Building Information Modeling (BIM)

3D Planning According to BIM

Structural analysis programs by Dlubal Software support planning according to the method of Building Information Modeling (BIM).

This is primarily achieved through the numerous interfaces for data exchange in RSTAB and RFEM.

Video: Work More Effectively with BIM

Further Information

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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.”

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Smooth Data Exchange

“The data exchange between cadwork and RSTAB has gone without a hitch.”

Project: Tented Roof Structure for Family House, Austria

Efficient Planning with BIM

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is an efficient working method 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, which is then used throughout all of the planning stages. In this way, it is not necessary to use different models created in various CAD and structural analysis software, but the same model, which can be directly transferred between the programs.

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.
General Information About Import and Export

For the following 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.
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.
- RFEM/RSTAB and Tekla Structures
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.
- RFEM/RSTAB and Autodesk Revit
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.
- RFEM/RSTAB and Autodesk AutoCAD
RFEM Interface with Nemetschek Allplan (*.asf)

With the ASF file format by Nemetschek, RFEM supports the widespread CAD program Allplan. The import includes structural data such as nodes, lines, materials, surfaces, openings, node and line supports. The export covers reinforcement including border lines of surfaces. Each surface is exported separately.
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.
- DSTV Product Interface for Steel Construction
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.
- RFEM/RSTAB and MS Excel
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.
- RFEM/RSTAB and DXF Interface
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.
- Online Documentation
- buildingSMART
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.
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.
- RFEM/RSTAB and Bentley ISM
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scia Engineer (*.xml), Textformat (*.000)

In order to exchange data with other programs used for structural analysis, the import of XML files from Scia Engineer was implemented. In addition, it is possible to import text files of the formats *.000 (structure) and *.001 (loads) to RFEM/RSTAB (the format of the former program PLATTE by Dlubal Software).
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Background Layers in RFEM/RSTAB
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.
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.
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.
- Programmable Interface RF-COM/RS-COM
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)
- RF-LINK Interface Extension for RFEM

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Knowledge Base | Building Information Modeling (BIM)

001432 Technical Article Building Information Modeling (BIM) RFEM RSTAB Import / Export & BIM

Building Information Modeling and Structural Analysis Software: Scenarios and Success Factors for Data Exchange

Building Information Modeling describes one of the most important issues in the construction software industry. This process is not new and it’s a well‑known fact that reliable planning in the early stages of a project has a significant positive effect on the project’s total cost. For more than twenty years, 3D models in the steel construction industry have been utilized so that 2D production documents could be created automatically or the related NC data could be sent directly to automatic production.

In a similar fashion, structural calculations for entire 3D models are considered state of the art. For construction software, the digital models trigger an important question about data exchange and how these models can be used efficiently for various engineering software. The pure physical geometry models are not only important, but a number of other models with additional structural components should be taken into consideration. Such models consist of structural or analytical models which include mechanical material properties, boundary conditions, or loads which cannot be easily recognized with a pure physical architectural model.

These differences may cause issues when using BIM data exchange in structural engineering. Therefore, high expectations arise when it comes to BIM and structural analysis. These hurdles also present a great challenge for the developers of engineering software. This article explains the fundamental problems of data exchange and provides applicable solutions tested in practice.
001472 Technical Article Building Information Modeling (BIM) RFEM RSTAB Import / Export & BIM

BIM Workflow: Data Exchange Using IFC Files

In the BIM workflow, IFC files are frequently used as the basis for data exchange between CAD and structural engineering software. However, there is a fundamental problem with this approach. This article explains various types of IFC files, and provides an overview of the import and export options in the Dlubal Software programs.