Question

In this article, you will learn how to model and design cable structures in RFEM 6 or RSTAB 9.

This article describes and explains the influence of bending stiffness of cables on their internal forces. Furthermore, the text provides information on how this influence can be reduced.

The ASCE 7-22 Standard [1], Sect. 12.9.1.6 specifies when P-delta effects should be considered when running a modal response spectrum analysis for seismic design. In the NBC 2020 [2], Sent. 4.1.8.3.8.c gives only a short requirement that sway effects due to the interaction of gravity loads with the deformed structure should be considered. Therefore, there may be situations where second-order effects, also known as P-delta, must be considered when carrying out a seismic analysis.

Use the "Independent mesh preferred" option in the FE mesh settings to create an independent FE mesh for the integrated objects.

This allows you to generate a significantly more detailed and precise FE mesh for individual objects that are integrated into one another.

In the "Edit Section" dialog box, you can display the buckling shapes of the Finite Strip Method (FSM) as a 3D graphic.

In RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9, you have the option to enter "Visual Objects" as guide objects. You can import the file formats 3ds, stl, and obj.

These objects allow you to create a better reference to the dimensions.