Working with RF-/ALUMINUM

In the case of open cross-sections, the torsional load is removed mainly via secondary torsion, since the St. Venant torsional stiffness is low compared to the warping stiffness. Therefore, warping stiffeners in the cross-section are particularly interesting for the lateral-torsional buckling analysis, as they can significantly reduce the rotation. For this, end plates or welded stiffeners and sections are suitable.

The classification of cross-sections is intended to determine the limits of resistance and rotational capacity due to local buckling of cross-section parts. In EN 1999‑1‑1, 6.1.4.2 (1), four classes are defined.

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

The first result window shows the maximum design ratios with the corresponding design for each designed load case and combination.

The other windows show all detailed results sorted by specific topics. It is possible to display all intermediate results of each location along the members. In this way, you can easily retrace how the module has performed the individual designs.

The complete module data are part of the RFEM/RSTAB printout report. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual designs.

The data specified in RFEM/RSTAB concerning material, loads, and load combinations must comply with the design concept of the Eurocode. The RFEM/RSTAB material library already contains the relevant materials. Furthermore, RFEM/RSTAB allows for automatic creation of load and result combinations in accordance with the Eurocode. It is also possible to create the combinations manually.

In the RF-/ALUMINUM add-on module, you must first select the members and sets of members to be designed, as well as the load cases, load combinations, and result combinations. In the subsequent input windows, you can adjust preset definitions of lateral intermediate supports and effective lengths.

When using continuous members, you can define individual support conditions and eccentricities for each intermediate node of the single members. A special FEA tool determines the critical loads and moments required for the stability 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.