This manual describes the Multilayer Surfaces add-on for the RFEM 6 program. It can be used for the calculation of cross-laminated timber, glass surfaces (laminated and insulating glass), or fibre-reinforced plastic composites. It can also be used in concrete structures, lightweight structures, or element structures to analyze layer elements. The Beam Panel thickness type is also possible in the add-on. A beam panel allows for the definition of a 3D object consisting of members and surfaces. An example of this would be a timber panel wall.
Options for Layer Models
The layers can be created with the materials library known from RFEM or freely defined as a user-defined layer structure. Since the parameters of multilayer surfaces can also be defined in other add-ons such as strain-analysis Stress-strain analysis or and stability timber design, these add-ons are also described in this manual. A complete description of these design add-ons can be found in the respective manuals.
Any material model can be defined for the layers. It is also possible to combine material models, such as isotropic and orthotropic materials. You can specify linear or nonlinear coupling conditions between the layers. Orthotropic materials are applied directionally in the individual layers with the angle β.
Activate Multilayer Surfaces Add-On
You can activate or deactivate the use of the Multilayer Surfaces special solution add-on in the Add-ons tab of the 'Model - Base Data'.
A green dot in front of the add-on description means that a license is available. An orange or blue dot indicates that you can only use the add-on as a demo or trial version with a limited range of functions.
After activating the Special Solution add-on, the user interface is extended by some new entries in the navigator, tables, and dialog boxes. Thus, the parameters of multilayer surfaces are completely integrated into the user interface of the RFEM program.