Limited-Time Offer:
21% off Steel Joints Add-on

Special campaign offer – Save $570 today

Buy Now – Save 21%
test banner w test banner w
Steel Joints Add-on
Available for $2,110
0
Days
:
0
Hours
:
0
Minutes
:
0
Seconds
Say Goodbye to Complex Workflows in Steel Connection Design

Forget limited 3D connection modules, complicated joint modeling, and tedious geometry or load exports to external software.

Boost your productivity with an integrated solution for modeling, analyzing, and designing for any steel connection with any geometry and loading.

  • Effortless load transfer between a model and connections
  • Transparent FE submodels for a precise, detailed analysis
  • Fully automated updates when structural changes occur
  • Seamless interaction between connections and the overall structure
Start Now with 21 % Off
All-in-One Solution for Steel Connections
Your 4 Unique Advantages

Explore your most important advantages – they’re the reason engineers trust the Steel Joints add-on for everyday connection design challenges.

  • Automatic Load Transfer

    All load combinations are transferred automatically into your FE joint analysis — no manual input or export to external software needed. Structural changes update instantly in the connection model, streamlining your workflow and saving valuable engineering time.

  • Structural-Connection Interaction

    Move beyond simplified rigid or hinged assumptions: accurately modeling joint stiffness leads to more realistic, cost-efficient, and safer design checks. A precise initial stiffness analysis helps engineers achieve optimized results — economically and structurally.

  • FE Submodel for More Transparency

    Engineers demand complete control over their FE results. That’s why the substitute FE model used for connection design is provided as a separate, editable RFEM model – giving you full insight into every calculation step. No black boxes, just complete transparency.

  • Connection Library in Dlubal Center

    Access an extensive library of predefined steel connections directly within your modeling environment. Quickly assign proven joint design to nodes and save custom connections for reuse. This helps you to save valuable time a lot.

The image represents the automatic load transfer process in steel joints, highlighting key structural components and their interactions.
Advanced initial stiffness analysis for semi-rigid joints enables realistic connection behavior in structural design enhancing project efficiency.
Finite element model of fly bracing used for connection design in RFEM, depicted as a separate, editable model.
Steel joint blocks in a parameterized library for efficient structural design.
Still using two solutions?
One is enough.
Save your time and reduce costs!

Stop wasting valuable time switching between applications to retrieve internal forces, and stop paying for two separate programs. With a fully integrated workflow, you can import internal forces directly from your structural analysis model into your connection design checks. Say goodbye to manual transfers and costly licenses for multiple software programs.

Every model update automatically recalculates your connections, eliminating manual adjustments and errors. Everything you need is in one place, giving you more time to focus on what matters most: your engineering tasks.

Get Steel Joints Now
A steel structure model with an open submodel window displaying a steel joint, showing force transfer and stress results.
What makes us different from other software solutions?
Solution by Dlubal Software
Others
Automatic Load Transfer

All load combinations are transferred automatically into your FE joint analysis, eliminating the need for manual input or export to external software. Structural changes update instantly in the connection model, streamlining your workflow and saving valuable engineering time.

Automated Updates of Changes in Structure

When you update the geometry of your structural analysis model by changing cross-sections, the steel connections adjust automatically. There is no need for manual adjustments, rebuilding from scratch, or exporting to external programs.

Joint Stiffness Interaction with Structural Model

Move beyond the limitations of simplified rigid or hinged assumptions. Accurately modeling joint stiffness leads to more realistic, cost-efficient, and safer design checks. Precise initial stiffness analysis helps engineers achieve optimized results – economically and structurally.

Creating Transparent FE Submodel

Engineers demand complete control over their FE results. That’s why the substitute FE model used for connection design is provided as a separate, editable RFEM model – giving you full insight into every calculation step. No black boxes, just complete transparency.

One Program File with All Designed Connections

A single file can contain all of your steel connections, which simplifies management and documentation. There's no need to create and maintain separate files for each joint.

Now Available for $2,110
Design Any Connnection Geometry According to the EC3 and AISC 360 standards

From standard to complex and custom design checks — easily model joints for CHS, HSS, thin-walled, and built-up sections. Our add-on handles any geometry, no matter how simple or sophisticated.

Steel joint model showcasing the connection between a diagonal and beam in a truss structure.
Truss Node Connections (Diagonal to Beam)
Detailed view of a base plate connection featuring stiffeners for a circular hollow section member.
Column Base Plate Connections
Structural model of a beam-to-column connection with a haunch, showcasing the detailed joint design and load distribution characteristics.
Connections with Braces and Stiffeners
A detailed illustration of a bolted gusset plate truss connection showing structural integrity and joint assembly.
Bolted Gusset Plate Truss Connections
Steel connection design for circular hollow section members in RFEM 6, showcasing detailed joint configuration and components.
3D Hollow Section Connections
A detailed steel joint model showcasing the Fly Brace Connection design.
Fly Brace Connections
Join Global Brand – Trusted Worldwide
13,000+
Customers
130,000+
Users
130+
Countries
160,000+
Followers
What Our Users Say
Powerful and Intuitive Eurocode Software

It is software which seems to be well-suited for analyses according to the Eurocode standards. Its clear and intuitive interface allows data and results to be entered in a visible and editable way, minimizing the "black box" effect.
The technical support team is very patient, competent, and responsive, which has confirmed our decision in favor of RFEM.

The portrait shows Mr. Philippe Piron of Global Design Technology, a customer of Dlubal Software, Customer Review 257.
Philippe Piron

Global Design Technology
7, Avenue de l’Expansion, 4432 Alleur
Belgium

www.gdtech.eu/en_gb
Excited About Steel Joints Add-on

I am excited about how you can finally model whatever connections you like with Dlubal Software. The output with the exact calculation history is also great. I will definitely arrange for the Steel Joints add-on to be purchased in our company.

Georgi Mihalkov

STOPA Anlagenbau
Industriestraße 12, 77855, Achern
Gamshurst, Germany

www.stopa.com
Frequently Asked Questions
I design steel connections using Excel sheets and manual calculations. Why should I switch to Steel Joints add-on?

Excel spreadsheets and manual calculations often rely on simplified analytical models and idealized load assumptions. While these are suitable for basic joints, they do not reflect the actual 3D load paths or the complex interactions between bolts, welds, and connected members. This can lead to overly conservative design checks or unsafe simplifications.

Steel Joints by Dlubal Software leverages advanced Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis to model connections with high fidelity, including:

  • Nonlinear material behavior
  • 3D interactions
  • Geometric nonlinearities
  • Load path and force redistribution

This results in a more accurate prediction of connection capacity and safety margins, enabling engineers to optimize material usage without compromising structural integrity. Furthermore, the detailed visualization of stress and deformation facilitates a better understanding and communication of critical zones, supporting informed design decisions.

What kind of support and resources are available with the Steel Joints add-on?

We offer extensive and free support, all available online on our website. You’ll have access to a detailed online manual, downloadable example models, and webinars. Our dedicated team of technical experts is also always ready to assist you, ensuring a hassle-free onboarding experience with the add-on.

What design method is used for steel joints in RFEM 6?

RFEM 6 uses our integrated solution based on the Component-Based Finite Element Method (CBFEM) for designing steel joints. This method determines connection properties by simulating the nonlinear material behavior and load-bearing capacities of individual joint components.

CBFEM enables accurate prediction of the behavior of deformable connections, often leading to more cost-effective designs than rigid or purely pinned assumptions. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on semi-empirical formulas, CBFEM represents and connects components using finite elements, allowing for precise stiffness evaluation and realistic internal force distribution within the joint.

Is the Steel Joints add-on compatible with RFEM 5?

No, the Steel Joints add-on is not compatible with RFEM 5. You need to upgrade to RFEM 6.

If you have questions about upgrading or would like assistance, please contact our sales team for support.

Can I save steel joint design checks as templates and use parametric blocks in RFEM 6?

Yes, you can! The Steel Joints add-on allows you to save your connection designs as customizable templates, enabling quick reuse and consistent quality across projects.

You can also use parametric blocks in RFEM 6 to create flexible, adaptable models. These blocks can be easily downloaded and managed through the Dlubal Center, which helps you streamline your workflow and efficiently explore design variations.

Column base connection with an I-profile column and two 2xL-profiles as diagonals, attached to the column web.
Don't miss out on this limited-time offer!

Unlock the full potential of your steel connection design with the Steel Joints add-on – now available at a 21% discount! Whether you're working on halls, frames, or complex joints, this tool will help you.

Buy Now – Save 21% Contact Sales