RFEM - Structural FEA Software for Professionals
Further information
Software of Reference
“We are completely satisfied with RFEM and with Dlubal Software team too. Keep it up!
We are in contact with a lot of engineers and with the team of research of structural wood at the Santiago of Compostela University and always talk about RFEM like the software of reference.”
Adolfo Montero
26 February 2015
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!”
Dipl.-Ing. Hartmut Unterberg
28 March 2014
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.
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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. You can combine it with a parameterizable guideline method: Structures 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. You can also define eccentricities of surfaces. Sets of members facilitate load application on several members. It is possible to transform nodal and linear loads into surface loads as well as divide surfaces in surface components and members in surfaces.
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Wind and Snow Load Generation According to Eurocode
There are load generators available for beam structures, creating wind loads according to EN 1991‑1‑4 and snow loads according to EN 1991‑1‑3. 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 for the determination of member and surface lengths and angles.
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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. In order to reduce singularities, you can design round or angled surface corners.
Contact us
Do you have any questions about our products? Do you need advice for your current project?
Contact us or find various suggested solutions and useful tips on our FAQ page.
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| Introductory Example | |
| Tutorial | |
| Manual | |
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Screenshots
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Internal forces of timber boardwalk with eccentrically connected members
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Pulley on cantilever - axial forces
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Visualized deformations of an office building
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Representation of internal forces for members and surfaces
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Stress distribution in sectional area of a solid
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Model of sailing ship "Alexander von Humboldt II" (C) Marine Engineering Wollert GmbH, Arnis
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