2.2 Limit Parameters

In module window 1.2, select the objects (member ends, members, nodes, etc.) and the limit values of the action effects.

In the first table column, enter the descriptions of the limit checks. To access the Limit Library use the [Library] button and that appear when you click into a table cell.

At the moment, the library contains connections of the following companies: Sihga, Sherpa, Steico, Metsä Wood, Würth, Knapp and M-connect. Furthermore, the library contains connections which are authorized by DSTV (German Steel Engineering Association).

Table 2.2 Connections of the library (selection)

Limit group	Connection
Sihga	IdeFix group
Sherpa
Knapp
DSTV	IH group

With the button in the library you can define the relevant limit values for a new "limit element" (see Image 2.10).

Furthermore, it is possible to define a new Limit Group and Limit Table so that limit zones can be filtered quickly later.

In the dialog box, you have also the possibility to add a picture to describe the limit value. Many manufacturers of connecting elements or CAD software offer graphics on their web pages.

It is always possible to adjust the limit groups or tables by using the button.

Frequently used limit elements can be marked as Favorite to find them quickly.

In table column B, you can select the object type that is relevant for the limit. If the object does not fit to the corresponding limit, the type will be shown in blue.

For the first object type of the list you can define limit values (min/max) for the Internal Forces N, V_y, V_z, M_y, M_z, M_T and the Cross-Section Dimensions (width and height).

With the check boxes for Range Before, Range Between and Range After you decide if the zone is relevant

• before the defined minimum value (Range Before)

For limit axial forces of e.g. N_min = and N_max = the program checks if the member axial force is smaller than 5 kN.

• between both defined values (Range Between)

The zone between both limit values is verified in the check. In our example above, the program checks if the shear forces are available in the zone between ± 10 kN.

• after the defined maximum value (Range After)

The check is done for the zone above the defined maximum value. In our axial force example above, the program checks if the tension force is greater than 10 kN.

when checking the internal forces, deformations or support forces.

In addition, an interaction design is possible for the simultaneous action of the internal forces. This allows, amongst other things, to determine the influence of a biaxial bending. The internal forces are superimposed as follows:

$\text{Int}={\left(\eta N\right)}^2+(\eta V_y{)}^2+(\eta V_z{)}^2+\eta M_T$

The ratio from torsion is thus not squared.

For this object type you can define the same limits like for the member ends. In contrast to the ends of a member, the limit area is checked on the entire member.

The support force is checked in X-, Y- and Z-direction. A definition of the limit moments M_X, M_Y and M_Z is additionally possible. The ranges must be defined in the same way.

For the Node object type you can check the rotations about the X-, Y- and Z-axes in addition to the displacements in X, Y and Z.

The following Knowledge Base Article describes how limits are defined for horizontal displacements of a building: https://www.dlubal.com/en/support-and-learning/support/knowledge-base/000833

All internal forces in surfaces (m_x, m_y, m_xy, v_x, v_y, n_x, n_y, n_xy etc.) can be analyzed. The zones are defined in the same way.

In table column C, specify the numbers of the nodes, members, member ends, supports and surfaces that you want to check.

It is also possible to select the objects graphically in the RSTAB or RFEM work window by using the button.

This column is only displayed if an analysis according to EN 1995-1-1 [1] or DIN 1052 [2] in module window 1.1 General Data has been defined. The service classes 1 to 3 are available for selection.

Also this table column is displayed only for EN 1995-1-1 or DIN 1052. The categories of the materials are described in Chapter 2.1.

This table column offers the option to optimize the selected limits. The optimization can be performed in accordance with the defined Limit Group, Limit Table or Limit Detail.

When an optimization is set, you can define the corresponding Limit Group in table column G. Use the button to select the group.

Table column H manages the tables that are relevant for the optimization.

In this column, the governing category details for the optimization are displayed.

These options simplify the selection -- particularly for the numerous DSTV connection types.

It is possible to enter a note in the last column which explains the limit parameter. It is also displayed in the printout report.

The data of module window 1.2 Limit Parameters can be exchanged with MS Excel by using the import and export functions. The buttons have the following meanings:

Table 2.3 Buttons in module window 1.2 Limit Parameters

Button	Description	Function
	Excel export	Exports content of the module window to MS Excel
	Excel import	Imports content of a table from MS Excel
	Export to library	Saves a new defined limit group
	View mode	Switches to RFEM or RSTAB work window without quitting RF/-LIMITS