RSTAB 8 Add-on Modules – Connections

The FRAME‑JOINT Pro add-on module designs rigid bolt connections between columns and horizontal beams, and classifies these connections. The rigid bolt connections are designed with the ultimate load method according to Eurocode 3 or DIN 18800.

Optionally, you can define stiffeners, web plate reinforcements, and filler plates, and it is also possible to screw the designed connections.

The HSS add-on module designs various hollow section connections or designs an existing connection.

You can design planar and spatial truss nodes that can be modeled with circular, square, or rectangular hollow sections.

The JOINTS Steel – Column Base add-on module allows you to design footings of hinged and restrained steel columns according to the specifications of the European standard EN 1993‑1‑8 (including National Annexes).

For hinged column footings, you can select from four different base plate connections to meet the requirements of various construction projects. This variety allows for more flexible design and the adaptation to the specific requirements of your construction project.

The JOINTS Steel – Tower add-on module is specialized to design pinned joints with bolt connections for members used in lattice towers in accordance with the European standards.

The software provides you with a wide range of various joint options, such as bolted diagonal connections without gusset plates in 2D or 3D, as well as bolted column joints. T-, K-, and KT-joints are also considered for the diagonal connections.

The JOINTS Steel – DSTV add-on module designs moment-resisting and pinned I-beam connections for members in compliance with the German guideline "Typified Connections in Steel Building Construction" (Typisierte Anschlüsse im Stahlhochbau). The resistances are determined according to DIN EN 1993‑1‑8: Complete Edition 2013 and Supplement 2018.

It is possible to design moment-resisting connections with flush and extended end plates as well as bending-resistant purlin joints, pinned girder joints using end plates and angles, and IK beam notches.

The joints can be clearly visualized in the rendering mode. The program displays all required structural dimensions for end plates, angles, and the respective additional sections as well as the corresponding hole arrangements.

Using the JOINTS Steel – Pinned add‑on module, you can configure and design shear connections of I‑beams.

Four different types are available: Web cleat connection, fin plate connection, short end plate connection, and end plate connection with cleat. All connections are clearly displayed in a 3D graphic, including all necessary dimensions for plates and angles, including hole arrangements. The graphics can be transferred into the printout report with dimension lines, as well as the bolt and weld descriptions.

The JOINTS Steel – Rigid add-on module allows you to configure and design the moment-resisting joints of rolled and welded I-beams.

Three types are available for selection: Moment-resistant beam-column connections with an end plate, a rigid end plate connection as a beam joint, and a rigid splice connection. The connections are designed and the results include almost all relevant intermediate values and a graphical display of the respective component stress, so the calculation is always comprehensible and verifiable for the user.

All connections are clearly displayed in a 3D graphic, including all necessary dimensions for plates and angles, including hole arrangements. The graphics can be transferred into the printout report with dimension lines, as well as the bolt and weld descriptions.

The JOINTS Steel – SIKLA add-on module performs the joint design for fastening connections produced by the Sikla manufacturer according to the expert opinion with the audit report No. K14-6005-3. The add-on module determines nonlinear spring constants and checks the connection geometry and beam cross-sections.

The loading is documented and compared to the load resistances, including the utilization ratios by joint. A particularly useful feature is the automatic determination of governing internal forces for load cases and connection nodes, which facilitates the efficient design and check of the Sikla connections.

The JOINTS Timber – Steel to Timber add-on module designs joints where timber members are indirectly connected to each other by means of steel plates. As dowel type fasteners, you can select from dowels, bolts, nails, and screws.

You can import joint parameters from the JOINTS Timber add-on modules. The connected members are imported from the RSTAB model. The module automatically checks if all geometric conditions are fulfilled.

The JOINTS Timber – Timber to Timber add-on module designs joints where timber members are directly connected to each other by means of slant screws.

LIMITS analyzes the load bearing capacity of members, member ends, nodes, nodal supports, and surfaces by means of a defined ultimate load capacity.

The extensible library includes timber fasteners (SIHGA, Sherpa, WÜRTH, Simpson StrongTie, KNAPP) and steel fasteners (standardized connections in steel building design according to EC 3, M-connect).