RF-/CONCRETE Columns Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

Reinforced Concrete Design According to Model Column Method (Method Based on Nominal Curvature)

Reinforced Concrete Structures Add-on Modules

Dlubal RFEM 5 & RSTAB 8 - Add-on Modules: RF-/CONCRETE Columns

Webinar: RFEM 5 - Design of Concrete Structures

Reinforced Concrete Structures Add-on Modules

The RF-/CONCRETE Columns add‑on module is a powerful tool for the reinforced concrete design available for the main programs RFEM and RSTAB. RF‑/CONCRETE Columns performs the ultimate limit state designs of rectangular and circular compression elements according to the model column method (method based on nominal curvature). The corresponding module extension enables the design according to the following standards:

ACI 318 (ACI 318 for RFEM/RSTAB required)
EN 1992-1-1:2004 + A1:2014 (EC2 for RFEM/RSTAB required)
DIN 1045-1:2008-08 (DIN 1045-1 for RFEM/RSTAB required)
GB 50010‑2010: Code for Design of Concrete Structures, 1st edition, July 2011 (GB 50010 for RFEM/RSTAB required)

Optionally, it is possible to perform fire resistance design according to:

EN 1992‑1‑2:2004 (EC2 for RFEM/RSTAB required)
DIN 4102‑04:2004 or DIN 4102‑22:2004 (DIN 1045‑1 for RFEM/RSTAB required)

According to the standards, it is necessary to consider deformations (second‑order analysis) when determining the internal forces of structural components subjected to compression, if the linear‑elastically determined internal forces are increased by more than 10 % due to deformation.

In order to avoid a nonlinear calculation that is difficult to check, it is possible to determine the internal forces affected by deformation in a simplified way using a "model column". The program transfers the selected members into such model columns in accordance with the user‑defined specifications.

Features
- Full integration in RFEM/RSTAB with import of geometry and load case data
- Automatic selection of members for design according to specified criteria (for example only vertical members)
- The module extension EC2 for RFEM/RSTAB enables design of reinforced concrete according to the method based on nominal curvature in compliance with EN 1992-1-1:2004 (Eurocode 2) and the following National Annexes:
  - DIN EN 1992-1-1/NA/A1:2015-12 (Germany)
  - ÖNORM B 1992-1-1:2018-01 (Austria)
  - NBN EN 1992-1-1 ANB:2010 for design at normal temperature, and EN 1992-1-2 ANB:2010 for fire resistance design (Belgium)
  - BDS EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2011 (Bulgaria)
  - EN 1992-1-1 DK NA:2013 (Denmark)
  - NF EN 1992-1-1/NA:2016-03 (France)
  - SFS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2007-10 (Finland)
  - UNI EN 1992-1-1/NA:2007-07 (Italy)
  - LVS EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2014 (Latvia)
  - LST EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2011 (Lithuania)
  - MS EN 1992-1-1:2010 (Malaysia)
  - NEN-EN 1992-1-1+C2:2011/NB:2016 (Netherlands)
  - NS EN 1992-1 -1:2004-NA:2008 (Norway)
  - PN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2010 (Poland)
  - NP EN 1992-1-1/NA:2010-02 (Portugal)
  - SR EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2008 (Romania)
  - SS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008 (Sweden)
  - SS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008-06 (Singapore)
  - STN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008-06 (Slovakia)
  - SIST EN 1992-1-1:2005/A101:2006 (Slovenia)
  - UNE EN 1992-1-1/NA:2013 (Spain)
  - CSN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2016-05 (Czech Republic)
  - BS EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2005 (United Kingdom)
  - CPM EN 1992-1-1:2009 (Belarus)
  - CYS EN 1992-1-1: 2004/NA: 2009 (Cyprus)
  In addition to the National Annexes (NA) listed above, you can also define a specific NA, applying user-defined limit values and parameters.
- Optional consideration of creeping
- Diagram based determination of buckling lengths and slenderness from the restraint ratios of columns
- Automatic determination of ordinary and unintentional eccentricity from additionally available eccentricity according to the second-order analysis
- Design of monolithic structures and precast elements
- Analysis with regard to the standard reinforced concrete design
- Determination of internal forces according to the linear static analysis and the second-order analysis
- Analysis of governing design locations along the column due to existing load
- Output of required longitudinal and link reinforcement
- Fire resistance design according to the simplified method (zone method) according to EN 1992-1-2 allowing the fire resistance design of brackets.
- Fire resistance design with optional longitudinal reinforcement design according to DIN 4102-22:2004 or DIN 4102-4:2004, Table 31
- Longitudinal and link reinforcement proposal with graphic display in 3D rendering
- Summary of design ratios including all design details
- Graphical representation of relevant design details in RFEM/RSTAB work window
Input

Members to be designed are directly imported from RFEM/RSTAB. Load cases, load combinations, and result combinations are assigned, which result in the linear-elastically determined internal forces on the selected members. When considering creeping, the creep-producing load must also be defined. The RFEM/RSTAB materials are preset but can be adjusted in RF-/CONCRETE Columns. The library covers the material properties of the relevant standard.

You can easily define constructional properties of columns as well as other details for determination of the required longitudinal and shear reinforcement. The effective length factor ß is to be defined manually, determined automatically by the module, or imported from the RF-STABILITY/RSBUCK add-on module.

The fire resistance design according to EN 1992-1-2 requires various specifications, for example determination of cross-section sides where burn-off occurs.
Design
For the bending failure design, the module analyzes governing locations of the column for axial force and moments. In addition, the locations with extreme values of shear forces are considered for the shear resistance design. While calculating, the module decides if a standard design is sufficient or if the column with the moments has to be designed according to the second-order analysis. Determination of these moments is based on the previously entered specifications. The calculation has four parts:
- Load independent calculation steps
- Iterative determination of governing loading considering the varying required reinforcement
- Determination of the designed reinforcement for governing internal forces
- Safety determination of all acting internal forces including the designed reinforcement
In this way, RF-/CONCRETE Columns provides a complete solution of an optimized reinforcement concept and the resulting load actions.
Results

After the calculation, the results are displayed in clearly arranged tables. Each intermediate value is listed, making the designs transparent.

The module creates a reinforcement concept for the longitudinal and the shear reinforcement considering all constructional specifications. The reinforcement is represented by a 3D drawing including dimensions. You can adjust the reinforcement concept to your individual requirements. A 3D graphic shows the exact distribution of strain and stress across the cross-section.

If any of the fire resistance designs is not fulfilled, RF-/CONCRETE Columns increases the required reinforcement until either all designs are performed successfully or no reinforcement layout can be found. The columns including the reinforcement can be visualized in a 3D rendering as well as in the RFEM work window. In addition to the input and result data including design details displayed in tables, you can add all graphics into the printout report. In this way, a comprehensible and clearly arranged documentation is guaranteed.

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.

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Manual RF-CONCRETE Columns	PDF
Manual RF-CONCRETE Columns ACI	PDF
Manual CONCRETE Columns	PDF
Manual CONCRETE Columns ACI	PDF

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