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2021-06-25

User-Defined Sections

Where are the user-defined cross-sections saved? How can I access them?


Answer:
There are two ways to enter cross-sections that are not included in the cross-section library into RFEM 5 and RSTAB 8.
1. Cross-section programs SHAPE‑THIN and SHAPE‑MASSIVE

User-defined cross-sections can be created by means of the cross-section programs SHAPE‑THIN and SHAPE‑MASSIVE. The SHAPE‑THIN and SHAPE‑MASSIVE cross-sections can be imported using the cross-section library. To do this, click the "Import Cross-Section from Program SHAPE‑THIN" or "Import Cross-Section from Program SHAPE‑MASSIVE" in the "New Cross-Section" dialog box (Image 01). In this dialog box, it is possible to select and import any cross-section. Please note that the cross-sections must be calculated and saved in SHAPE‑THIN or SHAPE‑MASSIVE before importing the cross-section properties. It is only possible to import each cross-section individually.

2. User-defined cross-section in RFEM 5 or RSTAB 8

If the cross-section properties of the manufacturer are known, they can be created in the cross-section library of RFEM 5 or RSTAB 8 using the option "Create New User-Defined Cross-Section" (Image 02). In contrast to the cross-sections created with SHAPE‑THIN or SHAPE‑MASSIVE, it is not possible to design these user-defined cross-sections in the add-on modules, such as RF‑/STEEL EC3, because the data necessary for the design, such as c/t-parts, is missing.

To access the user-defined cross-sections, click the "Load Saved User-Defined Cross-Sections" button in the cross-section library (Image 03).

The user-defined cross-sections from all models are saved in the EigProf.dat file. Even in the case of a version upgrade (for example, from X.19.XXXX to X.20.XXXX), these cross-sections will be imported. The storage location of the user-defined cross-section library can be determined using the program options (Image 04). It is possible to copy a user-defined cross-section library created on one workstation and paste it into the respective directory of the other workstation. The user-defined cross-sections are thus also available on the other workstation without having to import them again.


Author

Ms. von Bloh provides technical support for our customers and is responsible for the development of the SHAPE‑THIN program as well as steel and aluminum structures.