Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Efficient Structural Analysis with BIM
Further Information
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.
Webservice and API
Technology takes you further, also in your daily work with RFEM / RSTAB. The new API technology Webservice allows you to create your own desktop or web-based applications by controlling all objects included in RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9. Entire libraries and numerous functions are available to you. Thus, you can easily perform your own design checks, effective modeling of parametric structures, and optimization and automation processes using the programming languages Python and C#. Dlubal Software makes your work easier and more convenient. Convince yourself!
Integration in Autodesk Revit
Do you enjoy working with Autodesk Revit and wish there was an interface to the Dlubal Software? Then your wish has already become a reality! The direct bidirectional interface in RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9 to Autodesk Revit makes it easy for you: 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. You can even easily align the subsequent modifications in both the Revit and the RFEM/RSTAB model. Does that sound like a dream? Then live it and read more at:
Interface to TEKLA Structures
There are three ways to exchange data between RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 and Tekla Structures: Frame models can be transferred based on files in both directions via the stp interface. An analysis model generated and carried out in Tekla Structures can be transferred to RFEM/RSTAB via a direct interface. Physical models can be exchanged and aligned in both directions via another direct interface.
Integration in Autodesk AutoCAD
In addition to data exchange using DXF files, RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 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 5 Interface to Nemetschek Allplan (*.asf)
Using the ASF files, the reinforcement determined in RF‑CONCRETE can be exported and displayed in Allplan in the form of reinforcement contours and FEA reinforcement color images.
Furthermore, the company Allbau Software GmbH provides an Allplan2Dlubal plugin, which is used to automatically generate a plate-member model from the Allplan model for use in Dlubal structural analysis software.
RFEM 6 Interfaces to Rhino & Grasshopper
Rhinos are considered stubborn and inflexible. Rhino is clearly the exception. The bidirectional interface RFEM 6 - Rhino allows you to transfer various line types as well as surfaces (plane, rotated surface, and NURBS).
Also the bidirectional Grasshopper interface allows you to export and import model data, load cases and combinations, and the loads themselves. Instead of volatility, you will find a stable connection that you cannot build on, but that allows you to plan ahead.
SAF Interface
Dlubal Software has also interfaces with open source software, such as SAF. This will make your work much easier. RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9 support the data exchange using the Structural Analysis Format (SAF). The structural analysis programs offer you both import and export. SAF is based on MS Excel. It is a file format intended to facilitate the exchange of structural analysis models between different software applications. We can assure you: It is definitely an asset to any structural engineer.
Data Exchange with Dietrich's (*.ifc)
With the IFC interface as well as the "CAD/BIM Model", you can import IFC files and convert them to 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.
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.
Product Interface for Steel Structures (*.stp)
The DSTV product interface for steel structures has been implemented for transferring pure member structures. Thus, you can exchange data between RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 and programs such as "Bentley ProStructure 3D", "Tekla Structures", "Bocad", "Intergraph Frameworks", "Graitec Advance Steel", "Cadwork", and many others.
Microsoft Excel
MS Excel is a classic when it comes to the further processing or preparation of table values. We have implemented a direct link to Microsoft Excel for you in RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9. Thus, you can export the tables of RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9 individually or all at once, directly into an Excel spreadsheet. Furthermore, you can transfer the Excel tables to RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9. We are always working to offer you even more options in RFEM / RSTAB.
DXF Format (*.dxf)
You are certainly already familiar with the DXF format. The DXF file format provides you with the most common data exchange formats available in the CAD area. DXF files can be imported as well as exported with minimum effort.
IFC Interface in RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9
Dlubal software has many different interfaces. One of them is the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) interface. This is divided into several areas, called "Views." Furthermore, there are various versions of the IFC format. Take a closer look here. Version 4.0 is supported for both import and export. However, the older version 2x3 is only supported for import. Regardless of in which direction you exchange the data, you can process the StructuralAnalysisView as well as the ReferenceView (Coordination View).
When importing the ReferenceView, the individual IFC objects can be converted into RFEM-native elements. You can also use the conversion tables to adapt the cross-section and material descriptions. The export in the ReferenceView allows you to display the structure in IFC viewers and CAD programs. On the other hand, StructuralAnalysisView allows you to transfer the structural model including loading. As you can see, there are numerous options available to you.
Connection to ConED
ConED has a bidirectional interface to RFEM 5. 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 5 before the user initiates the calculation. The calculation results are read from the database via the COM interface and are imported in ConED.
SDNF Interface (*.sdnf)
The SDNF interface (Steel Detailing Neutral Format) by Intergraph is used for the data exchange with Intergraph Frameworks or Tekla Structures. Thus, the structural data in the form of nodes and members with the corresponding materials and cross-sections, but without support conditions, can be imported into RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 and exported from RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8.Bentley ISM Interface (*.ism.dgn)
Due to the implementation of the ISM interface in RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8, it is possible to exchange models with ProSteel, ProConcrete, and other Bentley applications. The interface works in both directions. The core of the ISM technology is the ISM Viewer V8i, which can be obtained free of charge from Bentley.
Among other things, it is possible to export surface components, such as walls and slabs or even sections with variable cross-sections, to ProSteel and ProConcrete. A useful additional feature of the ISM Viewer is the output option in a 3D PDF document.
RFEM 5 Interface to GLASER -isb cad- (*.geo, *.fem)
This interface controls the interaction with the Glaser program by isb cad: You can import the GEO files into RFEM 5 and export the results of the concrete surface design as FEM files. The import includes single lines and arcs; surfaces as slabs (circumferential geometry); centroidal lines of walls; center points of columns; openings; surface, line, and nodal loads; and free rectangular, line, and concentrated loads. The export includes the top and bottom reinforcement in FE mesh or grid points, optionally only the additional reinforcement and the shear reinforcement.RFEM 5 Interface to DICAD STRAKON (*.cfe)
Within the data exchange, RFEM 5 supports the structural and reinforcement program STRAKON by DICAD. The structural data, such as nodes, lines, materials, surfaces, openings, and nodal and line supports are imported. The reinforcement, including the boundary lines of the surfaces, is exported. Each surface is exported individually.CIS/2 Structural Frame Scheme (*.stp)
The CIS/2 format by NIST is often used for data exchange in English-speaking countries. In addition to the structural data of member structures, RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 allows you to import the information about loads, load cases, load combinations, and result combinations.RFEM 5 Interface to CADKON (*.esf)
ESF (Engineering Structural Format) allows for data exchange with the CADKON program by ABStudio. It is possible to export both planar surfaces with a constant thickness and any existing openings as well as the used materials from RFEM 5 to an ESF file.Text Format (*.000)
It is possible to import text files in the format *.000 (structure) and *.001 (loading) into RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 (format of the older Dlubal program PLATE).SCIA Engineer (*.xml)
To exchange data with the structural analysis program SCIA Engineer, the import of XML files has been implemented in RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8.
cadwork Interface (*.stp)
The interface in RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 allows you to export models to the CAD program cadwork and to import the cadwork models. In addition to the model geometry, it is possible to transfer the information about cross-sections, materials, supports, and rigid couplings.
- Dlubal Webinar: Data Exchange Between cadwork and RFEM 5
SEMA Interface
This interface allows you to transfer 3D structures created with the software SEMA for timber structures and framing. A SEMA model can be transferred to RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 using the DXF or the DSTV(STP) file format; DSTV includes not only the structural geometry, but also the information about cross-sections, materials, supports, and rigid couplings.
- Dlubal Webinar: Data Exchange Between SEMA and RFEM 5
Interface to Advance Steel (*.smlx)
The SMLX export (Steel Markup Language) allows you to transfer member structures from RFEM 5 or RSTAB 8 to Advance Steel. In addition to the model geometry, the corresponding cross-sections, materials, and member eccentricities can be transferred.
Interface to Hilti PROFIS Engineering Suite
This direct bidirectional interface allows for the data exchange between RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 and Hilti PROFIS Engineering Suite.
Usually, the RFEM/RSTAB support loads are transferred to Hilti PROFIS Engineering Suite and then the design of dowels and anchor plates is performed. The results of the dowel design can be imported into RFEM/RSTAB as comments.
- Dlubal webinář: Data Exchange Between Hilti PROFIS Engineering Suite and RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8
Interface to IDEA StatiCa
It is possible to export members, cross-sections (made of steel or concrete), and internal forces from RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 for design in IDEA StatiCa. The data are synchronized in IDEA StatiCa when the RFEM/RSTAB model changes.Background Layers
To simplify your modeling, use background layers stored in the work window of RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9 for the input of graphical object. These layers are generated from an imported DXF file. Read more about this:
VCmaster Interface
This interface can be used to export a printout report from RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 to VCmaster (processing calculations and texts) by the company Veit Christoph GmbH and continue editing there.RTF Interface
If you want to further edit a printout report of RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8 with MS Office, you can convert it, including the graphics, into an RTF file.Add-on Modules RF-COM (for RFEM 5) and RS-COM (for RSTAB 8)
These programmable interfaces are based on the COM technology. They allow you to program your own input macros or post-processing programs.
RF-LINK Add-on Module
After the successful installation of RF‑LINK, the following interfaces are additionally available for the import in RFEM 5:
- Standard Acis Text Format (*.sat)
- Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (*.igs, *.iges)
- Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (*.stp, *.step)
Contact Us
Do you have any questions about our products or which are best suited for your design projects? Contact us via phone, email, chat, or forum, or search the FAQ page, available 24/7.
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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.”
“The data exchange between cadwork and RSTAB has gone without a hitch.”

Opportunities and Challenges of Structural Engineers when Using BIM
Daniel Dlubal's bachelor's thesis focuses on presenting and highlighting the chances, advantages, and opportunities of BIM when performing the 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.
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