Software for Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Further Information
Online Manual | RFEM 6
Structural Analysis Models to Download
Select numerous structural models to utilize them for training purposes or for your projects.
Modeling Approaches for Shear/Hole Bearing Connections by Means of FEA
The definition of the non-linear contact problem plays an important role for more detailed investigations of shear/hole bearing connections or their immediate environment.
Imposed line deformations can be defined for supported lines in RFEM. For example, foundation settlements can be simulated with this function.
Moreover, it is possible to define imposed rotations for lines.
- How does the "Orthotropic Plastic" material model work in RFEM?
- Why is the membrane constricted so much during the form-finding? I am obtaining very large deformation values.
- Are the models and presentations from Info Day 2018 freely available, and can you send them to me?
- In RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces, I obtain a high amount of reinforcement in relation to a lever arm that is almost zero. How is such a small lever arm of internal forces created?
- How can I display membrane stresses in the results of RF‑STEEL Surfaces?
- When converting from the manual definition of reinforcement areas to the automatic arrangement of reinforcement according to Window 1.4, the result of the deformation calculation differs, although the basic reinforcement has not been modified. What is the reason for this change?
- I would like to define a line support with ineffective tension and apply the tension force on this line using a nodal support instead. Why does the line support still receive a tension force?
- Why do I get a discontinuous area in the distribution of internal forces? In the area of the supported line, the shear force VEd shows a jump, which does not seem plausible.
- How is it possible to make factorized combinations of a dead load in the context of form‑finding?
- Where can I find detailed information about orthotropy mentioned in the manual?
Associated Products
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
3,950.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of reinforced concrete members and surfaces (plates, walls, planar structures, shells)
900.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Reinforced concrete design according to the model column method (method based on nominal curvature)
700.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Physical and geometrical nonlinear calculation of beam and plate structures consisting of reinforced concrete
1,450.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Punching shear design of foundations and slabs with nodal and line supports
850.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Stress analysis of steel surfaces and members
1,150.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of steel members according to Eurocode 3
1,650.00 EUR
Module Extension for RF-STEEL EC3 and RF-STEEL AISC
Warping torsion analysis according to the second-order theory with 7 degrees of freedom
950.00 EUR
Module Extension for RF-STEEL EC3
Plastic design of cross-sections according to the Partial Internal Forces Method (PIFM) and Simplex Method
950.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of steel members according to the American standard ANSI/AISC 360
1,650.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of aluminum members according to Eurocode 9
1,650.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of aluminum members according to the American standards ADM 2010, ADM 2015, and ADM 2020
1,650.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Timber design according to Eurocode 5, SIA 265, and/or DIN 1052
1,250.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of timber members according to the American standard ANSI/AWC NDS
1,250.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of single-layer, laminated, and insulating glass
1,250.00 EUR
RF-TOWER Structure 5
Add-on Module
Generation of geometrically complex 3D tower structures such as lattice towers and radio masts
1,950.00 EUR
RF-TOWER Loading 5
Add-on Module
Generation of wind, ice, and variable loads for lattice towers
1,950.00 EUR
RF-TOWER Design 5
Add-on Module
Design of triangular and quadrilateral lattice towers according to European standards
1,650.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of rigid bolted frame joints according to Eurocode 3 or DIN 18800
1,250.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of pinned connections according to Eurocode 3
750.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of hinged and restrained column base footings according to Eurocode 3
750.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of indirect timber connections with dowel-type fasteners and steel plates according to NDS and Eurocode 5
950.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Design of Direct Timber Connections According to Eurocode 5
400.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Dynamic and seismic analysis including time history analysis and multi-modal response spectrum analysis
1,250.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Seismic and static load analysis using multi-modal response spectrum analysis
850.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Nonlinear dynamic analysis of external excitations
1,250.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Piping design and pipe stress analysis
1,650.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Form-finding of tensile membrane and cable structures
1,950.00 EUR
Add-on Module
Generation of cutting patterns for tensile membrane structures
2,500.00 EUR
