We provide hints and tips to help you get started with the basic program RFEM.
RFEM - FEM Structural Analysis Software
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.
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Apartment Complex | © Wörgl Zentrum Lenk, Austria | www.agabau.at
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Pylon Bridge "Walsersteg" Across Loisach River | RFEM Model with Deformation | www.ib-buxbaum.de
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Structure consisting of several materials
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RFEM Model of Building
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RFEM Model of Building | © Ingenieurbüro Rohmer | www.statik-rohmer.de
RFEM - Powerful, Easy, and Intuitive
Further Information
First Steps with RFEM
RFEM is a powerful 3D FEA program helping structural engineers meet requirements in modern civil engineering. Efficient data input and intuitive handling facilitate modeling of simple and large structures.
The structural analysis program RFEM is the basis of a modular software system. The main program RFEM is used to define structures, materials, and loads for planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells and members. The program also allows you to create combined structures as well as model solid and contact elements.
RFEM provides deformations, internal forces, stresses, support forces, and soil contact stresses. The corresponding add-on modules facilitate data input by automatic generation of structures and connections or can be used to perform further analyses and designs according to various standards.
The modular software concept allows you to compile a program package tailored to your individual needs. It is possible to upgrade the program at any time.
BIM Engineering
Due to a wide range of interfaces, RFEM provides perfect interaction between CAD and structural analysis programs in Building Information Modeling (BIM). Thus, the bidirectional data exchange between RFEM and the programs Tekla Structures, Autodesk Revit and Bentley ISM is possible, for example.
Customer Reviews
“Great praise again, I really enjoy my structural analyses with RFEM. Your advertising slogan is actually true.”
Advantages of Spatial FEA Model
"The spatial FEA model offered very good options to analyze and design the load-bearing behavior of a special complex structure in a verifiable way. Due to the extremely high safety requirements concerning the most famous landmark of Germany, the Brandenburg Gate, it was necessary to mount the support structure in two stages. The specific mounting situations could be modeled very well in RFEM."
Project: Column Substitution for Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany
Dipl.-Ing. Jörg Sando
Structural Engineering Office
Dipl.-Ing. Jörg Sando
Weimar, Germany
Germany
22 October 2013
Structural Analysis Models for Download
Select from a variety of models and use them for training purposes or for your projects.
Flyer | |
Introductory Example | |
Tutorial |
Manuals
Book about FEM and RFEM
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.
Price
Recommended Events
Eurocode 5 | Timber structures according to EN 1995-1-1
Online Training 17 March 2021 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM CET
Eurocode 3 | Steel structures according to DIN EN 1993-1-1
Online Training 18 March 2021 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM CET
Eurocode 3 | Steel structures according to DIN EN 1993-1-1
Online Training 6 May 2021 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Eurocode 2 | Concrete structures according to DIN EN 1992-1-1
Online Training 11 May 2021 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Eurocode 5 | Timber structures according to DIN EN 1995-1-1
Online Training 20 May 2021 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
RFEM | Structural dynamics and earthquake design according to EC 8
Online Training 2 June 2021 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Stability Design in Steel Construction with RFEM and RSTAB
Webinar 1 December 2020 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM CET
Videos
Models to Download
Knowledge Base Articles

New
Modeling Downstand Beams in Cross-Laminated Timber Constructions with Ribs
This time, we want to look at modeling downstand beams by means of ribs.
Screenshots
Product Features Articles
New
Increased Calculation Performance by Reducing the Nodal Degrees of Freedom
The number of degrees of freedom in a node is no longer a global calculation parameter in RFEM (6 degrees of freedom for each mesh node in 3D models, 7 degrees of freedom for the warping torsion analysis). Thus, each node is generally considered with a different number of degrees of freedom, which leads to a variable number of equations in the calculation.
This modification speeds up the calculation, especially for models where a significant reduction of the system could be achieved (e.g. trusses and membrane structures).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I keep the results from RWIND Simulation even if the FE mesh is deleted, even though I only adjust materials or support conditions?
- How do I model a tent roof with two cone tips?
- How can I change the colors of the selection and preselection?
- How are the signs for the release results of a line release and line hinges interpreted?
- How can I create a curved or arched section?
- Is it possible to make the generated member loads from area loads via plane to act eccentrically on the member cross-section?
- After the calculation in the RF‑/DYNAM Pro - Equivalent Loads add-on module, the size of my file has increased significantly. The performance has worsened enormously. What could be the reason for this?
- Why are my imperfections displayed graphically in different ways and can I adjust the display?
- What happens with the programs and add-on modules in the case of the timeout of a network license? And how can I increase the timeout?
- Why is it not possible to select a load case in the RF-/STEEL add-on module for design, although it is defined in RFEM/RSTAB?
Customer Projects
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