Structural FEA Software RFEM 5 | Calculation
Linear and Nonlinear Structural Analysis
The model is calculated linearly according to the linear static analysis or nonlinearly according to the second-order or large deformation analysis. In order to determine internal forces, results can be superimposed in combinations.
Individual Setting of Calculation Parameters
All member types can be calculated according to the linear static, second-order or large deformation analysis. The selection option is available for load cases and load combinations. Further calculation parameters are individually adjustable for load cases, load and result combinations. Thus, high flexibility regarding the calculation method and detailed specifications is ensured.
Incremental Load Application
Loads can be applied incrementally. The increment option is especially useful for calculations according to the large deformation analysis. For members, you can consider shear deformations and apply internal forces to a deformed or undeformed structural system. In addition, RFEM allows you to perform post‑critical analysis.
Multi-Core Processor and 64-Bit Technology
The equation solver includes an optimized FE mesh generator and supports the latest multi-core processor and 64-bit technology. Therefore, you can perform parallel calculations of linear load cases and combinations by using several processors without additional random access memory (RAM): The stiffness matrix has to be created only once. The 64-bit technology and the enhanced RAM options allow for calculation of complex structural systems using the fast and direct equation solver.
Deformation development is displayed in a diagram during the calculation. In this way, you can easily evaluate the convergence behavior.
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Introductory Example | |
Tutorial |

Failing Support Conditions for Contact Surfaces
In order to create a surface model with failing supports close to reality, an option called "Failure if contact perpendicular to surfaces failed" is available in RFEM 5 for contact solids under "Contact Parallel to Surfaces".
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During the installation, I get the error message R6025. What should I do?
- Is it possible to open an RFEM 5 or RSTAB 8 file in a previous program version?
- RFEM and RSTAB crash at the moment of starting the program. I work with a 3D mouse. Where is the problem?
- The output of extreme values is not displayed. Where can I activate the MAX/MIN info?
- I need many mode shapes to achieve a sum of 90% effective modal mass. Can I limit the number of mode shapes for generating equivalent loads?
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Is it possible to change the properties of members or surfaces in the individual construction stages, such as their location?
- I am trying to import a DXF file. The file can be imported into the model, but it does not have the correct scale. Where is the problem?
- Is it possible to apply a factor to the loads of one or more load cases that uniformly increases or decreases all loads in these load cases?
- When exporting to Excel, I get the error message "Microsoft Excel is not installed on this computer" although Excel is installed. Why?
- Is the German National Annex 2021‑07 to Eurocode 8 available in RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8?
- I am trying to import a DXF file. The file can be imported into the model, but it does not have the correct scale. Where is the problem?
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