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SVT 016 | Roof Membrane Form-Finding
Video
First Steps with RFEM
Description
This Short Video Tutorial displays how to design and calculate membrane structures with the RF-FORM-FINDING add-on module in RFEM. The calculation is performed according to the URS (Updated Reference Strategy) method.
Keywords
Dlubal SVT RF-FORM-FINDING Form-finding Updated Reference Strategy (URS) Membrane Membrane structures Membrane surface Membrane construction Membrane stress Sun sail shade Roof membrane SHORT VIDEO TUTORIAL Dlubal Short Video Dlubal Tutorial
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![Basic Shapes of Membrane Structures [1]](/-/media/Images/website/img/000001-010000/009501-009600/009595.png?la=en&mw=219&mlid=BB9B6DF464114933A8BF35C013726AB7&hash=E76185B7311B55F6EFAFDC74116F40902692ED0D)
Specific Requirements of Membrane Structures
This paper is focused on the specific aspects of designing membrane structures that have specific requirements, such as form-finding and cutting pattern generation. These topics are the focus of many research works, and many methods have been proposed to achieve the desired results. However, in this paper these issues will be discussed more from a practical than a theoretical point of view. The paper will be followed by examples that will complement the topic under discussion and show the special attention required during the design process.

Compared to the RF-/ALUMINUM add-on module (RFEM 5/RSTAB 8), the following new features have been added to the Aluminum Design add-on for RFEM 6/RSTAB 9:
- In addition to Eurocode 9, the US standard ADM 2020 is integrated
- Consideration of the stabilizing effect of purlins and sheets by rotational restraints and shear panels
- Graphical display of the results in the gross section
- Output of the used design check formulas (including a reference to the used equation from the standard)
- What method is applied in the RF‑/DYNAM Pro - Equivalent Loads add-on module?
- It is not possible to enter a nonlinear stress-strain curve. The diagram is initially displayed correctly, but then an error message appears saying that the positive values have to be only entered in ascending order. How can I avoid this message?
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The limit stress is activated, but my stress ratio is “non-designable” in the Stress-Strain Analysis add-on. What could be the reason?
- How do I define a member as a cantilever and not as supported at both ends for serviceability or deflection design?
- Why do the results in a modal analysis differ between the initial prestress and the surface load?
- Where can I find the materials for the corresponding National Annexes in RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9?
- How do I apply wind load on members of open structures?
- Although I have modeled two identical structural systems, I obtain a different shape. Why?
- I encountered a sharing violation while importing a dxf file into SHAPE‑THIN. What is the issue?
- How do I define a member as a cantilever and not as supported at both ends for serviceability or deflection design?