The Components add-on extends RFEM by adding the ability to incorporate structural components and connections into the model based on predefined or user-defined component series and to perform direct design on them. Components can be used, for example, to model joints, hinges, or other structural elements whose load capacity and stiffness are described by stored parameters.
Components are managed via component series, which contain all the information required for modeling and design. This includes, among other things:
- Geometric and mechanical properties of the components
- Parameters for describing different design variants
- Assignment types for placement in the model
- Design parameters and load capacities
- Scripts for automated design process
When a component is inserted, the model adjustments defined for the respective component series are automatically applied to the RFEM model. Depending on the component type, this may involve, for example, creating hinges, adjusting member cross-sections or materials, or modifying other model-related properties. As a result, the structural behavior corresponding to the selected component is close to reality in the model.
In addition to the component series provided in the Dlubal Center, you can also create user-defined components and incorporate them into the calculation. The design checks are performed directly using the internal forces from the RFEM model, and the results are clearly displayed in the result tables.
These and other features assist you in modeling and designing components and are described in the following chapters.