In Revit, the data export to RFEM/RSTAB is started via the [Export model] button.
The export parameters are to be defined in a dialog box that consists of two tabs.
The orientation of the global Z-axis in RFEM/RSTAB can be defined independently of Revit. Furthermore, it must be specified whether a new model is to be created or an existing model is to be updated when importing. When updating a model, specific settings can be made for objects. Those options are available when a model has been opened before starting the import in RFEM/RSTAB.
Offsets defined in the Revit can be displayed as member or surface eccentricities in the RFEM/RSTAB model.
The option Export release of type fixed controls whether hinges without freedom of movement are created because rigidly connected members do not require any information on hinges in RFEM/RSTAB.
For model updates, the new or modified objects can be shown in a Visibility (“Named Partial View”), which makes it easier to identify the changes.
Crossing lines and members can be connected automatically when importing. This creates a mechanically connected system that is required for the calculation. However, this also implies particular changes of the model that make it difficult to align the model with Revit later.
If Rigid and analytical links are imported as members of type “Rigid”, member hinges can be assigned to them in RFEM/RSTAB.
If user-defined Dlubal parameters exist for the names of materials and cross-sections, they can be used for the data exchange. For more information about the “Dlubal parameters”, see the description of the corresponding Dialog Box.
The Structural Settings tab manages additional import settings.
The data exchange can be limited to the model or load data. This is useful when loads are defined in one program that the other application does not support.
The automatic calculation of the dead weight (currently not possible in Revit) can be assigned to a specific load case in RFEM/RSTAB. Revit load combinations can be exported as load or result combinations. However, Revit load combinations of the type “Combination” are always transferred as result combinations.
Objects of the types “Single foundation” or “Strip foundation” can be generated in the Dlubal application either as hinged nodal or line support or as surface with elastic foundation. There are no foundation objects in RFEM/RSTAB; structural analyses often use simple supports for this purpose. The spring stiffnesses of the surfaces with foundations are preset and may need to be adjusted in the Dlubal application.