This video shows how to assign local section reductions for timber beams. To avoid modeling notches with the multiple members and different cross-sections, this feature allows you to assign the section reduction directly on a member or set of member. To proof the location and geometry of the notch, it is displayed directly in your structure. In the Timber Design add-on, these reductions are taken into account.
In the "Deflection and Design Support" tab under "Edit Member", the members can be clearly segmented using optimized input windows. Depending on the supports, the deformation limits for cantilever beams or single-span beams are used automatically.
By defining the design support in the corresponding direction at the member start, member end, and intermediate nodes, the program automatically recognizes the segments and segment lengths to which the allowable deformation is related. It also automatically detects whether it is a beam or a cantilever due to the defined design supports. The manual assignment, as in the previous versions (RFEM 5), is no longer necessary.
The "User-Defined Lengths" option allows you to modify the reference lengths in the table. The corresponding segment length is always used by default. If the reference length deviates from the segment length (for example, in the case of curved members), it can be adjusted.
Using the "Beam Panel" thickness type, you can model timber panel elements in 3D space. You just specify the surface geometry and the timber panel elements are generated using an internal member-surface construct, including the simulation of the connection flexibility.
You have the option to perform the fire resistance design of surfaces using the reduced cross-section method. The reduction is applied over the surface thickness. It is possible to perform the design checks for all timber materials allowed for the design.
For cross-laminated timber, depending on the type of adhesive, you can select whether it is possible for individual carbonized layer parts to fall off, and whether you can expect increased charring in certain layer areas.
Among others, the following cross-laminated timber manufacturers are available in the layer structure library:
- Binderholz (USA)
- KLH (USA, CAN)
- Kalesnikoff (USA, CAN)
- Nordic Structures (USA, CAN)
- Mercer Mass Timber
- SmartLam
- Sterling Structural
- Superstructures listed in Lignatec Edition 32 "Cross-Laminated Timber of Swiss Production"
By importing a structure from the layer structure library, all relevant parameters are adopted automatically. The library is continually updated.