Structural FEA Software RFEM 6 | Modeling

Cross-Section and Material Libraries Including Favorites

Extensive cross‑section and material libraries facilitate the modeling of plate and beam structures. These databases can be filtered and expanded with user-defined entries. You can also import and analyze special sections from RSECTION.

Easy Creation of Views and Visibilities

User-defined views from different angles facilitate the evaluation of results. By using "visibilities", you can divide the model into user-defined and generated partial views that fulfill certain criteria. It is thus possible, for example, to only activate the surfaces of a specific material or members with a particular cross-section for the display.

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 types, such as Standard, Without Thickness, Rigid, Membrane, and Load Distribution.

Furthermore, you can choose between different material models in RFEM, such as Isotropic | Linear Elastic, Orthotropic | Linear Elastic (Surfaces, Solids), or Isotropic | Timber | Linear Elastic (Members).

Optional Parametric Input

To efficiently manage recurring systems, the parameterizable input is a good choice. Models can be created using particular parameters and adjusted to a new situation by modifying the parameters.

Member and Support Nonlinearities

You can specify nonlinearities such as yielding, friction, tearing, slippage, and so on, for member hinges and supports. There are special dialog boxes available for determining the spring stiffnesses of columns and walls based on the geometry specifications.

Variable Member and Surface Properties

Members can be arranged eccentrically, supported by elastic foundations, or defined as rigid links. Member sets facilitate the 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. You can divide surfaces into surface components and members into surfaces.

Generation of Wind and Snow Loads According to Eurocode

Load wizards for generating wind loads according to EN 1991-1-4 and snow loads according to EN 1991-1-3 (as well as other international standards) are available for plate and frame structures. The load cases are generated depending on the roof shape.

Optional 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

The model check quickly detects input errors such as overlapping members or identical nodes. You can automatically connect intersecting members during the input. Members can be extended or divided graphically. The measuring function allows you to determine the lengths and angles of members and surfaces (RFEM only).

Various Load Types

There are various load types available for member and surface loads (force, moment, temperature, precamber, and so on). Member loads can be assigned to members, member sets, and member lists. In the case of imperfections, inclination and precamber can be determined according to ANSI/AISC 360, CSA S16, the Eurocode, and so on.