In order to detect the governing internal forces of a plate, a checkerboard loading is commonly used. Since it is not necessary to divide the surface into individual load segments, loading is usually carried out by means of free rectangular loads. In the case of many loads, the normal load display can become somewhat confusing.
Before creating a structural model, every user gives thought to the boundary parameters of the system and how best to represent the model. Special attention should be paid to the orientation of the global coordinate system. In engineering, the global Z‑axis is usually oriented downwards (in the direction of the dead load), while it tends to be upwards in architecture. These differences can often lead to complications during modeling; for example, when you replace global models or DXF layers.
The stiffening of timber structures is usually carried out by means of timber panels. For this purpose, structural components consisting of slabs (chipboard, OSB) are connected with members. Several articles will describe the basics of this construction method and the calculation in the RFEM program. This first article describes the basic determination of the stiffnesses as well as the calculation.
This article discusses the most common BIM interfaces. Adjustments are often necessary during the transition to the structural branch-specific model. The tasks that arise and the tools to address them successfully and quickly are presented.
With program version x.06, you can also insert .bmp file formats from the clipboard into the printout report. Previously, only the .emf format (Windows Metafile) was supported. Thus, it is no longer necessary to insert a screenshot in a supported program (such as MS Paint) and go from there to the printout report.
Click the [Details] button in RF-GLASS to select the results to be displayed. In order to get a better overview for the result evaluation, you can select the individual stress graphics (principal stresses, stresses oriented to axes, shear stresses) as well as various result windows. This way, you can show only the results you require.
As of version X.04.0096, RF‑/TIMBER Pro also allows you to design other material categories such as softwood, hardwood, and glulam timber as a member in compliance with EN 1995‑1‑1. The design spectrum has been expanded for the material categories LVL, Plywood, OSB, Particleboard, and Fiberboard. In order to facilitate the selection in the materials library, there is another function for targeted filtering by plate or wall stress.
It is often necessary to adjust the FE mesh of surface elements to the geometric structure. RFEM provides various options for this. For example, the FE axis can be rotated around a point, aligned in the direction of a point, or oriented to a user-defined coordinate system. Another option is the direction parallel to a line, and in this case in particular, it is possible to enter or select several lines.