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RF-CONCRETE Deflect Add-on Module for RFEM
Analytical Deformation Analysis of Plate Structures
The RF-CONCRETE Deflect add‑on module is an extension of the RF‑CONCRETE module group.
RF‑CONCRETE Deflect integrated in RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces allows for a deflection analysis of plate, slab, and elevated slab structures conforming to standard specifications when performing the analytical serviceability limit state design. The deformation analysis can be performed according to the following standards:
ACI 318 (requires ACI 318 for RFEM)
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CSA A23.3 (requires CSA A23.3 for RFEM)
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EN 1992‑1‑1:2004 + A1:2014 (requires EC2 for RFEM)
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DIN 1045‑1:2008-08 (requires DIN 1045‑1 for RFEM)
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SIA 262 (requires SIA 262 for RFEM)
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GB 50010‑2010: Code for Design of Concrete Structures, 1st edition, July 2011 (requires GB 50010 for RFEM)
With RF‑CONCRETE Deflect, you can quickly and easily perform the design for limiting the deflection of reinforced concrete surfaces by considering different cross‑section conditions of uncracked and cracked concrete (state I and state II).
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Features
- Deformation analyses of reinforced concrete surfaces without or with cracks (state II) by applying the approximation method (for example deformation analysis according to EN 1992-1-1, Cl. 7.4.3 )
- Tension stiffening of concrete applied between cracks
- Optional consideration of creep and shrinkage
- Graphical representation of results integrated in RFEM, for example deformation or sag of a flat slab
- Numerical results clearly arranged in tables and graphical display of the results in the model
- Complete integration of results in RFEM printout report
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Input
The deformation analysis with RF-CONCRETE Deflect can be activated in the settings for the analytical serviceability limit state design in the RF-CONCRETE Surfaces module. You can also specify here the settings for long-term effects (creep and shrinkage) and for tension stiffening between concrete cracks. The creep coefficient and shrinkage strain are calculated using the specified input parameters or defined individually.
You can specify the deformation limit value individually for each surface or for an entire surface group. The allowable limit value is defined by the maximum deformation. In addition, you should determine whether the design applies to a deformed or non-deformed system.
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Design
The deformation analysis according to the approximation method defined in standards (for example deformation analysis according to EN 1992-1-1, 7.4.3) applies to the calculation of so-called effective stiffnesses in the finite elements in accordance with the existing limit state of the concrete with or without cracks. These stiffnesses are used to determine the surface deformation by repeated FEM calculation.
The effective stiffness calculation of finite elements takes into account a reinforced concrete cross-section. Based on the internal forces determined at the serviceability limit state in RFEM, the program classifies the reinforced concrete cross-section as "cracked" or "non-cracked". If the tension stiffening at a section should be considered as well, a distribution coefficient (according to EN 1992-1-1, Eq. 7.19, for example) is used. The material behavior of the concrete is determined as linear-elastic in the compression and tension zone until the concrete tensile strength is reached. This is reached exactly in the serviceability limit state.
When considering the creep and shrinkage, the effective stiffnesses are determined at the "cross-section level". The influence of shrinkage and creeping in statically indeterminate models is not considered by this approximation method (for example, in the case of structures restrained on all sides, tensile forces from shrinkage strain are not determined and have to be considered separately). In summary, RF-CONCRETE Deflect calculates deformations in two steps:
- Calculation of effective stiffnesses of the reinforced concrete cross-section assuming linear-elastic conditions
- Calculation of deformation using the effective stiffness with FEM
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Results
After the calculation, the module shows clearly arranged tables listing the deformation analysis results. All intermediate values are displayed in a comprehensible manner. Graphical representation of design ratios and deformation in RFEM facilitates a quick overview of critical or cracked areas.
Since the design results are displayed by surface or by point including all intermediate results, you can retrace all details of the calculation. The complete integration of results in the RFEM printout report guarantees verifiable structural design.
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Book about FEM and RFEM
In this book for engineers and students, you will learn the basics of the finite element method in a practical way by means of manageable examples that have been calculated with RFEM.
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Shrinkage and creep are time-dependent deformation properties of concrete. They usually have to be considered in the serviceability limit state design.
Material Model Orthotropic Masonry 2D
The material model Orthotropic Masonry 2D is an elastoplastic model that additionally allows softening of the material, which can be different in the local x- and y-direction of a surface. The material model is suitable for (unreinforced) masonry walls with in-plane loads.
- Why do I get such a small amount of reinforcement for the upstand beam? The amount of reinforcement for the downstand beams is significantly larger.
- I do not obtain any deformations in the results of the calculation with RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces. What can be the reason?
- When performing "manual definition of the reinforcement areas" in RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces, do I have to completely reinforce the entire structural component manually? Or does RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces apply the required reinforcement in the areas where I have not performed the manual definition?
- When I create a user-defined result value, the RFEM solver window opens briefly and the calculation is apparently performed again. Why? I have already performed the calculation before.
- For design with CONCRETE NL, is the creep applied to the entire cross-section, or to the concrete compression zone only?
- Can I design a reinforced concrete structure according to ÖNORM in RFEM?
- In RF-CONCRETE Members, I can display the rendering of a provided reinforcement in a structure. Is this also possible for the results from RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces? In the form of single members or meshes?
- I am trying to verify RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces on the basis of the results of the example from the manual. Chapter 2.4.3 describes the determination of the statically required reinforcement. Unfortunately, I cannot create an example that exactly represents these results. Can you send me the corresponding example?
- When opening an RFEM file, the entries in RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces are lost. Is it possible?
- What is the effect of the settings "Approach of pure tension restraint," "Approach of bending restraint," or "Depending on the defined load" for the determination of the minimum reinforcement As,min due to restraint?
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