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.
The structural analysis program RFEM is the right software for user‑friendly application of the Finite Element Method in structural engineering. Efficient data input and intuitive handling facilitate modeling of simple and large structures. RFEM also provides solutions for structural and dynamic analysis of 3D structures.
RFEM is the basis of a modular software system. The main program RFEM is used to define structures, materials, and loads for planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells and members.
In addition, it is possible to calculate internal forces as well as support forces. The program also allows you to create combined structures and model solid or contact elements.
Further analysis and design of components consisting of different materials in compliance with various standards can be performed in the corresponding add‑on modules.
For design of various materials such as reinforced and prestressed concrete, steel, aluminium, timber, and glass, there is a wide range of powerful add-on module available for RFEM.
These modules allow you to perform nonlinear, stability and dynamic analyses as well as connection designs and form‑finding processes for cable and membrane structures.
Structural analysis programs by Dlubal Software provide comprehensible structural calculations. They are not a "Black Box". Numerous verification examples available on our website explain how the software works and reveal the calculation methods.
The monastery "Little Flower" was built in 2015, situated in beautiful scenery of green meadows, mountains and crystal-clear lakes.
The little monastery includes 18 bedrooms, a chapel, a dining room, a kitchen, and a conference room.
The "Pneumatic Wedge Method" is a new technique for the construction of double-curved concrete surfaces by means of pneumatic formwork.
Vienna University of Technology used RFEM for the deformation process and checking the final structural conditions.
Baku Flame Towers is a striking complex of high‑rise buildings in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.
The complex consists of three 190‑m‑high towers in shape of a flame as a symbol of several oil wells in the region.
Skywalk Allgäu is a path leading through the treetops of the Allgäu Alps in Southern Germany.
The steel and timber structure of the path about 1,000 m above sea level consists of cable-stayed and suspension bridge constructions.
The Czech research team participates in saving the stone monuments in Angkor, registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site, which are currently largely deteriorated.
To create numerical models and carry out the structural analysis, the structural FEA software RFEM has been used.
The project for designing a filter/dryer device including agitator required a complete stress and deformation analysis in RFEM.
A special design challenge represented the complex modeling of the structue having 1,424 surfaces, 158 solids and 425 members.
The new headquarters of the Baden farmers' association (BLHV) in Freiburg, Germany, is a unique building.
The timber structure is protected by a glass façade to counteract graying caused by weather conditions.
The art project Solhjul ("Sun wheel") by the Danish artist Bo Karberg is inspired by an archaeological find of a 5,000‑year old disk wheel in Pilkmosen near Give, Denmark.
The sculpture of 12m-high steel and glass wheel in Give is now the new symbol of the town.
As a new tool for structural analyses of two-dimensional components, a display function for the FE mesh quality was implemented in RFEM. When you perform an internal check of the generated finite elements for defined criteria, you can graphically display the result. It will be displayed in three different colors to illustrate the different levels of quality. You can edit all values of the criteria and thus adjust them to your individual needs.
Since the release of RFEM 5, the “Result Beam” member type has been available. The result beam is a virtual member that does not have any stiffness nor require any support. It can be used in various situations in order to integrate the results from members, surfaces, and solids, and to display them as member internal forces.
Do you have any questions about our products? Do you need advice for your current project?
Contact us or find various suggested solutions and useful tips on our FAQ page.
Dlubal Webinar: Advanced Steel Design According to US Standard AISC
Hotel Intercontinental in Davos, Switzerland | © www.ssp-muc.com
Bahá'í Temple of South America, Chile | © josef-gartner.permasteelisagroup.com
Timber apartment complex in Brescia, Italy | © www.rubner.com
Pylon bridge "Walsersteg" across Loisach river, Germany | © www.ib-buxbaum.de
Reconstruction of sailing ship "Alexander von Humboldt II" | © Marine Engineering Wollert GmbH, Arnis/Germany
Wooden mass boiler house in Kočevje, Slovenia | © www.ag-i.si
360° panorama from steel, Germany | © www.tragwerk-knapp.de + www.ib-schnur.de
Skywalk allgäu in Scheidegg, Germany | © www.meyer-schubart.de
Sciencepark in Linz, Austria
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
Add-on Module
Design of reinforced concrete members and surfaces (plates, walls, planar structures, shells)
Add-on Module
Reinforced concrete design according to the model column method (method based on nominal curvature)
Add-on Module
Physical and geometrical nonlinear calculation of beam and plate structures consisting of reinforced concrete
Add-on Module
Punching shear design of foundations and slabs with nodal and line supports
Add-on Module
Stress analysis of steel surfaces and members
Add-on Module
Design of steel members according to Eurocode 3
Module Extension for RF-STEEL EC3
Warping torsion analysis according to the second-order theory with 7 degrees of freedom
Module Extension for RF-STEEL EC3
Plastic design of cross-sections according the Partial Internal Forces Method (PIFM) and Simplex Method
Add-on Module
Design of steel members according to the American standard ANSI/AISC 360
Add-on Module
Design of aluminum members according to Eurocode 9
Add-on Module
Design of aluminum members according to the American standards ADM 2010 and ADM 2015
Add-on Module
Timber design according to Eurocode 5, SIA 265 and/or DIN 1052
Add-on Module
Design of timber members according to the American standard ANSI/AWC NDS
Add-on Module
Design of single-layer, laminated and insulating glass
Add-on Module
Generation of geometrically complex 3D tower structures such as lattice towers and radio masts
Add-on Module
Generation of wind, ice and variable loads for lattice towers
Add-on Module
Design of triangular and quadrilateral lattice towers according to European standards
Add-on Module
Design of rigid bolted frame joints according to Eurocode 3 or DIN 18800
Add-on Module
Design of pinned joints according to Eurocode 3
Add-on Module
Design of hinged and restrained column base footings according to Eurocode 3
Add-on Module
Design of indirect timber connections with dowel-type fasteners and steel plates according to NDS and Eurocode 5
Add-on Module
Design of Direct Timber Connections According to Eurocode 5
Add-on Module
Dynamic analysis of natural frequencies and mode shapes of member, surface, and solid models
Add-on Module
Dynamic and seismic analysis including time history analysis and multi-modal response spectrum analysis
Add-on Module
Seismic and static load analysis using the multi-modal response spectrum analysis
Add-on Module
Nonlinear dynamic analysis to external excitations
Add-on Module
Modeling piping systems
Add-on Module
Piping design and pipe stress analysis
Add-on Module
Form-finding of tensile membrane and cable structures
Add-on Module
Generation of cutting patterns for tensile membrane structures
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