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SVT 018 | Cutting Patterns for Membrane Structures with RF-CUTTING-PATTERN
Video
First Steps with RFEM
Description
This Short Video Tutorial shows how to calculate and organize membrane structure cutting patterns with the RFEM add-on module RF-CUTTING-PATTERN.
Consider allowances in the flattening process due to overlaps and compensations in the warp and weft directions.
This video describes how to determine the final cutting pattern geometry including from the partial surface input to the DXF export and documentation.
Keywords
Dlubal SVT Cutting patterns Membrane Structure RF-CUTTING-PATTERN Geodesic cutting lines Cutting patterns Warp direction weft direction Overlaps DXF cutting pattern export Compensation Flattening process SHORT VIDEO TUTORIAL Dlubal Short Video Dlubal Tutorial
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Models to Download
Knowledge Base Articles
![Basic shapes of membrane structures [1] Basic shapes of membrane structures [1]](/-/media/Images/website/img/000001-010000/009501-009600/009595.png?h=138&la=en&mw=219&w=219&mlid=BB9B6DF464114933A8BF35C013726AB7&hash=6C307F268648E1BAAC263D61777B7EA5B067246F)
Specific Requirements of Membrane Structures
This paper is focused on the specific aspects of designing membrane structures which have specific requirements such as form-finding and cutting patterns generation. These topics are the focus of many research works and there are many methods proposed to achieve the desired results. However, in this paper these issues will be discussed more from the practical point of view than from the theoretical one. The paper will be followed by examples, which will complement the discussed topic and show the special attention required during the design process.
Screenshots
Product Features Articles

Display of Topology on Deformed Structure
With the activated option "Topology on form-finding shape" in the Project Navigator - Display, the model display is optimized based on the form-finding geometry. For example, the loads are displayed in relation to the deformed system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How can I influence the sag of the found shape in RF‑FORM‑FINDING?
- I cannot define the prestress separately for warp and weft in RF‑FORM‑FINDING. How can I activate it?
- How is it possible to create the cutting pattern geometry for a decorative sticker on a biaxially curved membrane roof?
- How are the properties of the elasticity and shear modulus of a membrane fabric with the usual force/length syntax transformed into the general force/surface syntax to be entered in RFEM?
- How do I model a suspended membrane roof structure with line supports?
- How do I model a tent roof with two cone tips?
- I would like to calculate and design "temporary structures." What do I need for this?
- I have already divided my membrane roof into individual surfaces. Can I quickly create a cutting pattern from these surfaces?
- How is an inflatable object simulated in RFEM?
- How can I define a material allowance at the edge of a cutting pattern?
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