Stiffness Reduction
In the Stiffness Reduction tab of the Thickness dialog box, you can set the failure modes (CM) 1 to 3 using the 'Options for Cross-Laminated Timber'. These concern the shear design for loading in the slab plane.
The theoretical background of the failure mechanisms is explained in Chapter Stresses.
If the check box 'Design for Failure of Net Cross-Section and Failure in Glued Contact Surface' is selected, only the design for Failure Mode 1 is performed: Failure modes 2 and 3 cannot occur for boards bonded with narrow sides.
The 'board width including gap' option allows you to increase the effective plank width.
Stiffness matrix
You can select and define the materials and material models described in the RFEM manual for any layers. Based on these stiffnesses, a stiffness matrix is generated, which is used by RFEM to determine the deformations, stresses, and internal forces.
The stiffness matrix of the entire structure is displayed in the Stiffness Matrix tab of the Thickness dialog box.
Currently, the 'Direct' thickness type is available for defining layers (see the image Defining Layers ). As soon as contact types between the individual layers are possible, it will also be possible to define contact conditions via surface contact types.