Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Three-Dimensional Planning According to BIM Method

The Dlubal structural analysis software is absolutely uncomplicated when it comes to interfaces with other programs. Dlubal Software does not compete with other programs – on the contrary. You can integrate it seamlessly into the Building Information Modeling (BIM) process. This makes your work on your project even more efficient and easy to implement.

You can seect from a large number of interfaces. Thus, there is always a way of exchanging data of your digital building models with RFEM or RSTAB.

  • BIM-Oriented Planning

Efficient Structural Analysis with BIM

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1

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.

2

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!


3

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:

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

11

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.

12

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.

13

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.

14

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.

15

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.

16

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.
17

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.

18

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.
19

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.
20

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.
21

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.
22

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).
23

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.

24

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.

25

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.

26

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.

27

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
28

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.
29

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:

30

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.
31

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.
32

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.

33

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

Contact Dlubal

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.

+1 267 702 2815

[email protected]

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.”

Smooth Data Exchange

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


Project: Tented Roof Structure for Family House, Austria

RFEM 5
RFEM

Main Program

Structural engineering software for finite element analysis (FEA) of planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, members (beams), solids, and contact elements

Price of First License
4,350.00 EUR
RSTAB 8
RSTAB

Main Program

Structural engineering software for designing frame, beam, and truss structures, as well as performing linear and nonlinear calculations of internal forces, deformations, and support reactions

Price of First License
2,850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-CONCRETE

Add-on Module

Design of reinforced concrete members and surfaces (plates, walls, planar structures, shells)

Price of First License
1,000.00 EUR
RFEM 5
CONCRETE Columns

Add-on Module

Reinforced concrete design according to the model column method (method based on nominal curvature)

Price of First License
800.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-CONCRETE NL Add-on Module for RFEM | Nonlinear Reinforced Concrete Calculation for Serviceability Limit State

Add-on Module

Physical and geometrical nonlinear calculation of beam and plate structures consisting of reinforced concrete

Price of First License
1,650.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-PUNCH Pro Add-on Module for RFEM | Punching Shear Design of Singularly or Linearly Supported Surfaces

Add-on Module

Punching shear design of foundations and slabs with nodal and line supports

Price of First License
1,000.00 EUR
RFEM 5
FOUNDATION Pro

Add-on Module

Design of single, bucket, and block foundations

Price of First License
1,000.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-STEEL

Add-on Module

Stress analysis of steel surfaces and members

Price of First License
1,350.00 EUR
RSTAB 8
STEEL

Add-on Module

Stress analysis of steel members

Price of First License
850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-STEEL EC3

Add-on Module

Design of steel members according to Eurocode 3

Price of First License
1,850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-STEEL Warping Torsion

Module Extension for RF-STEEL EC3 and RF-STEEL AISC

Warping torsion analysis according to the second-order theory with 7 degrees of freedom

Price of First License
1,100.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-STEEL Plasticity

Module Extension for RF-STEEL EC3

Plastic design of cross-sections according to the Partial Internal Forces Method (PIFM) and Simplex Method

Price of First License
1,100.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-STEEL AISC

Add-on Module

Design of steel members according to the American standard ANSI/AISC 360

Price of First License
1,850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-STEEL SIA

Add-on Module

Design of steel members according to the Swiss standard SIA 263

Price of First License
1,850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-STEEL GB

Add-on Module

Design of steel members according to the Chinese standard GB 50017-2003

Price of First License
1,850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-STEEL CSA

Add-on Module

Design of steel members according to the Canadian standard CSA S16

Price of First License
1,850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-STEEL Fatigue Members

Add-on Module

Fatigue design of members and sets of members according to EN 1993-1-9

Price of First License
1,450.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-ALUMINUM

Add-on Module

Design of aluminum members according to Eurocode 9

Price of First License
1,850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-ALUMINUM ADM

Add-on Module

Design of aluminum members according to the American standards ADM 2010, ADM 2015, and ADM 2020

Price of First License
1,850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-TIMBER Pro

Add-on Module

Timber design according to Eurocode 5, SIA 265, and/or DIN 1052

Price of First License
1,450.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-TIMBER AWC

Add-on Module

Design of timber members according to the American standard ANSI/AWC NDS

Price of First License
1,450.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-TIMBER CSA

Add-on Module

Design of timber members according to the Canadian standard CSA O86-14

Price of First License
1,450.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-GLASS

Add-on Module

Design of single-layer, laminated, and insulating glass

Price of First License
1,450.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-TOWER Structure

Add-on Module

Generation of geometrically complex 3D tower structures such as lattice towers and radio masts

Price of First License
2,200.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-TOWER Attachments

Add-on Module

Generation of equipment for lattice towers of mobile operators

Price of First License
1,300.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-TOWER Loading

Add-on Module

Generation of wind, ice, and variable loads for lattice towers

Price of First License
2,200.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-TOWER Effective Lengths

Add-on Module

Determination of effective lengths for lattice towers

Price of First License
750.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-TOWER Design

Add-on Module

Design of triangular and quadrilateral lattice towers according to European standards

Price of First License
1,850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-FRAME-JOINT Pro

Add-on Module

Design of rigid bolted frame joints according to Eurocode 3 or DIN 18800

Price of First License
1,450.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-JOINTS Steel - Pinned

Add-on Module

Design of pinned connections according to Eurocode 3

Price of First License
850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-/JOINTS Steel - Column Base

Add-on Module

Design of hinged and restrained column base footings according to Eurocode 3

Price of First License
850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF -JOINTS Timber - Steel to Timber

Add-on Module

Design of indirect timber connections with dowel-type fasteners and steel plates according to NDS and Eurocode 5

Price of First License
1,100.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RFEM-/RSTAB RF-/JOINTS Timber - Timber to Timber Add-on Module

Add-on Module

Design of Direct Timber Connections According to Eurocode 5

Price of First License
500.00 EUR
RFEM 5

Add-on Module

Analysis of Natural Vibrations

Price of First License
1,350.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF -DYNAM Pro - Forced Vibrations

Add-on Module

Dynamic and seismic analysis including time history analysis and multi-modal response spectrum analysis

Price of First License
1,450.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF -DYNAM Pro - Equivalent Loads

Add-on Module

Seismic and static load analysis using multi-modal response spectrum analysis

Price of First License
1,000.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF -DYNAM Pro - Nonlinear Time History

Add-on Module

Nonlinear dynamic analysis of external excitations

Price of First License
1,450.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-PIPING

Add-on Module

Modeling piping systems

Price of First License
2,200.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-PIPING Design

Add-on Module

Piping design and pipe stress analysis

Price of First License
1,850.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-FORM-FINDING

Add-on Module

Form-finding of tensile membrane and cable structures

Price of First License
2,200.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-CUTTING-PATTERN

Add-on Module

Generation of cutting patterns for tensile membrane structures

Price of First License
2,800.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-DEFORM

Add-on Module

Deformation and deflection analysis of members and sets of members

Price of First License
300.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-MOVE

Add-on Module

Generation of load cases from moving loads for members and sets of members

Price of First License
600.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF‑MOVE Surfaces

Add-on Module

Generation of load cases from moving loads for surfaces

Price of First License
700.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-IMP

Add-on Module

Generation of equivalent geometric imperfections and pre-deformed initial structures for nonlinear calculations

Price of First License
1,000.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-STABILITY

Add-on Module

Stability analysis according to the eigenvalue method

Price of First License
1,350.00 EUR
RFEM 5
Geotechnical Analysis Add-on Module for RFEM

Add-on Module

Soil-structure interaction analysis and determination of elastic foundation coefficients based on soil data

Price of First License
1,000.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-INFLUENCE

Add-on Module

Generation of influence lines and surfaces due to constant internal forces

Price of First License
750.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-MAT NL

Add-on Module

Consideration of nonlinear material laws

Price of First License
1,650.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-STAGES

Add-on Module

Consideration of construction stages during a building phase

Price of First License
1,100.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-LAMINATE

Add-on Module

Deflection analysis and stress design of laminate and sandwich surfaces

Price of First License
1,450.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-COM/RS-COM Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB

Add-on Module

Programmable interface (API) based on COM technology

Price of First License
750.00 EUR
RFEM 5
RF-LINK

Add-on Module

RFEM interface for data import in the Step, IGES, and ACIS formats

Price of First License
1,000.00 EUR