Cross-Section Library

Many cross-sections are stored in a database.

Accessing the Library

The library is accessible in the 'Name' dialog section via the button (see the image New Cross-Section).

Cross-Section Library with Cross-Section Types

The library is organized into sections with different cross-section types. Find the category of the cross-section and click the button with the appropriate symbol.

Standardized Cross-Sections

For cross-sections in the Standardized category, another dialog appears where you can select the cross-section from a variety of standard profiles.

Selecting Hot-Rolled Rectangular Hollow Section

You can use the following tools to select the cross-section:

• Reduce the selection by applying appropriate criteria on the left in the 'Filter' section.
• Use the full-text search at the bottom in the 'Search' field.

If you want to select a different cross-section type, you can return to the overview using the button.

Setting Filters

The Filter section offers a wide range of selection options. You can filter the cross-sections by specific criteria to reduce the selection (see the image Selecting Hot-Rolled Rectangular Hollow Section).

Cross-Section Series to Be Selected

In the middle section, you must specify the Cross-section series in which the profile is cataloged. The series are sorted by standard, manufacturer, region, and manufacturing type. You can control the sorting order via the column headers.

Use the button at the bottom of the section to check the properties of the selected cross-section.

Cross-Section to Be Selected

In the right section, you finally select the appropriate Cross-section.

Use OK or the Enter key to transfer the selected cross-section to the 'New Cross-Section' dialog.

Composite Cross-Sections

This section provides the option to combine standardized cross-sections in a parameter-controlled manner. You return to the 'New Cross-Section' dialog with the Composite tab for combined steel or timber cross-sections.

Defining Built-up Cross-Section

In the 'Combination Types' section, specify how the profiles are to be arranged (1). In the 'Cross-Sections' section, you can then select the relevant cross-sections in the library one after another via the button (2) (3).

Thin-Walled and Thick-Walled Cross-Sections =

If you select a thin-walled or thick-walled cross-section type in the library, you can define its geometry parameters in the 'New Cross-Section' dialog. An additional tab is available for this purpose.

Defining Parametric Cross-Section

Preferred Cross-Sections

You can save cross-sections that you use frequently as My Cross-Sections. They will then be available as preferred cross-sections ("favorites") in other projects.

To save the current cross-section as a favorite, click the button at the bottom of the library after specifying the profile or the definition parameters. The cross-section is then saved in the 'My Cross-Sections | Basic' category.

Saving Standard Section as Preferred Cross-Section

Saving Parametric Section as Preferred Cross-Section

Use the button to check your preferred cross-sections. The cross-sections saved as favorites are listed in the 'Edit My Cross-Sections' dialog, organized by cross-section type.

Dialog Box "Edit My Sections"

Use the button to create a new category in the list of preferred cross-sections.

To load a preferred cross-section from the library, click the button in the "From 'My Cross-Sections'" section.

Opening Preferred Cross-Sections in Library

Composite Cross-Sections

This section provides several types of composite cross-sections for selection. You return to the 'New Cross-Section' dialog with the Composite - Built-up tab.

Define Composite Section

In the 'Combination Types' section, specify how the cross-section components are arranged. In the 'Partial Cross-Sections' section, you can then select the relevant cross-sections and materials in libraries via the button.

Member Cross-Sections

This section contains a selection of parametric member and reinforcing cross-sections made of metal that are not assigned to the categories of thin-walled and thick-walled cross-sections. You can define the geometry parameters in the 'New Cross-Section' dialog.

Define member cross-section

Member cross-sections are primarily designed for the transfer of axial forces, less for bending.

RSECTION Cross-Sections

In RFEM, you can also import user-defined cross-sections that you have created in the program RSECTION. To do this, click the button in the 'From RSECTION' section. The note "Select cross-section in Dlubal Center" is displayed; the Dlubal Center opens. Select the RSECTION cross-section there.

Selecting RSECTION Section in Dlubal Center

For the cross-section to be imported, certain license conditions must be met. The RSECTION cross-section stores which licenses were available when the cross-section was saved in RSECTION. The following rules apply:

1. You do not need to save the RSECTION cross-section with results to use it in RFEM.
2. If a user with an RSECTION license has created a cross-section and saved it in RSECTION, other users can import this cross-section in RFEM, perform a structural analysis, and design it in a design add-on such as Steel Design or Aluminum Design, even if they do not have a license for RSECTION.