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.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Efficient Planning with BIM
Further Information
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the up-to-date solution for the planning and realization of buildings, which is based on a network of all participants in the building process.
All relevant building data is included in a 3D model. Individual branch-specific models, for example for structural analysis, are derived from the digital building model. They can be integrated in RFEM or RSTAB by means of different methods and used for the structural analysis. In the ideal case, the building model is used to export and calculate the analytical model for RFEM and RSTAB.
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Structural Analysis Programs by Dlubal Software and BIM
It is very important for Dlubal Software to provide options for planning in compliance with BIM. Numerous interfaces implemented in the structural analysis programs RFEM and RSTAB facilitate data exchange with commonly used software (such as CAD programs) and make it easy and comfortable.
The following overview shows a range of the interfaces integrated in RFEM and RSTAB by default.
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Interface with TEKLA Structures
There are three options for data exchange between RFEM/RSTAB and Tekla Structures: The stp interface allows for a file-based transfer of framework models in both directions. The analytical model generated and contained in Tekla Structures can be transferred to RFEM/RSTAB using another direct interface. Finally, a further direct interface is provided to exchange and adjust physical models in both directions.
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Integration in Autodesk Revit
The direct bidirectional RFEM/RSTAB interface with Autodesk Revit leaves nothing to be desired: A structure created in RFEM/RSTAB can be visualized in Revit and prepared for the design engineer. In the same way, it is possible to calculate and design a Revit model in RFEM/RSTAB. Even subsequent modifications in both the Revit and the RFEM/RSTAB model can be easily aligned.
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Integration in Autodesk AutoCAD
In addition to data exchange using DXF files, RFEM/RSTAB supports direct exchange with AutoCAD by Autodesk. This interface uses the latest .NET technology. You can start the data exchange directly in RFEM/RSTAB.
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RFEM Interface with Nemetschek Allplan (*.asf)
With the help of ASF files, reinforcement determined in RF-CONCRETE can be exported and displayed in Allplan in the form of reinforcement contours and FEA reinforcement color images.
In addition, the company Allbau Software GmbH offers an Allplan2Dlubal plugin, which is used to automatically generate a plate-member model from the Allplan model for use in Dlubal's structural analysis software.
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RFEM Interfaces to Rhino & Grasshopper
The bidirectional RFEM-Rhino interface allows you to transfer various line types as well as surfaces (plane, rotated surface, and NURBS).
With the direct Grasshopper interface, you can transfer surfaces with the properties material, thickness, and surface stiffness type as well as members with the properties material, cross-section, and member rotation to RFEM.
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Data Exchange with Dietrich's (*.ifc)
You can import IFC files with the IFC interface and the "CAD/BIM Model" as well as convert member and surface elements. This import has been optimized in cooperation with the company Dietrich's so that the corresponding cross-sections and materials are assigned automatically for member elements.
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Interface to SketchUp with the 3skeng Steelwork Tool
With the program 3skeng Steelwork in SktechUp, it is possible to export IFC files based on "Structural Analysis View". This view contains the structural system with member hinges and cross-section as well as material properties.Use "File" → "Import" to import the IFC file. For more detailed information, see the SHK Engineering and Consulting GmbH & Co. KG website.
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Product Interface for Steel Construction (*.stp)
In order to transfer models consisting of members only, the DSTV product interface for steel constructions was implemented (German Steel Construction Association). Therefore, it is possible to exchange data between RFEM/RSTAB and other programs such as "Bentley ProStructure 3D", "Tekla Structures", "Bocad", "Intergraph Frameworks", "Graitec Advance Steel", "Cadwork", and many others.
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Microsoft Excel
In order to reuse or prepare values entered in RFEM/RSTAB tables, there is a direct interface to Microsoft Excel. You can directly export the RFEM/RSTAB tables - individually or all at once - to an Excel spreadsheet and vice versa. Even the formulas for parametric input can be prepared in Excel and imported to RFEM/RSTAB.
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DXF File Format (*.dxf)
The DXF file format is one of the most common data exchange formats in the field of CAD programs. RFEM and RSTAB support the import and export of these DXF files.
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IFC Interface
The IFC interface (Industry Foundation Classes) is divided in several areas called views. When importing and exporting data, the StructuralAnalysisView is primarily supported. This means that you can transfer the structural model including member elements, concentrated loads, linear and member loads, supports, support conditions, load cases etc. The most important elements from the CoordinateView containing graphical elements are imported additionally. Click the links below to see the online description of the interface and general information concerning IFC.
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RFEM Connection to ConED
ConED has a bidirectional interface to RFEM. It can be used to calculate ceiling systems, deep beams, floor slabs, and entire buildings from ConED. Adjustments of any kind can still be made in RFEM before the user initiates the calculation. The calculation results are read from the database via the COM interface and are imported in ConED.
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SDNF Interface (*.sdnf)
The SDNF interface (Steel Detailing Neutral Format) by Intergraph is used to exchange data with Intergraph Frameworks or Tekla Structures. It is possible to import as well as export a variety of structural data like nodes and members including relevant materials and cross-sections to and from RFEM/RSTAB. The transfer of support conditions, however, is not possible.
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Interface with Bentley ISM (*.ism.dgn)
Due to the implementation of the ISM interface in RFEM/RSTAB, it is possible to exchange models with ProSteel, ProConcrete, and other Bentley applications. The interface works in both directions. The ISM technology core piece consists of the ISM Viewer V8i provided for free by Bentley.
Furthermore, you can export surface elements like walls and plates as well as sections with variable cross‑sections to ProSteel and ProConcrete. Another useful feature of the ISM Viewer is the possibility to create 3D PDF documents.
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RFEM Interface with GLASER -isb cad- (*.geo, *.fem)
This interface control the interaction with the program Glaser by isb cad: It is possible to import GEO files to RFEM and export results of concrete surface designs in FEM files. The import includes single lines and arcs, surfaces as slabs (contour lines), center lines of walls, center points of columns, openings, surface loads, linear loads, nodal loads, free rectangular as well as line and concentrated loads. The export includes the top and bottom reinforcement in FE mesh or grid points. Optionally, you can export only the additional reinforcement or the shear reinforcement.
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RFEM Interface with DICAD STRAKON (*.cfe)
RFEM supports the data exchange with the structural engineering and precast program STRAKON by DICAD. The import includes structural data such as nodes, lines, materials, surfaces, openings, nodal and line supports. The export covers reinforcement including border lines of surfaces. Each surface is exported separately.
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CIS/2 Structural Frame Schema (*.stp)
The CIS/2 file format of NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) is frequently used for data exchange in English-speaking countries. In addition to the structural data of frameworks, it is possible to import the information about loads, load cases, load and result combinations.
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RFEM Interface with CADKON (*.esf)
The ESF file format (Engineering Structural Format) enables data exchange with the program CADKON by ABStudio. In ESF file format, it is possible to export plane surfaces with uniform thickness and potential openings as well as materials used in RFEM.
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Textformat (*.000)
It is possible to import text files of the formats *.000 (structure) and *.001 (loads) to RFEM/RSTAB (the format of the former program PLATE by Dlubal Software).
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SCIA Engineer (*.xml)
In order to exchange data with other programs used for structural analysis, the import of XML files from Scia Engineer was implemented.
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Interface with Cadwork (*.stp)
This interface enables the export of models to the CAD program Cadwork and the import of Cadwork models to RFEM/RSTAB. Besides the model geometry, the transfer includes information about cross-sections, materials, supports and rigid couplings.
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Interface with SEMA
This interface enables the import of 3D structures created in the timber construction and design software SEMA. A SEMA model can be transferred to the programs by Dlubal Software using the DXF or the DSTV(STP) file format. DSTV includes not only the structure geometry but also information about cross-sections, materials, supports, and rigid couplings.
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Interface to Advance Steel (*.smlx)
By using the SMLX export (Steel Markup Language), you can transfer member structures from RSTAB or RFEM to Advance Steel. In addition to the model geometry, it is possible to transfer the corresponding cross-sections, materials, as well as member eccentricities.
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Interface with Hilti PROFIS Engineering Suite
This direct bidirectional interface enables data exchange between RFEM/RSTAB and Hilti PROFIS Engineering Suite.
The support loads from RFEM/RSTAB are usually exported to Hilti PROFIS Engineering Suite to perform the design of dowels and anchor heads. The results of the dowel design can be imported to RFEM/RSTAB as comments.
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Background Layers
Background layers are used to simplify the modeling process. The layers can be underlain in the RFEM or RSTAB work window to facilitate the input of graphical objects.
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Interface with VCmaster
With this interface, it is possible to export the RFEM/RSTAB printout report to the VCmaster program (for calculations and text processing), developed by the company Veith Christoph GmbH, where it can be further edited.
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RTF Interface
Further editing of a printout report is possible in MS Office as well. For this, the report is converted into the RTF file including all graphics.
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Add-on Modules RS-COM (for RSTAB) and RF-COM (for RFEM)
This programmable interface is based on COM technology. It allows you to program your own input macros or post-processing programs.
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Add-on Module RF-LINK
With the RF-LINK add-on module installed in RFEM, the following interfaces are additionally available for data import:
- Standard Acis Text Format (*.sat)
- Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (*.igs, *.iges)
- Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (*. stp, *.step)
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General Information About Import and Export
For the aforementioned interfaces and exchange file formats (except for MS Excel and CSV), it is possible to manage the materials and cross-sections by means of user-defined conversion files.
Plausibility checks after import or before export are also possible, of course. Optionally, only selected objects can be exported. You can also define the orientation of the Z-axis for the data exchange. Similarly, coordinates can be mirrored or even switched.
Contact us
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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.
Book about FEM and RFEM
Pleasant and Comfortable Work with Dlubal Software
“As usual, I would like to confirm that it is a real pleasure to work with the Dlubal Software programs, which I have been able to use with ease.
I am also completely satisfied with the connection to REVIT 2017 as it complies with a very high standard and works well.”
“The data exchange between cadwork and RSTAB has gone without a hitch.”

Opportunities and Challenges of Structural Engineers When Using BIM
The bachelor thesis of Daniel Dlubal focuses on presenting and highlighting the chances, advantages and opportunities of BIM when performing structural analysis and design of buildings.
Bar Reinforcement Export to Revit
The reinforcement proposal from RF-/CONCRETE Members can be exported to Revit. The rectangular and circular cross-sections are currently supported.
The reinforcement bars can be modified retroactively in Revit.
- After importing a .stp file, there is a free node near each member. Why are these nodes created?
- Is it possible to exchange models between cadwork and RFEM/RSTAB bidirectionally?
- Does the student version of Dlubal Software also provide the interface between Revit and RFEM?
- How can I quickly export a model including all loads into an EXCEL file and import it later?
- Which programs can I use to calculate and design power plants?
- I am trying to import a model from cadwork. Unfortunately, I cannot correctly transfer the cross-sections from cadwork to RFEM. Do you have any tip?
- When importing a model directly from AutoCAD, the shape of the "spline" is sometimes incorrect.
- How to model a cable net structure in using the RF-FORM-FINDING add-on module?
- I would like to export the reinforcement of a slab in the Nemetschek format. However, no setting is available in the following window after selecting the surface.
- Does RFEM integrate with Autodesk Inventor?
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