In this book for engineers and students, you will learn the basics of the finite element method in a practical way by means of manageable examples that have been calculated with RFEM.
FEA Software RFEM | Modelling
Useful Tools for Fast Generation of Structures
Further information
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"We are completely satisfied with RFEM and the Dlubal Software team too. 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 speak of RFEM as the reference software."
Adolfo Montero
25 February 2015
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“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!”
Dipl.-Ing. Hartmut Unterberg
27 March 2014
Useful auxiliary functions and tools for generation of structures including loads facilitate the modelling process. Member nonlinearities (creeping, tearing, slippage, friction, and others) are also possible as well as coupling or member and surface eccentricities.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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).
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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.
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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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| Introductory Example | |
| Tutorial |
Book About FEA and RFEM
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Simplified Blast Design According to AISC Steel Design Guide 26
Blast loads from high energy explosives, either accidental or intentional, are rare but may be a structural design requirement.
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Depending on stiffness, mass, and damping, structures react differently to wind action.
- In RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces, I obtain a high amount of reinforcement in relation to a lever arm that is almost zero. How is such a small lever arm of internal forces created?
- For the settlement calculation in the RF‑SOILIN add-on module, the specific weight gamma and gamma,sat are required for the soil. What do I need the value gamma,sat for, and how is it assumed in the calculation?
- How can I display membrane stresses in the results of RF‑STEEL Surfaces?
- How does the "Orthotropic Plastic" material model work in RFEM?
- What is the meaning of the superposition according to the CQC rule in a dynamic analysis??
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We recently received the following error message on a laptop. Can you tell me what we can do to fix the problem?
- There are two different add-on modules for a response spectrum analysis in RF‑/DYNAM Pro. What can be the reasons for the different results of both add-on modules?
- Is it possible to edit a printout report without opening it?
- What is the meaning of the action of masses in RF‑/DYNAM Pro - Natural Vibrations?
- When converting from the manual definition of reinforcement areas to the automatic arrangement of reinforcement according to Window 1.4, the result of the deformation calculation differs, although the basic reinforcement has not been modified. What is the reason for this change?
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