BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the up-to-date solution for the planning and realization of buildings, which is based on a network of all participants in the building process.
All relevant building data is included in a 3D model. Individual branch-specific models, for example for structural analysis, are derived from the digital building model. They can be integrated in RFEM or RSTAB by means of different methods and used for the structural analysis. In the ideal case, the building model is used to export and calculate the analytical model for RFEM and RSTAB.
It is very important for Dlubal Software to provide options for planning in compliance with BIM. Numerous interfaces implemented in the structural analysis programs RFEM and RSTAB facilitate data exchange with commonly used software (such as CAD programs) and make it easy and comfortable.
The following overview shows a range of the interfaces integrated in RFEM and RSTAB by default.
There are three options for data exchange between RFEM/RSTAB and Tekla Structures: The stp interface allows for a file-based transfer of framework models in both directions. The analytical model generated and contained in Tekla Structures can be transferred to RFEM/RSTAB using another direct interface. Finally, a further direct interface is provided to exchange and adjust physical models in both directions.
The direct bidirectional RFEM/RSTAB interface with Autodesk Revit leaves nothing to be desired: A structure created in RFEM/RSTAB can be visualized in Revit and prepared for the design engineer. In the same way, it is possible to calculate and design a Revit model in RFEM/RSTAB. Even subsequent modifications in both the Revit and the RFEM/RSTAB model can be easily aligned.
In addition to data exchange using DXF files, RFEM/RSTAB supports direct exchange with AutoCAD by Autodesk. This interface uses the latest .NET technology. You can start the data exchange directly in RFEM/RSTAB.
With the ASF file format by Nemetschek, RFEM supports the widespread CAD program Allplan. The import includes structural data such as nodes, lines, materials, surfaces, openings, node and line supports. The export covers reinforcement including border lines of surfaces. Each surface is exported separately.
With the program 3skeng Steelwork in SktechUp, it is possible to export IFC files based on "Structural Analysis View". This view contains the structural system with member hinges and cross-section as well as material properties.Use "File" → "Import" to import the IFC file. For more detailed information, see the SHK Engineering and Consulting GmbH & Co. KG website.
In order to transfer models consisting of members only, the DSTV product interface for steel constructions was implemented (German Steel Construction Association). Therefore, it is possible to exchange data between RFEM/RSTAB and other programs such as "Bentley ProStructure 3D", "Tekla Structures", "Bocad", "Intergraph Frameworks", "Graitec Advance Steel", "Cadwork", and many others.
In order to reuse or prepare values entered in RFEM/RSTAB tables, there is a direct interface to Microsoft Excel. You can directly export the RFEM/RSTAB tables - individually or all at once - to an Excel spreadsheet and vice versa. Even the formulas for parametric input can be prepared in Excel and imported to RFEM/RSTAB.
The DXF file format is one of the most common data exchange formats in the field of CAD programs. RFEM and RSTAB support the import and export of these DXF files.
The IFC interface (Industry Foundation Classes) is divided in several areas called views. When importing and exporting data, the StructuralAnalysisView is primarily supported. This means that you can transfer the structural model including member elements, concentrated loads, linear and member loads, supports, support conditions, load cases etc. The most important elements from the CoordinateView containing graphical elements are imported additionally. Click the links below to see the online description of the interface and general information concerning IFC.
ConED has a bidirectional interface to RFEM. It can be used to calculate ceiling systems, deep beams, floor slabs, and entire buildings from ConED. Adjustments of any kind can still be made in RFEM before the user initiates the calculation. The calculation results are read from the database via the COM interface and are imported in ConED.
The SDNF interface (Steel Detailing Neutral Format) by Intergraph is used to exchange data with Intergraph Frameworks or Tekla Structures. It is possible to import as well as export a variety of structural data like nodes and members including relevant materials and cross-sections to and from RFEM/RSTAB. The transfer of support conditions, however, is not possible.
Due to the implementation of the ISM interface in RFEM/RSTAB, it is possible to exchange models with ProSteel, ProConcrete, and other Bentley applications. The interface works in both directions. The ISM technology core piece consists of the ISM Viewer V8i provided for free by Bentley.
Furthermore, you can export surface elements like walls and plates as well as sections with variable cross‑sections to ProSteel and ProConcrete. Another useful feature of the ISM Viewer is the possibility to create 3D PDF documents.
This interface control the interaction with the program Glaser by isb cad: It is possible to import GEO files to RFEM and export results of concrete surface designs in FEM files. The import includes single lines and arcs, surfaces as slabs (contour lines), center lines of walls, center points of columns, openings, surface loads, linear loads, nodal loads, free rectangular as well as line and concentrated loads. The export includes the top and bottom reinforcement in FE mesh or grid points. Optionally, you can export only the additional reinforcement or the shear reinforcement.
RFEM supports the data exchange with the structural engineering and precast program STRAKON by DICAD. The import includes structural data such as nodes, lines, materials, surfaces, openings, nodal and line supports. The export covers reinforcement including border lines of surfaces. Each surface is exported separately.
The CIS/2 file format of NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) is frequently used for data exchange in English-speaking countries. In addition to the structural data of frameworks, it is possible to import the information about loads, load cases, load and result combinations.
The ESF file format (Engineering Structural Format) enables data exchange with the program CADKON by ABStudio. In ESF file format, it is possible to export plane surfaces with uniform thickness and potential openings as well as materials used in RFEM.
It is possible to import text files of the formats *.000 (structure) and *.001 (loads) to RFEM/RSTAB (the format of the former program PLATE by Dlubal Software).
In order to exchange data with other programs used for structural analysis, the import of XML files from Scia Engineer was implemented.
This interface enables the export of models to the CAD program Cadwork and the import of Cadwork models to RFEM/RSTAB. Besides the model geometry, the transfer includes information about cross-sections, materials, supports and rigid couplings.
This interface enables the import of 3D structures created in the timber construction and design software SEMA. A SEMA model can be transferred to the programs by Dlubal Software using the DXF or the DSTV(STP) file format. DSTV includes not only the structure geometry but also information about cross-sections, materials, supports, and rigid couplings.
This direct bidirectional interface enables data exchange between RFEM/RSTAB and Hilti PROFIS Engineering Suite.
The support loads from RFEM/RSTAB are usually exported to Hilti PROFIS Engineering Suite to perform the design of dowels and anchor heads. The results of the dowel design can be imported to RFEM/RSTAB as comments.
Background layers are used to simplify the modeling process. The layers can be underlain in the RFEM or RSTAB work window to facilitate the input of graphical objects.
With this interface, it is possible to export the RFEM/RSTAB printout report to the VCmaster program (for calculations and text processing), developed by the company Veith Christoph GmbH, where it can be further edited.
Further editing of a printout report is possible in MS Office as well. For this, the report is converted into the RTF file including all graphics.
This programmable interface is based on COM technology. It allows you to program your own input macros or post-processing programs.
With the RF-LINK add-on module installed in RFEM, the following interfaces are additionally available for data import:
For the aforementioned interfaces and exchange file formats (except for MS Excel and CSV), it is possible to manage the materials and cross-sections by means of user-defined conversion files.
Plausibility checks after import or before export are also possible, of course. Optionally, only selected objects can be exported. You can also define the orientation of the Z-axis for the data exchange. Similarly, coordinates can be mirrored or even switched.
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“As usual, I would like to confirm that it is a real pleasure to work with the Dlubal Software programs, which I have been able to use with ease.
I am also completely satisfied with the connection to REVIT 2017 as it complies with a very high standard and works well.”
Armin Reichelt
12 January 2017
“The data exchange between cadwork and RSTAB has gone without a hitch.”
Dipl.-Ing. Siegfried Wagner
19 February 2014
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Main Program
Structural engineering software for finite element analysis (FEA) of planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, members (beams), solids and contact elements
Main Program
The structural engineering software for design of frame, beam and truss structures, performing linear and nonlinear calculations of internal forces, deformations, and support reactions
Add-on Module
Design of reinforced concrete members and surfaces (plates, walls, planar structures, shells)
Add-on Module
Reinforced concrete design according to the model column method (method based on nominal curvature)
Add-on Module
Physical and geometrical nonlinear calculation of beam and plate structures consisting of reinforced concrete
Add-on Module
Punching shear design of foundations and slabs with nodal and line supports
Add-on Module
Design of single, bucket and block foundations
Add-on Module
Stress analysis of steel surfaces and members
Add-on Module
Stress analysis of steel members
Add-on Module
Design of steel members according to Eurocode 3
Module Extension for RF-STEEL EC3
Warping torsion analysis according to the second-order theory with 7 degrees of freedom
Module Extension for RF-STEEL EC3
Plastic design of cross-sections according the Partial Internal Forces Method (PIFM) and Simplex Method
Add-on Module
Design of steel members according to the American standard ANSI/AISC 360
Add-on Module
Design of steel members according to the Swiss standard SIA 263
Add-on Module
Design of steel members according to the Chinese standard GB 50017-2003
Add-on Module
Design of steel members according to the Canadian standard CSA S16
Add-on Module
Fatigue design of members and sets of members according to EN 1993-1-9
Add-on Module
Design of aluminium members according to Eurocode 9
Add-on Module
Design of aluminium members according to the American standards ADM 2010 and ADM 2015
Add-on Module
Timber design according to Eurocode 5, SIA 265 and/or DIN 1052
Add-on Module
Design of timber members according to the American standard ANSI/AWC NDS
Add-on Module
Design of timber members according to the Canadian standard CSA 086-14
Add-on Module
Design of single-layer, laminated and insulating glass
Add-on Module
Generation of geometrically complex 3D tower structures such as lattice towers and radio masts
Add-on Module
Generation of equipment for lattice towers of mobile operators
Add-on Module
Generation of wind, ice and variable loads for lattice towers
Add-on Module
Determination of effective lengths for lattice towers
Add-on Module
Design of triangular and quadrilateral lattice towers according to European standards
Add-on Module
Design of rigid bolted frame joints according to Eurocode 3 or DIN 18800
Add-on Module
Design of pinned connections according to Eurocode 3
Add-on Module
Design of hinged and restrained column base footings according to Eurocode 3
Add-on Module
Design of indirect timber connections with dowel-type fasteners and steel plates according to NDS and Eurocode 5
Add-on Module
Design of Direct Timber Connections According to Eurocode 5
Add-on Module
Dynamic analysis of natural frequencies and mode shapes of member, surface, and solid models
Add-on Module
Dynamic and seismic analysis including time history analysis and multi-modal response spectrum analysis
Add-on Module
Seismic and static load analysis using the multi-modal response spectrum analysis
Add-on Module
Nonlinear dynamic analysis to external excitations
Add-on Module
Modeling piping systems
Add-on Module
Piping design and pipe stress analysis
Add-on Module
Form-finding of tensile membrane and cable structures
Add-on Module
Generation of cutting patterns for tensile membrane structures
Add-on Module
Deformation and deflection analysis of members and sets of members
Add-on Module
Generation of load cases from moving loads for members and sets of members
Add-on Module
Generation of load cases from moving loads for surfaces
Add-on Module
Generation of equivalent geometric imperfections and pre-deformed initial structures for nonlinear calculations
Add-on Module
Stability analysis according to the eigenvalue method
Add-on Module
Soil-structure interaction analysis and determination of elastic foundation coefficients based on soil data
Add-on Module
Generation of influence lines and surfaces due to constant internal forces
Add-on Module
Consideration of nonlinear material laws
Add-on Module
Consideration of construction stages during a building phase
Add-on Module
Deflection analysis and stress design of laminate and sandwich surfaces
Add-on Module
Programmable interface (API) based on the COM technology
Add-on Module
RFEM interface for data import in the formats Step, IGES, ACIS
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