surface thicknesses, and cross-sections defined in RFEM are already preset in RF-STEEL. Almost anywhere, the program provides the [Pick] function that you can use to select the elements graphically. In addition, you have access to the global material and cross-section libraries.

Load cases, load groups, and load combinations can be combined in different design cases to meet specific needs.

By combining surface and member elements and designing specific locations of the structure separately, it is possible to model and design only portions of the structure, for example a frame joint modeled by surface elements. The remaining structure can be designed by member analyses.
Material Library
 
Results

Subsequent to the design, RF-STEEL displays the maximum stresses and stress ratios in clearly arranged output tables, sorted according to cross-sections, members/surfaces, sets of members, and x-locations. In addition to the result values given in tables, the program always shows the corresponding cross-section graphic including stress points, stress diagrams and values. The stress ratio can be displayed for any kind of stress type. The location currently active is highlighted in the RFEM analysis model.

In addition to the results evaluation in tables, it is possible to represent the stresses and stress ratios graphically in the RFEM work window. The colors and values assigned in the panel can be adjusted appropriately.

The diagrams showing the result distribution on the member or set of members allow for a specific evaluation. Furthermore, you can open a dialog box for each design location to check the design-relevant cross-section properties and stress components for all stress points. The respective graphic including all design details can be printed.
Colored Results in RFEM Graphic - Members
 
Table 3.1 Displacements Table 4.1 Parts List Details Cross-Section Values and Stress Diagram

Table 3.1 Displacements

Table 4.1 Parts List

Details

Cross-Section Values and Stress Diagram

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Note

You can find more information about RF-STEEL here:
list image Manual (PDF / 14.48 MB)
list image Hotline
list image Training

Demo version of RFEM 4.xx with add-on modules
Try out RFEM yourself and download a free demo version of RFEM and its add-on modules.
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Price Information

Net prices in €
1st license
RF-STEEL 1,150.00
Additional license
RF-STEEL 517.50
list image Pricelist
Table 1.1 General Data
Table 1.1 General Data
Table 1.2 Materials
Table 1.2 Materials
Table 1.3 Cross-Sections
Table 1.3 Cross-Sections
Table 2.1 Stresses by Cross-Section
Table 2.1 Stresses by Cross-Section
Table 2.3 Stresses by Member
Table 2.3 Stresses by Member
Table 2.4 Stresses by x-Location
Table 2.4 Stresses by x-Location
Table 3.1 Governing Internal Forces by Member
Table 3.1 Governing Internal Forces by Member
Table 4.1 Parts List by Member
Table 4.1 Parts List by Member
Table 1.1 General Data
Table 1.1 General Data
Table 1.2 Materials
Table 1.2 Materials
Table 1.3 Surfaces
Table 1.3 Surfaces
Table 1.4 Serviceability Data
Table 1.4 Serviceability Data
Table 2.1 Stresses by Load Case
Table 2.1 Stresses by Load Case
Table 2.2 Stresses by Material
Table 2.2 Stresses by Material
Table 2.3 Stresses by Surface
Table 2.3 Stresses by Surface
Table 2.4 Stresses by Line
Table 2.4 Stresses by Line