Software for Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

FEA Software for Structural and Mechanical Analysis

RFEM is the ultimate 3D structural engineering software for linear and nonlinear analysis according to the finite element method (FEM).

Due to flexible modeling of structures consisting of member, plate, wall, folded plate, shell, solid, and contact elements, the software can be applied to all possible tasks of structural design.

Finite Element Method (FEM)

The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a calculation method typical for the scientific and technical area. The FE method allows you to calculate complex problems that can hardly be solved by other means.

Since FEM is a numerical method for solving differential equations, it is possible to perform the finite element analyses (FEA) in various physical disciplines. A component subjected to FEA is subdivided into a large number of small finite elements with simple geometry so that the required quantity can be easily calculated. This subdivision provided the name for the numerical technique: Finite Element Method.

In structural engineering, finite element analysis applies FEM as a standard method for computer-aided calculation of beam and plate structures.

3D FEA Software for Structural and Dynamic Analysis and Design

The structural analysis software RFEM 6 is suitable for the user-friendly application of the finite element method in structural engineering. Efficient data input and intuitive handling facilitate the modeling of simple and complex structures. RFEM allows for structural and dynamic analysis of 3D structures.

RFEM is the basis of a modular program family. The RFEM main program is used to define structures, materials, and loads for planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, and members.

Furthermore, the internal forces and support forces are calculated in RFEM. The program also allows you to create combined structures as well as model solid and contact elements.

The standard-compliant design of components made of different materials is carried out in the add-ons and add-on modules.

Main Program RFEM 6

Add-ons and Add-on Modules for RFEM

For design of various materials such as reinforced and prestressed concrete, steel, aluminium, timber, and glass, there is a wide range of powerful add-ons and add‑modules.

They allow you to perform nonlinear, stability and dynamic analysis as well as joint design and form‑finding process for cable and membrane structures.

Quality of FEA Results

The Dlubal structural analysis software provides comprehensible structural analysis calculations. They are not a "Black Box." Numerous verification examples illustrate this and disclose the calculation methods.

Verification Examples

Interfaces for Data Exchange

The structural analysis software provided by Dlubal Software can be integrated seamlessly into the Building Information Modeling (BIM) process. The large number of interfaces ensures the data exchange of digital building models with RFEM or RSTAB.

The web service (programmable interface) can be used to read or write data from/to RFEM and RSTAB.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Web Service and API

Support and Learning

Customer service is a fundamental pillar of the Dlubal Software company philosophy. We provide any necessary support you need to complete your daily work.

Customer Projects with FEM Calculations

3D Steel Connection with RFEM Solid Elements, the Netherlands

For a project in Rotterdam, ADS Ertner used IDEA CONNECTION to analyze a structural steel connection. This program calculates steel connections utilizing the CBFEM method, where each thin-walled cross-section is modeled with nonlinear material properties, nonlinear bolts, and nonlinear welds.
Customer Projects with FEM Calculations

Oxigeno in San Francisco de Heredia, Costa Rica

A unique project called "Oxigeno" is currently under construction in San Francisco de Heredia, San José, Costa Rica. The recreational and commercial space, which measures almost 1,345,489 ft², offers the visitor a relaxing shopping atmosphere in harmony with nature.
Customer Projects with FEM Calculations

Isarsteg Nord near Freising, Germany

The bridge structure of Isarsteg as integrating artwork fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape. Taking nature as an example, the bridge spans the Isar river like a branched limb.
Customer Projects with FEM Calculations

BIM Project, New Plant in Graben-Neudorf

SWE-Eurodrive GmbH & Co. KG, a German family-owned company operating in the area of drive technology, is expanding its plant at Graben-Neudorf until 2019. The existing plant, with a size of 1,184,030 ft², will be almost doubled...
Customer Projects with FEM Calculations

Wildlife Crossing AM2 in Carinthia, Austria

Wildlife crossing AM2 was built using a construction method for concrete shell structures called Pneumatic Forming of Hardened Concrete (PFHC). This new method was developed by TU Wien in the context of the research project titled "Double Curved Shell Structures"...
Customer Projects with FEM Calculations

Crossrail Station Abbey Wood, London, United Kingdom

With the Crossrail railroad line in Great Britain, one of the biggest infrastructure projects of Europe is in progress.
The construction costs for the 73-mile railroad line amount to about €21 billion.
Customer Projects with FEM Calculations

Residential Timber Buildings in Strasbourg, France

“Îlot bois de Strasbourg” is one of the first CLT building projects in France that exceeds 98 ft in height.
This building complex, consisting of three high‑rise buildings, provides commercial space on the ground floor and 146 residential units on the upper floors. The entire structure has a total area of 100,104 ft².
Customer Projects with FEM Calculations

Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge in Neckartenzlingen, Germany

The S‑shaped pedestrian and cycling bridge across the Neckar river in Germany has a total length of 316 ft and a width of 10 ft. Both foreland areas are bent in the ground plan, whereas the middle part is straight.
Customer Projects with FEM Calculations

Sky Walk in Dolní Morava, Czech Republic

A unique structure called Sky Walk was built in Dolní Morava, Czech Republic, under Králický Sněžník Mountain at a height of 3,661 ft; it is unprecedented in Central Europe.
Sky Walk is a lookout trail leading up to 192 ft above the surrounding hilly terrain level. It is visible at a distance of several miles.
Customer Projects with FEM Calculations

Hemsedal Alpine Suites, Norway

The "Hemsedal Ski Center" in the Scandinavian Alps is one of the top 3 ski resorts in Norway.
At the foot of the mountainside, a new apartment hotel with 100 modern rooms will be completed by the end of 2017.