Connections Add-on Modules

For Design of Connections

In RFEM and RSTAB, there are powerful add-on modules for design of steel and timber connections.

Design timber member connections according to the USA and other international standards.

Rigid and pinned steel connections can be designed according to Eurocode 3.

RFEM/RSTAB Add-on Module RF-/JOINTS Timber - Steel to Timber | Design of Indirect Timber Connections According to Eurocode 5

RF-/JOINTS Timber - Steel to Timber Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

The RF-/JOINTS Timber - Steel to Timber add‑on module designs joints where timber members are indirectly connected to each other by means of steel plates. The following dowel-type fasteners are available: dowels, bolts, nails, and screws. The design is performed according to:

ANSI/AWC NDS‑2018 (including LRFD and ADS)
- Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD)
- Allowable Stress Design (ASD)

EN 1995‑1‑1 (including National Annexes)

RFEM/RSTAB Add-on Module RF-/FRAME-JOINT Pro | Frame Joints for Frames According to EC 3

RF-/FRAME-JOINT Pro Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

The RF-/FRAME-JOINT Pro add‑on module creates and classifies rigid bolt connections between columns and horizontal beams according to Eurocode 3.

Optionally, it is possible to apply stiffeners, supplementary web plates, and backing plates. In addition, the module checks the geometrical feasibility of connections with respect to the size of the wrench used for tightening screws.

RFEM/RSTAB Add-on Module RF-/JOINTS Steel - Pinned | Pinned Joints According to EC 3

RF-/JOINTS Steel - Pinned Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

The RF-/JOINTS Steel - Pinned add‑on module configures and designs shear connections of I‑beams according to Eurocode 3.

There are four different types available: Web cleat connection, fin plate connection, short end plate connection, and end plate connection with cleat.

RFEM/RSTAB Add-on Module RF-/JOINTS Steel - Column Base | Hinged and Restrained Column Footings According to EC 3

RF-/JOINTS Steel - Column Base Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

The RF-/JOINTS Steel - Column Base add‑on module designs footings of hinged and restrained column bases according to:

EN 1993‑1‑8 (including National Annexes)

RFEM/RSTAB Add-on Module RF-/JOINTS Steel - Tower | Nominally Pinned Joints for Members Used in Lattice Towers According to EC 3

RF-/JOINTS Steel - Tower Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

The RF-/JOINTS Steel - Tower add‑on module designs nominally pinned bolted connections of members used in lattice towers (connection of diagonals without gusset plate 2D/3D) according to:

EN 1993‑1‑8 (including National Annexes)

RFEM/RSTAB Add-on Module RF-/JOINTS Timber - Timber to Timber | Design of Direct Timber Connections According to Eurocode 5

RF-/JOINTS Timber - Timber to Timber Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

The RF-/JOINTS Timber - Timber to Timber add‑on module designs joints where timber members are directly connected to each other by means of slant screws. The design is performed according to:

EN 1995‑1‑1 (including National Annexes)

RFEM/RSTAB Add-on Module RF-/JOINTS Steel - DSTV | Typified Joints in Steel Structures According to EC 3

RF-/JOINTS Steel - DSTV Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

The RF-/JOINTS Steel - DSTV add‑on module designs moment resisting and pinned I‑beam connections of members in compliance with the German guideline "Standardised Joints in Steel Structures". The resistances are determined according to the standard:

DIN EN 1993‑1‑8: Complete edition 2013

RFEM/RSTAB Add-on Module RF-/JOINTS Steel - SIKLA | Design of Sikla Joints

RF-/JOINTS Steel - SIKLA Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

RF-/JOINTS Steel - SIKLA performs joint design for fastening connections produced by Sikla according to German Expert Opinion (GS) with Test Report No. K14‑6005‑3.

RF-/JOINTS Steel - Rigid Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

With the RF-/JOINTS Steel - Rigid add-on module, it is possible to configurate and design moment resisting joints of rolled and welded I-beams according to EC 3.

The following types are available: end plate connection (beam to column or beam to beam) and rigid splice plate connection.

RFEM/RSTAB Add-on Module RF-/LIMITS | Comparison of Results with Defined Limit State

RF-/LIMITS Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

The RF-/LIMITS add‑on module analyzes the load bearing capacity of members, member ends, nodes, nodal supports, and surfaces by means of a defined ultimate load capacity.

The extendable library covers timber fasteners (SIGHA, Sherpa, WÜRTH, Simpson StrongTie, KNAPP) as well as steel fasteners (standardised joints in steel structures according to EC 3, M‑connect).

RFEM/RSTAB Add-on Module RF-/HSS | Ultimate Limit State Design of Welded Joints with Hollow Cross-Section According to EC 3

RF-/HSS Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

The RF-/HSS add‑on module analyzes various hollow section connections or designs an existing connection according to Eurocode 3.

It is possible to design planar and spatial truss nodes containing round, square or rectangular hollow sections.

Customer Project with Connection Design

Théâtre Marigny in Paris, France

The historical building of Théâtre Marigny had to undergo renovation due to its serious defects of the roof structure which led to its closure in 2013.

The metastable equilibrium resulted from unreliable planning which did not consider the effects of assymetrical load and the suspended ceiling on the roof structure during construction in 1925.

Contact us

Contact Dlubal Software

Do you have any questions about our products or need advice on selecting the products needed for your projects?
Contact us via our free e-mail, chat, or forum support or find various suggested solutions and useful tips on our FAQ page.

(267) 702-2815

info-us@dlubal.com

Video: Steel Connections

Dlubal Webinar: Designing Rigid and Pinned Steel Connections in RFEM and RSTAB

Customer Projects

Customer Projects designed by Dlubal Software programs

Interesting customer projects designed with the structural analysis programs by Dlubal Software.

Customer Projects

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Knowledge Base
Screenshots
Product Features
Frequently Asked Questions

Knowledge Base Articles

Modeling and Design of Pinned End Plate Connection

RFEM offers the following possibilities to design a pinned end plate connection. Firstly, there is the possibility in RF-JOINTS Steel - Pinned to enter the corresponding parameters quickly and easily to receive a documented analysis including graphics.

DXF Export of Connection Geometry Calculation Example of Rigid End Plate Connection According to EN 1993-1-8

Screenshots and Application Examples | Connections

RF-FRAME-JOINT Pro: Connection graphics in RFEM

Steel beam connections

Visualization of joint in RF-JOINTS Steel - Tower

Steel connections

RF-JOINTS Steel - Column Base: Visualization of footing in RFEM

Node of steel framework

Graphic of web cleat connection on beam in RF-JOINTS Steel - Pinned

Product Features Articles

Definition of a Member Hinge with the Nonlinearity "Scaffolding Diagram"

Member Hinge Nonlinearity "Scaffolding Diagram"

The member hinge nonlinearities "Scaffolding - N phiy phiz" and "Scaffolding Diagram" enable the mechanical simulation of a tube joint with an inner stub between two member elements.

The equivalent model transfers the bending moment via the overpressed outer pipe and after positive locking additionally via the inner stub, depending on the compression state at the member end.

Display of Forces and Deformations of Hinges and Releases Features Member Type "Dashpot"