Cross-Section Library

Many cross-sections are stored in a library.

Opening Library

The library is accessible in the 'Name' dialog section via the button (see 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 wide range of standard sections.

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 Filter

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

Cross-Section Series to Select

In the middle section, specify the Cross-Section Series in which the section is catalogued. The series are sorted by standard, manufacturer, region, and manufacturing method. You can control the sort order via the column headers.

With the button at the bottom of the section, you can check the properties of the selected cross-section.

Cross-Section to Select

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

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

Built-Up Cross-Sections

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

Defining Built-up Cross-Section

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

Favorite Cross-Sections

Cross-sections that you use frequently can be saved as My Cross-Sections. They are then available in other projects as favorite cross-sections ("Favorites").

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

Saving Standard Section as Preferred Cross-Section

Saving Parametric Section as Preferred Cross-Section

With the button, you can check your favorite cross-sections. The cross-sections saved as favorites are listed in the 'Edit My Cross-Sections' dialog, sorted by cross-section type.

Dialog Box "Edit My Sections"

With the button, you can create a new category in the list of favorite cross-sections.

To import a favorite cross-section from the library, click the button in the 'From 'My Cross-Sections section.

Opening Preferred Cross-Sections in Library

Composite Cross-Sections

In this section, some types of composite cross-sections are available for selection. You return to the 'New Cross-Section' dialog with the Composed - Composite 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.

Bar Cross-Sections

This section contains a selection of parametric bar and reinforcement 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

Bar cross-sections are primarily designed for transferring axial forces, less for bending.

RSECTION Cross-Sections

In RSTAB, 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. In the RSECTION cross-section, it is stored which licenses were available when saving the cross-section in RSECTION. The following rules apply:

1. You do not need to save the RSECTION cross-section with results to use it in RSTAB.
2. If a user with an RSECTION license creates a cross-section and saves it in RSECTION, other users can import this cross-section into 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.