This window lists the cross-sections used for the design. In addition, you can make specifications for optimization.
The cross-sections defined in RFEM are preset along with the assigned material numbers.
To modify a cross-section, click the entry in column B to activate the field.
Then, use the [Cross-Section Library] button, click 
in the text box, or press the [F7] key to open the cross-section table of the current input field (see Figure 3.18).
A dialog box opens where you can select a different cross-section or a different cross-section table. The following Solid Cross-Sections are enabled for the design in RF-CONCRETE Members:
- Rectangle
- Floor beam (symmetric, unsymmetric, or conic)
- Rotated floor beam (symmetric or unsymmetric)
- I-shape (symmetric, unsymmetric, or conic)
- Circle
- Ring
- Hollow rectangle (Z-symmetric)
- Conic shape (symmetric)
- U-section (symmetric)
Selecting cross-sections from the library is described in chapter 4.13 of the RFEM manual.
You can also enter the new cross-section description directly into the text box. If the entry is already listed in the database, RF-CONCRETE Members will import the properties.
A modified cross-section is highlighted in blue.
If the cross-sections in RF-CONCRETE Members are different from the ones used in RFEM, both are displayed in the graphic to the right of the table. The designs will be performed for the cross-section selected in RF-CONCRETE Members, using the internal forces from RFEM.
Each allowable cross-section can run through an optimization process. For the internal forces determined in RFEM, the program finds the cross-section that meets the specifications of the Optimization Parameters dialog box with the least possible dimensions (see Figure 8.5).
To optimize a certain cross-section, select its check box in column C. Recommendations for optimizing cross-sections can be found in Chapter 8.2.
This column shows remarks in the form of footnotes. They are explained in the status bar.
Column E shows the values of the creep coefficients φ (t,t0) and shrinkage strains ε (t,ts).
The values are determined from preset parameters.
They can be adjusted with the button that appears after clicking into the text box.
A new dialog box opens.
The Counting Form for the creep coefficient and the shrinkage strain is possible in two ways:
- Age : The values are calculated by the program using parameters.
- Defined : The values must be specified directly.
At the end of the table, the Result determined from the parameters is displayed for the creep coefficient φ (t,t0) and the shrinkage strain ε (t,ts). The determination of the creep coefficient and shrinkage strain is described in Chapter 2.2.6.
In the Set Settings for dialog section, you can define whether the specifications apply to a particular cross-section, all cross-sections, or selected cross-sections.
The Info About Cross-Section dialog box provides information on the cross-section's properties.
