Interesting customer projects realized with Dlubal structural analysis software.
Connections Add-on Modules
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)
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.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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 and supplement 2018
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.
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).
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.
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Customer Projects


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.
- Which result combinations can I design with the RF‑/JOINTS Pro program and what should I pay attention to?
- How can I display the contact stresses on a contact solid?
- I would like to calculate and design "temporary structures." What do I need for this?
- How can I perform the design of the tension resistance of a smooth column in a smooth bucket column base, that is, the design against pulling out the column?
- When modeling a beam connection to a continuous column, I have the problem that the column flange fails under bending. If I add backing plates in the FRAME‑JOINT Pro add-on module, nothing changes for all design ratios. Why?
- Is it possible to design a restrained column base with stiffeners on both sides of the column in an RFEM/RSTAB add-on module?
- Is it possible to use one of the RFEM/RSTAB add-on modules to design a frame joint with a docked beam, stiffeners, and any number of bolt rows?
- How can I additionally model welds for the connection of two surfaces with a contact solid?
- I would like to use surface releases to model a bolt connection, which can only absorb compressive stresses from the support. Unfortunately, I cannot do this because my model is always unstable. Is there a model as a template?
- The design of my connection is not possible because of an incorrect geometry input. What can I do?
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