Question

In RFEM 5 as well as RSTAB 8 in RF-/FOUNDATION Pro, you can save the foundation dimensions for all five foundation types as foundation templates in a user-defined database and use them later in other models.

In RF-/FOUNDATION Pro, the foundation design requires the definition of the corresponding loading (load cases, load combinations, or result combinations) for different design situations (STR, GEO, UPL, or EQU).

In RF‑/FOUNDATION Pro, reinforcement drawings are displayed after designing the foundation, where you can record all necessary structures of the reinforcement steel.

Foundations are assigned graphically by selecting supports using the [Select] function in the graphical user interface of RFEM/RSTAB and by specifying the load cases to be designed. You can define all other foundation details quickly and easily in clearly arranged input windows.

In addition to all support forces from RFEM/RSTAB, you can specify further loads to be considered when dimensioning the foundations. The following additional loadings are available:

• Pemanent surface load due to earth covering
• Negative surface load; for example, due to traffic
• Ground water level for uplift consideration
• Concentrated loads in any position on the foundation plate
• Line loads with any distribution over the foundation plate

The program creates a reinforcement proposal for the top and the bottom plate reinforcement. The program searches automatically for the most favorable reinforcement combination, with a mat and added rebars. If required, the rebars are distributed across two reinforcement areas by curtailment. It is possible to modify the reinforcement proposal individually by:

• Application of another mat type
• Individual control of diameter and spacing of added rebars
• Free selection of reinforcement area widths
• Individual curtailment of reinforcements

You can display the foundation in excellent rendering quality, including reinforcement. In the rendering, as well as in up to seven different dimensioned reinforcement drawings ready for construction, the module provides a solution proposal for bucket design. It is possible to modify the number, position, diameter, and spacing of used rebars here as well. You can also determine the shape of the applied links.

The dimensions of the foundation plate and bucket can be determined by the add-on module, or can be user-defined. Clearly arranged windows display the results of each performed design, including all intermediate values. They are covered in a reduced printout report providing a verifiable structural analysis.

It is possible to perform the following designs:

• Equilibrium limit state design
• Uplift limit state design
• Ground failure (soil contact pressure) design
• Strong eccentric loads design
• Design of foundation torsion and limitation of gaping joint
• Sliding design
• Settlement calculation
• Bending failure design of the plate and bucket
• Punching shear design

Foundation and bucket dimensions can be user-defined or determined by the module. You can edit the determined reinforcement manually. In this case, the designs are updated automatically.