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2022-01-25

WebService and API | What is WebService and API?

Communication is the key to success. This also applies to a client-server relation. WebService and API provides you with an XML based information exchange system for direct client-server communication. Programs, objects, messages, or documents can be integrated into these systems. For example, a web service protocol of the HTTP type runs for the client-server communication when you are looking for something in the Internet using a search engine.

Now back to Dlubal Software. In our case, the client is your programming environment (.NET, Python, JavaScript) and the service provider is RFEM 6. Client-server communication allows you to send requests to and receive feedback from RFEM, RSTAB, or RSECTION.

What is the difference between WebService and an API?

  • WebService is a collection of open source protocols and standards used to exchange data between systems and applications. In contrast, an application programming interface (API), is a software interface through which two applications can interact without a user being involved.
  • Thus, all web services are APIs, but not all APIs are web services.

Was für Vorteile haben Sie durch die Webservices-Technologie?
Ihnen wird eine schnellere Kommunikation innerhalb und zwischen Organisationen ermöglicht.Ein Dienst kann von anderen Diensten unabhängig sein.Mit Webservices können Sie Ihre Anwendung dafür nutzen, Ihre Nachricht oder Funktion der übrigen Welt zugänglich zu machen.Webservices unterstützen Sie beim Datenaustausch zwischen verschiedenen Anwendungen und Plattformen.Mehrere Anwendungen können miteinander kommunizieren, Daten austauschen und Dienste untereinander teilen.Mit SOAP haben wir sichergestellt, dass Programme, die auf verschiedenen Plattformen und auf der Basis verschiedener Programmiersprachen erstellt wurden, Daten untereinander sicher austauschen können.

Die Kommunikation zwischen Web Service Client und Server ist optional verschlüsselt über das https-Protokoll möglich. Dazu kann in den Einstellungen ein SSL-Zertifikat mit zugehörigem privaten Schlüssel installiert werden.

Workflow of Simple Object Access Protocol
Workflow of Simple Object Access Protocol
Events
2024-04-17
Online Training | English
EN-GB | Flag Online Training
RSECTION 1 | Students | Introduction to Strength of Materials
2024-04-18
Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dlubal Support Team
EN-GB | Flag Webinar
Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dlubal Support Team | April 2024
2024-04-18
AISC 360/341-22 Steel Member Design in RFEM 6
EN-US | Flag Webinar
AISC 360/341-22 Steel Member Design in RFEM 6 (USA)
2024-04-24
Online Training | English
EN-GB | Flag Online Training
RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to FEM
2024-04-25
Stiffening Design in RFEM 6 Using Building Model
EN-GB | Flag Webinar
Stiffening Design in RFEM 6 Using Building Model
2024-04-25
AISC 360-22 Steel Connection Design in RFEM 6
EN-US | Flag Webinar
AISC 360-22 Steel Connection Design in RFEM 6 (USA)
2024-04-30
Online Training | English
EN-GB | Flag Online Training
RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to Timber Design
2024-05-02
Construction Stages in Membrane Structures with RFEM 6
EN-GB | Flag Webinar
Construction Stages in Membrane Structures with RFEM 6
2024-05-08
Online Training | English
EN-GB | Flag Online Training
RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to Reinforced Concrete Design
2024-05-09
Cross-Section Modeling and \n Stress Analysis in RSECTION 1
EN-GB | Flag Webinar
Cross-Section Modeling and Stress Analysis in RSECTION 1
2024-05-15
Online Training | English
EN-GB | Flag Online Training
RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to Steel Design
2024-05-16
Consideration of Construction Stages in RFEM 6
EN-GB | Flag Webinar
Consideration of Construction Stages in RFEM 6
Videos
EN-US | Flag Event
Webinar | Introduction to Interface RFEM 6 - Tekla Structures
Length: 00:00:00 min
EN-US | Flag Event
Webinar | Advanced Structural Analysis with RFEM 6 Python API
Length: 00:51:43 min
FAQ 005434
EN-US | Flag FAQ
FAQ 005434 | I use a template for the data exchange with Revit or Rhino/Grasshopper, and get...
Length: 00:00:30 min
EN-US | Flag Event
Webinar | Grasshopper - RFEM 6: Design Add-On Control Using Templates
Length: 00:00:00 min
EN-US | Flag Event
Webinar | How to Integrate AI to RFEM using API
Length: 00:50:35 min
EN-US | Flag Product Feature
Curved Section Distributions
Length: 00:00:39 min
EN-US | Flag Product Feature
Design of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Length: 00:00:50 min
EN-US | Flag Product Feature
Ponding Load Type
Length: 00:00:44 min
EN-US | Flag Event
Webinar| Form-Finding and Calculation of Tensile Membrane Structures in RFEM 6
Length: 00:59:22 min
Models to Download
Model 004849 | Concrete Bridge
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17x
Concrete Bridge
Model 004850 | Concrete Building
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11x
Concrete Building
Building Model | Calculation with Rigid Diaphragm
503x
13x
3D Model with Rigid Diaphragm Within Building Model
Reinforced Concrete Building
1067x
77x
Reinforced Concrete Building
Aluminium Carport
925x
30x
Aluminium Carport
Aluminium Section
697x
44x
Aluminum Section
Model ID 3796 | TMS057
211x
6x
TMS057 | Tensile Membrane Structure
Model ID 3794 | TMS056
364x
20x
TMS056 | Tensile Membrane Structure
Model ID 3793 | TMS055
294x
12x
TMS055 | Tensile Membrane Structure
Knowledge Base Articles
Allplan Model
The data exchange between RFEM 6 and Allplan can be done using various file formats. This article describes the data exchange of a determined surface reinforcement using the ASF interface. This allows you to display the RFEM reinforcement values as level curves or colored reinforcement images in Allplan.
Model 004132 | Heavy Cargo Box
In this article, a heavy cargo box is calculated according to the guidelines of the German Bundesverband Holzpackmittel (HPE). The load cases for Handling by Crane and Sea Transport are calculated.
WebService & API C# - Cover Image
Our webservice offers users the opportunity to communicate with RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9 using various programming languages. Dlubal's high-level functions (HLFs) allow you to expand and simplify the WebService's functionality. In line with RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9, using our WebService makes the engineer's work easier and faster. Check it out now! This tutorial shows you how to use the C# library by means of a simple example.
KB 001769 | Practical Applications Using Python and RFEM 6 | 2D Truss Generator
The recently introduced Webservices gives users the ability to communicate with RFEM 6 using their programming language of choice. This feature is enhanced with our High Level Functions (HLF) Library. The libraries are available for Python, JavaScript, and C#. This article looks at a practical use case of programming a 2D Truss Generator with Python. "Learning by doing," as the saying goes.
Screenshots
Workflow of Simple Object Access Protocol
Workflow of Simple Object Access Protocol
The Concrete Bridge in RFEM 6
The Concrete Bridge in RFEM 6 | Webservice and API
Advanced Structural Analysis with RFEM 6 Python API
Advanced Structural Analysis with RFEM 6 Python API
ASF Export
ASF Export
Line Support Using Fictitious Wall on System Lines of Walls
Line Support Using Fictitious Wall on System Lines of Walls
Floor Plan with Adjusted System Lines of Walls
Floor Plan with Adjusted System Lines of Walls
Conversion of IFC Model into Surfaces
Conversion of IFC Model into Surfaces
Conversion Tables
Conversion Tables
Allplan Model
Allplan Model
Product Features
Feature 002693 | Export to SVG Format (Vector Graphic)

In RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9, you can export line graphics to the SVG format (vector graphics).

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics and is an XML-based file format for displaying two-dimensional vector graphics. These vector graphics can be scaled without loss. It is possible to edit the SVG files using text editors, embed them on websites, and open them in the usual browsers.

Data Transfer from MS Excel to RFEM 6

You can import table values from a prepared Excel table into RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9 with just a few clicks – either individually or all at once. For the import, you need to install a plug-in in Microsoft Excel according to this FAQ.

Export Specifications for MS Excel

Did you know? You can export all RFEM/RSTAB tables with the results individually or all at once directly into an Excel table or as a CSV file. There are several options available to you:

  • With table headers
  • Selected objects only
  • Filled rows only
  • Only filled tables
  • Export data as plain text

This way, the program allows you to control and clearly manage the exported data. You can export the stored formulas directly in the table or as a separate table, as in the case of the used parameters.

Transfer of RFEM Cross-Sections (left) to Separate Layers in Autodesk AutoCAD (right)

Use the interfaces for more efficient work. You can import your structures in the DXF format as lines from Autodesk AutoCAD into RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9.

Furthermore, you can export different objects (for example, cross-sections) from RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9 to separate layers in Autodesk AutoCAD.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I exchange data between RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9 and IDEA StatiCa?
I use a template for the data exchange with Revit or Rhino/Grasshopper, and get an error message.
How can I activate the design with steel fiber-reinforced concrete in the "Concrete Design" add-on for RFEM 6?
Are the solids with a common surface automatically connected rigidly to each other?
I get an error when entering the name of a parametric section (for example, R_M1 500/1000) in Grasshopper.
When exporting from Rhino 8, no data are transferred to RFEM 6.
Customer Projects
Lighted Toll Station | © Mr. Yunchao Ding, Jiangsu Jingong Space Structure Co., Ltd.
Dawang Toll Station in Shaanxi, China
RFEM Model of High-Bay Racking with Deformation Results
High-Bay Racking, China
Multi-Energy Station (© GH HERVOUET)
Multi-Energy Station in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France
Steel Pergola at Rafael Landívar University (© Eng. Enrique de León)
Steel Pergola in Plaza del Edificio L, Rafael Landívar University, Guatemala
Siegrist Igor Carpenteria Warehouse in Maggia, Switzerland
Siegrist Igor Carpenteria Warehouse in Maggia, Switzerland
Front View of Office Building with V-Shaped Steel Composite Columns | © Die Tragwerker GmbH
Office Building with Integrated Visitor Center and Parking Garage in Geiselbulach, Germany
Model of Gym | © BET Moselle Bois
Metz Gym as Showcase of Engineering and Sustainability in Modern Construction, Metz, France
Radar Tower on Left (© SAQQARA Ingeniería)
Structural Analysis of Radar Tower at Malaga Airport, Spain
CP 001290 | Amphitheater Roof of Municipal Theater in Most | © Carl Stahl & spol. s r.o.
Amphitheater of Municipal Theater in Most, Czech Republic
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