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2024-01-15

Introduction

RFEM is a finite element analysis software that enables you to create various kinds of structural models and to design them. With the release of version 6.xx, the concept has been revised for an improved handling of the data and an integrated conception of the design. You can now make use of the enhanced functionalities and benefit from the reworked arrangement of the model and load objects as well as of the result and design data.

The tutorial consists of several parts: "Structural Analysis", "Concrete Design", "Steel Design", and "Steel Joints". In Part 1, the structural analysis of the model was carried out to determine the internal forces and deformations of the various load cases and combinations. In Part 2, the concrete objects were designed. While Part 3 covered the general design of steel platform, Part 4 now deals with the design of its connections.

Info

If you have skipped Part 1 of the tutorial, you can Download the model from our website and get started with the Connection Design. The description presented in Part 4 is based on this model, too.

Part 4 guides you through the design of the platform girder connections. You will learn how to define each steel joint by means of a modular system of parameters. Before carrying out the design, you will classify the connections according to their stiffnesses Sj,ini and determine the rotational capacity which will make it necessary to adjust the model accordingly. After that, you will perform the stress-strain analysis of the steel joints and check the so-called "Substitute Steel Joint FE Model" which the program creates in the background.

This tutorial demonstrates a general workflow. As the internal forces and stresses of the W8 section representing the platform are rather small, basic types of joints will be sufficient to connect the platform girders to the frame girder.

Info

The Concrete Design and Steel Design parts can be handled independently from the connection design. If you want to skip them, start on Part 4 right away.

ASCE 7 and AISC 360 are used as standards. Furthermore, imperial units are used in this tutorial. You can find a similar tutorial using metric units and Eurocodes at Eurocode Tutorial.

The Trial Version of the software allows you to use all functions for working on the model. Once the trial period expires, the demo mode will be applied: The data concerning the design only allow for specific settings such as a limited number of members and surfaces. It means that the design of the model cannot be carried out as described anymore.