On the “Knowledge Base” page, you can find many technical articles and tips & tricks that may help you to solve your structural engineering tasks using Dlubal Software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Further Information
Knowledge Base
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Using the Results navigator, it is possible to show the resultant of all support forces and their components.Is it also possible in RFEM to show the resultant support force of a single surface with foundation?
FAQ 002368 EN Results RFEM
Answer
Yes, support forces of single surfaces can be displayed in the table "4.21 Surfaces - Contact Stresses" available in the RFEM table window. This table can be opened by right-clicking one of the tabs of the "4.xx - Results" table (see Figure 1). In addition to the contact stresses, you can also see the corresponding support forces (see Figure 2). -
The address and/or company name was changed in the authorization file, but this is not applied in the print header
FAQ 002364 EN Printout Report SHAPE-THIN PLATE-BUCKLING Stand-Alone RFEM 2D RFEM RSTAB 2D RSTAB COMPOSITE-BEAM CRANEWAY
Answer
The title block of the printout report is created using the authorization file, which was used in the initial installation of our programs.
A subsequent change in the authorization file does not necessarily change all report headers immediately.
For the changed title block to be created as default in the authorization file, the "old" one has to be removed first.
To do so, please delete the file "DlubalProtocolConfigNew.cfg" in the following (default) directory:
C:\ProgramData\Dlubal\Global\General Data
While deleting the file, our applications must be closed! -
Answer
RFEM provides two ways to divide surfaces:1) Split SurfaceThe requirements to split a surface evenly are that it has four sides and is convex; in other words, none of the four internal angles may be greater than 180°.This function is accessed by right-clicking the surface and selecting "Split Surface". In the corresponding "Split Surface" dialog box, the number of divisions in each direction and the individual relative distances are entered (see Figure 1).2) Divide SurfaceIf any lines are drawn within the surface plane, they may be used to divide the surface (see Figure 2). First you have to check, whether the division lines are integrated in the surface. This is normally the case due to the automatic object detection (see Figure 3). Afterwards, right-click on the surface and select "Divide Surface" to use the desired function (see Figure 4). -
How do I take eccentric load introduction into account?
FAQ 002361 EN Modeling | Loading RFEM RSTAB
Answer
To take into account external concentrated loads that act eccentrically on a member, it is possible to model a connection via a rigid member. The rigid member is connected perpendicularly to the corresponding member, and the length of the rigid member corresponds to the value of the eccentricity.Alternatively, the corresponding torsional moment, which is a result of the eccentric load introduction, could be entered as external loading. This way, it would not be necessary to define a rigid member and the corresponding eccentricity would still have been taken into account. -
How can I consider the second-order analysis for seismic design?
FAQ 002316 EN-US Support & Training RF-DYNAM Pro - Natural Vibrations DYNAM Pro - Natural Vibrations RF-DYNAM Pro - Forced Vibrations DYNAM Pro - Forced Vibrations RF-DYNAM Pro - Equivalent Loads DYNAM Pro - Equivalent Loads
Answer
In RF‑DYNAM Pro ‑ Natural Vibrations, it is possible to import the geometrical stiffness matrix. You can use it to consider the second‑order analysis.
Find detailed information and an example in the attached PDF.
Annexes
Second-order analysis.pdf (471 kB)
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How can I define which internal forces and deformations are displayed by default in the result diagrams?
FAQ 002310 EN-US Results RSTAB RFEM
Answer
First, open the result diagram of a member, line support, section or line. Then select the desired internal forces and deformations.
Finally, right-click the navigator and select Save Check Boxes State.
Use Refresh Check Boxes State (this button is now available) to cancel your settings. -
I performed an export from RSTAB or RFEM to the IFC format. When importing the IFC file to the CAD software, however, nothing is displayed. What could be the reason?
FAQ 002307 EN-US Import / Export & BIM RSTAB RFEM
Answer
The IFC interface is structured in different areas, the so-called Views. The export from RSTAB/RFEM is performed in StructuralAnalysisView. At the same time, it is possible to transfer the structural model with member elements, concentrated line and member loads, supports as well as support conditions, load cases, etc. Importing an IFC file generated from RSTAB/RFEM is only possible in the third-party software if it also supports StructuralAnalysisView.
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When starting the program I get the warning message No. 47 “The Dlubal product key does not match your license. Please either install a key with the correct license number or load the correct authorization file (*.ini)”.
FAQ 002305 EN-US Licensing & Authorization RSTAB RFEM SHAPE-THIN RX-TIMBER PLATE-BUCKLING CRANEWAY
Answer
This problem cannot be generally solved without further background knowledge. Therefore please contact our support at support@dlubal.com and send us the following information:
- We need the diagnostics file (authorization.txt). You will receive it if you follow the instructions shown in figure 2. Just run the program in demo mode.
- Please specify which program you are running (RFEM, RSTAB, RX-TIMBER, etc.).
- If you are trying to access a network dongle, please inform us if the computer you are using is located on the same network as the license server, or if a VPN connection is used to communicate with the server.
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Is it possible to transfer preset comments to another computer?
FAQ 002304 EN-US General RFEM RSTAB
Answer
If you prepare comments, they are saved in the current configuration. You can save this configuration and then import it to another computer.
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What should be kept in mind when using a local softlock?
FAQ 002303 EN-US Licensing & Authorization RFEM RSTAB
Answer
The SOFTLOCK (SL) has to be activated once on a PC. Please use the attached instructions.
By activating the SL, it is connected to the PC by mainboard ID and hard disk ID.
PLEASE NOTE
If an SL is activated on a PC, no formatting of the hard disk or a reinstallation of the operating system must be carried out. No change of mainboard or hard disk is allowed either.
If you have to change anything on this PC, transfer the SL to another PC in advance. Please also have a look at the instructions from page 2 onwards.
Annex
Software Licensing.pdf (838 kB)
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First Steps
We provide hints and tips to help you get started with the main programs RFEM and RSTAB.
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11/28/2016
