Question:
Is it possible in RFEM or RSTAB to define a nodal support in such a way that it does not absorb any lifting forces?
Answer:
It is possible to provide nodal supports with nonlinear properties (failure criteria for tensile or compressive forces, working and stiffness diagrams).
The list of nonlinearities includes the following options:
• Failure of the structural component if the support force or moment is negative or positive
• Complete support failure if the support force or moment is negative or positive
• Partial activity
• Diagram
• Friction depending on the remaining support forces
Failure if support force/moment is negative or positive
Both options represent an easy way to control whether the support can only take positive or negative forces/moments: If the internal force (a force or a moment) acts in the prohibited direction, this particular component of the support fails. The remaining restraints stay effective.
Failure all if support force/moment negative or positive
In contrast to the above-mentioned failure of a single component, the support fails completely once the component is ineffective.
Supports acting nonlinearly are displayed by a different color in the graphic. In the table, the support elements with nonlinear properties are indicated by a blue check box.
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