Analysis & Design Software for Tensile Membrane Structures

Structural Engineering Software for Tensile Membrane Structures

Calculating membrane and cable structures is no longer a problem when using the Dlubal structural analysis software. Use RFEM for form-finding, as well as for a structural analysis and a determination of cutting patterns.

The calculation is performed according to the large deformation analysis. When determining the cutting patterns, RFEM also considers the user‑defined intersection lines and compensation dimensions.

  • Structural Engineering Software for Tensile Membrane Structures
  • Pneumatic Structure
  • Pneumatic Structure
  • Membrane Roofing
  • Structural Analysis and Design of Tensile Membrane Structures

Structural FEM Analysis and Design

The successful structural analysis program RFEM 6 by Dlubal Software is the basis of a modular program family that you can customize and combine according to your precise requirements. In the main program RFEM, you can define structures, materials, and loads of planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, and members. Furthermore, you can create combined structures as well as model solid and contact elements.

Join our excited customers!

Form-Finding of Membrane Structures

Leave your form-finding to the program: The corresponding Form-Finding add-on for RFEM 6 finds an optimal shape of members subjected to axial forces and surface models subjected to tension. The shape is precisely determined by the equilibrium between the member axial force or the membrane stress and the existing boundary conditions. The resulting new model shape with impressed force conditions is available for you as a universally applicable initial state for further calculation of the entire structure.

Consideration of Nonlinear Material Laws

When working with nonlinear material models, you can rely on the Nonlinear Material Behavior for RFEM 6 add-on module. It gives you the option to couple surfaces with the stiffness types “Membrane” and “Membrane Orthotropic” with the material models “Isotropic Nonlinear Elastic 2D/3D” and “Isotropic Plastic 2D/3D”. This functionality enables the simulation of the nonlinear strain behavior of ETFE foils, for example.

Cutting Patterns of Tensile Membrane Structures

The RF‑CUTTING‑PATTERN add-on module for RFEM 5 calculates and organizes cutting patterns for membrane structures. The boundary conditions of the cutting patterns on curved geometry are determined by boundary lines and independent planar cutting lines or geodesic cutting lines. The flattening process is performed according to the minimum energy theory.

Add-ons and Add-on Modules for Structural Analysis of Tensile Membrane Structures

For your structural analysis and design of tensile membrane structures or their substructures, we recommend you the add-ons and add-on modules of the Steel Structures and Aluminum and Lightweight Structures industries.

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 allows you to exchange the data of digital building models with RFEM or RSTAB.

Use the Webservice (a programmable interface) to read or write the data from or 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.

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]

Models to Download

Models to Download

Find a variety of structural analysis models of tensile membrane structures to download, which you can use for training purposes or for your projects.

Tensinet Logo

Dlubal Software is a member of the TensiNet Association.


Doctoral Thesis on Membrane Structure Design According to FEA

Rostislav Lang Master's Thesis

This doctoral thesis by Rostislav Lang deals with the design and analysis of membrane structures using FEA software.

RFEM 6
Hall with Arched Roof

Main Program

The structural analysis program RFEM 6 is the basis of a modular software system. The main program RFEM 6 is used to define structures, materials, and loads of planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, and members. The program can also design combined structures as well as solid and contact elements.

Price of First License
4,450.00 EUR
RSTAB 9
Structural Frame and Truss Analysis Software

Main Program

The structural frame & truss analysis and design program RSTAB 9 contains a similar range of functions as the FEA software RFEM, paying special attention to frames and trusses. Therefore, it is very easy to use and for many years, it has been the best choice for the structural analysis of beam structures consisting of steel, concrete, timber, aluminum, and other materials.

Price of First License
2,850.00 EUR
RFEM 6
Form-Finding

Additional Analysis

The Form-Finding add-on finds the optimal shape of members subjected to axial forces and tension-loaded surface models. The shape is determined by the equilibrium between the member axial force or the membrane stress and the existing boundary conditions.

Price of First License
2,200.00 EUR
RFEM 6
Steel Design

Design

The Steel Design add-on designs steel members for the ultimate and serviceability limit states according to various standards.

Price of First License
2,650.00 EUR
RSTAB 9
Steel Design

Design

The Steel Design add-on designs steel members for the ultimate and serviceability limit states according to various standards.

Price of First License
2,650.00 EUR
RFEM 6
Rod Warping Torsion

Additional Analysis

The Torsional Warping (7 DOF) add-on allows you to consider cross-section warping as an additional degree of freedom when calculating members.

Price of First License
1,650.00 EUR
RSTAB 9
Rod Warping Torsion

Additional Analysis

The Torsional Warping (7 DOF) add-on allows you to consider cross-section warping as an additional degree of freedom when calculating members.

Price of First License
1,650.00 EUR
RFEM 6
Aluminum Structure, Deformation

Design

The Aluminum Design add-on designs aluminum members for the ultimate and serviceability limit states according to various standards.

Price of First License
1,850.00 EUR
RSTAB 9
Aluminum Structure, Deformation

Design

The Aluminum Design add-on designs aluminum members for the ultimate and serviceability limit states according to various standards.

Price of First License
1,850.00 EUR