RFEM - Structural FEA Software for Professionals

Structural Analysis & Engineering Software

The finite element analysis program RFEM is a powerful software for quick and easy modeling, structural analysis and design of 2D and 3D models consisting of member, plate, wall, folded plate, shell, solid, and contact elements.

Due to the modular software concept, you can connect the main program RFEM with the corresponding add‑on modules in order to meet your individual requirements.

Dowload Free Trial Version of RFEM

Apartment Complex | © Wörgl Zentrum Lenk, Austria | www.agabau.at

Customer Projects

Pylon Bridge "Walsersteg" Across Loisach River | RFEM Model with Deformation | www.ib-buxbaum.de

Structure consisting of several materials

Dowload Free Trial Version of RFEM

RFEM Model of Building

Student Version of RFEM For Free

RFEM Model of Building | © Ingenieurbüro Rohmer | www.statik-rohmer.de

Download Free Trial Version of RFEM

RFEM Model of Building | © werkraum wien ingenieure

RFEM Add-on Modules

RFEM Model of Building with Deformation

Further information

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Software of Reference

“We are completely satisfied with RFEM and with the Dlubal Software team as well. Keep it up!

Maderas Besteiro is in contact with many engineers and the structural wood research team at the University of Santiago de Compostela and they always talk about RFEM as the reference software. ”

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Easy Modeling of Structures

“I really enjoy working with Dlubal Software programs. The structure generation and modification can proceed smoothly:

Manageability of functions in the menu and movability in space
Data transparency: checks, options to modify and transfer data

I am happy that I switched over to Dlubal Software!”

Useful Tools for Fast Generation of Structures

Useful auxiliary functions and tools for generation of structures including loads facilitate the modeling process. Member nonlinearities (creeping, tearing, slippage, friction, and others) are also possible as well as coupling or member and surface eccentricities.

Cross-Section and Material Libraries Including Favorites

Extensive cross‑section and material libraries facilitate modeling of plate and beam structures. These libraries can be filtered and extended by user‑defined entries. It is possible to import and analyze special cross‑sections from SHAPE‑THIN and SHAPE‑MASSIVE.
Combined and Hybrid Cross-Sections

It is possible to define combined timber cross-sections such as U-, T-, I- and box‑shaped beams. Single elements are connected by rigid or semi‑rigid connections. Furthermore, there are hybrid cross-sections available. In this case, a submenu provides an option to assign different materials to the individual cross‑section parts.
Working with Layers

There are various tools such as the object snap, user‑defined input grids, and guidelines, which facilitate the graphical input of structural data. DXF files can be imported as line models or used as a layer in the background in order to use specific snap points.
Useful Generating Tools

Generating tools to enter parametric models such as frames, halls, trusses, spiral stairways, arcs, or roofs. In addition, many generators allow for the creation of load cases and loading resulting from weight, snow, and wind.
Optional Parametric Input

In order to work with recurring structural systems efficiently, RFEM provides the parameterized input, which can be combined with a parameterizable guideline method. Models can be created using particular parameters and adjusted to a new situation by modifying the parameters.
Simple Selection According to Specific Categories

Various buttons allow you to directly change the perspective and work plane. By zooming, rotating and shifting the structure you can quickly adjust the appropriate view. Partial views represent specific structural parts clearly. Inactive objects can be displayed transparently in the background. By selecting structural elements according to special criteria, it is possible to group objects in a simple way.
Easy Model Input

Structures are entered as 1D, 2D or 3D models. Member types, such as beams, trusses, or tension members, facilitate the definition of member properties. In order to model surfaces, RFEM provides various surface types, such as Standard, Orthotropic, Glass, Laminate, Rigid, Membrane, and others.

In addition, you can select various material models: Isotropic Linear Elastic, Isotropic Plastic 1D/2D/3D, Isotropic Nonlinear Elastic 1D/2D/3D, Orthotropic Elastic 2D/3D, Orthotropic Plastic 2D/3D (Tsai‑Wu 2D/3D), Isotropic Thermal‑Elastic, Isotropic Masonry 2D, and Isotropic Damage 2D/3D.
Member and Support Nonlinearities

It is possible to specifiy nonlinearities of member end releases (yielding, tearing, slippage, etc.) and supports (including friction). For this, there are special dialog boxes available for determining the spring stiffness of columns and walls based on the geometry input.
Variable Member and Surface Properties

Members can be arranged eccentrically, supported by elastic foundations, or defined as rigid connections. Sets of members facilitate load application on several members.

In RFEM, you can also define eccentricities of surfaces. Here, it is possible to transform nodal and linear loads into surface loads. It is also possible to divide surfaces in surface components and members in surfaces.
Wind and Snow Load Generation According to ASCE/SEI 7-10

There are load generators available for beam structures, creating snow loads according to ASCE/SEI 7-10. The load cases are generated depending on the roof structure. Another generator creates coating loads (ice). You can save recurring load combinations as templates.
Automatic Renumbering of Objects

The numbering of structural objects such as nodes and members can be adjusted subsequently. It is possible to renumber the objects automatically in accordance with the selected priorities (directions of axes).
Simple Model Check

Members can be extended or divided graphically. The model check quickly detects entry errors such as identical nodes or double members and deletes them. When entering structural data, you can automatically connect intersecting members. The measure function allows you to determine lengths and angles of members and surfaces (only RFEM).
Various Load Types

There are various load types available for member and surface loads (force, moment, temperature, precamber, and others). Member loads can be assigned to members, sets of members, and member lists. In the case of imperfections, inclination and precamber can be determined according to Eurocode or the American standard ANSI/AISC 360.
Optional Regeneration of Model

It is possible to edit a model in the active rendering. The ‘Regenerate Model’ function is useful when correcting slight deviations of node coordinates. Furthermore, it is possible to design round or angled surface corners (in order to reduce singularities in RFEM, for example).

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