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.
FEA Software RFEM | Load Generation
Structural Analysis & Engineering Software
The finite element analysis program RFEM is a powerful software for quick and easy modeling, structural analysis and design of 2D and 3D models consisting of member, plate, wall, folded plate, shell, solid, and contact elements.
Due to the modular software concept, you can connect the main program RFEM with the corresponding add‑on modules in order to meet your individual requirements.
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Apartment Complex | © Wörgl Zentrum Lenk, Austria | www.agabau.at
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Pylon Bridge "Walsersteg" Across Loisach River | RFEM Model with Deformation | www.ib-buxbaum.de
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Structure consisting of several materials
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RFEM Model of Building
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RFEM Model of Building | © Ingenieurbüro Rohmer | www.statik-rohmer.de
Quick and Easy Generation of Loads
Further information
"We are completely satisfied with RFEM and the Dlubal Software team too. Keep it up!
Maderas Besteiro is in contact with many engineers and the structural wood research team at the University of Santiago de Compostela and they always speak of RFEM as the reference software."
“I really enjoy working with Dlubal Software programs. The structure generation and modification can proceed smoothly:
- Manageability of functions in the menu and movability in space
- Data transparency: checks, options to modify and transfer data
I am happy that I switched over to Dlubal Software!”
Dipl.-Ing. Hartmut Unterberg
Engineering Office
Hartmut Unterberg
Berlin, Germany
Deutschland
03/27/2014
As a standard feature, RFEM includes helpful tools for generating wind, snow, ice, and opening loads, as well as for converting surface loads into member loads.
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Snow Load Generator
Snow load generator can generate snow loads as member loads or surface loads.
Additional snow loads such as drifted snow loads, snow overhangs, and snow guards can be taken into account as well.
The following standards are available:
1991-1-3 (incl. National Annexes)
DIN 1055-5
CTE DB-SE-AE
ASCE/SEI 7-16
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Wind Load Generator
Wind loads can be automatically generated as member loads or area loads on the following structural components (optional with internal pressure für open buildings):
- Vertical walls
- Flat roofs
- Monopitch roofs
- Duopitch/Troughed roofs
- Vertical walls with roof
The following standards are available:
1991-1-4 (including National Annexes)
DIN 1055-4
CTE DB-SE-AE
ASCE/SEI 7-16
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Generating Member/Line Loads from Area Loads
Area loads can be automatically converted into member or line loads. There are 3 options available for this:
- Member loads from area loads via plane
- Member loads from area loads via cells
- Line loads from area loads on openings
In the case of the member loads from area loads, a plane has to be defined via corner nodes or cells have to be selected in the graphic. The area load can either be applied to the entire surface or only the effective or projected surface of the members.
For the "Line loads from area loads on openings" function, the corresponding openings are selected.
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Generating Member Loads from Free Line Loads
In the case of pure member models such as girder grillages, free line loads (from conveyor belts, for example) can be defined and proportionately allocated to members.
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Generating Member Loads from Coating
Coating loads can be generated as member loads from ice loads, claddings, etc.
For that, you only have to specify the thickness and specific weight of the coating.
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Generating Loads from Accelerated Motion
This generator creates loads as a result of an acceleration or rotation (from tower cranes, for example) that acts on specific objects of the model.
The mass is determined from the self-weight.
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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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Introductory Example | |
Tutorial |
Book about FEM and RFEM
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Models to Download
Knowledge Base Articles

Screenshots
Product Features Articles
New
Increased Calculation Performance by Reducing the Nodal Degrees of Freedom
The number of degrees of freedom in a node is no longer a global calculation parameter in RFEM (6 degrees of freedom for each mesh node in 3D models, 7 degrees of freedom for the warping torsion analysis). Thus, each node is generally considered with a different number of degrees of freedom, which leads to a variable number of equations in the calculation.
This modification speeds up the calculation, especially for models where a significant reduction of the system could be achieved (e.g. trusses and membrane structures).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How can I change the colors of the selection and preselection?
- How can I create a curved or curved section?
- How are the signs to be interpreted for the release results of the line release and line hinges?
- After calculating the add -on module RF-/DYNAM Pro - Equivalent Loads, the size of my file has increased significantly. The performance has deteriorated enormously. What could be the reason for this?
- Can I have generated member loads from surface loads act eccentrically on the member section by means of a plane?
- Why are my imperfections displayed differently and can I adjust the display?
- What happens to the programs and add -on modules if the network license times out? And how can I increase the timeout?
- Why is the deflection of the reinforced concrete floor sometimes greater when selecting a larger basic reinforcement?
- Why is it not possible to select a load case in the RF-/STEEL add-on module for design, although it is defined in RFEM/RSTAB?
- I have a question about message no.47 in the RFEM program. What is the exact meaning of the word integrate? What is the resulting effect?
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