Connections Add-on Modules

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)

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.

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.

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)

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)

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)

RF-/JOINTS Steel - DSTV designs moment-resisting and pinned I-beam connections for members in compliance with the German guideline "Typified Connections in Steel Building Construction" (Typisierte Anschlüsse im Stahlhochbau). The resistances are determined according to the following standard:

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.

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.

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).

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.