RFEM 5 has been tested and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) as a universal structural analysis software for government projects.
Structural Bridge Analysis and Design Software
3D Finite Element Analysis and Design
Structural engineering FEA software RFEM is the basis of a modular software system. 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.
Analysis & Design of Frame/Beam/Truss Structures
Structural frame analysis and design software RSTAB contains a similar range of functions as RFEM, with special attention to beam, frame and truss structures. Therefore, it is very easy to use and for many years it has been the best choice for structural analysis.
Wind Simulation & Wind Load Generation
Use the stand-alone program RWIND Simulation for complex structures. This program simulates wind flows around any structures by means of a digital wind tunnel.
The generated wind loads acting on these objects can be imported to RFEM or RSTAB.
More Add-on Modules for Bridge Construction Design
Depending on the material used in bridge constructions, you can find more useful add-on modules for structural analysis and design under the Steel Structures, Concrete Structures and Timber Structures industries.
Other useful add-on modules:
- RF-/STAGES - Consideration of Construction Stages
- RF-MOVE/RSMOVE - Generation of Moving Loads on Members
- RF-MOVE Surfaces - Generation of Moving Loads on Surfaces
- RF-INFLUENCE - Determination of Influence Lines and Surfaces
Interfaces for Data Exchange
The structural analysis software provided by Dlubal can be seamlessly integrated into the Building Information Modeling (BIM) process. A variety of interfaces allows you to exchange data from digital building models with RFEM or RSTAB.
Support and Learning
Customer service is one of the fundamental pillars of the Dlubal Software company philosophy. We also offer you all the support you need for your daily work.
Contact us
Do you have any questions about our products or need advice on selecting the products needed for your projects?
Contact us via our free e-mail, chat, or forum support or find various suggested solutions and useful tips on our FAQ page.
PennDOT Certificate


Calculation of Stiffened Buckling Panels According to EN 1993-1-5, 4.5
In SHAPE-THIN 8, the effective cross-section of stiffened buckling panels can be calculated according to EN 1993-1-5, Cl. 4.5.
The critical buckling stress is calculated according to EN 1993-1-5, Annex A.1 for buckling panels with at least 3 longitudinal stiffeners or according to EN 1993-1-5, Annex A.2 for buckling panels with one or two stiffeners in the compression zone. The design for torsional buckling safety is also performed.
- How do I determine wind loads on structures of any shape?
- Is it possible to switch the page layout of the printout report to the format according to Book 504 (Bridge Construction)?
- How do I define temperature loads on a composite beam?
- What is the difference between the "rib" and "eccentric beam" member types?
- How to activate or start the module RF- / STEEL Wölbkrafttorsion?
- How can I display the deformation in the current construction stage and in relation to the initial system in RF‑STAGES?
- Is it also possible to specify a cable length in RF‑FORM‑FINDING?
- How is it possible to consider the real cross-section geometry of member elements in RWIND Simulation?
- Is it possible to define orthotropic surface loads in RFEM? I would like to subject a surface to different temperature loads by a direction.
- The calculation of my model results in unrealistically high stresses at many locations. What is the reason?
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