4941x

2021-05-28

Question

How can I import an IGES or STEP file into RFEM?

Answer:

For the import of the *.igs or *.stp (STEP) files, the RX‑LINK add-on module is required (see Image 01). The export is currently not possible.

Furthermore, it is possible to import a model with the CAD/BIM option. After selecting the file to be imported, it can be activated in the Options tab of the "New Model - General Data" dialog box (see Image 02). This option allows you to additionally convert the geometric elements directly into members, surfaces, or solids after the import (see Image 03).

FAQ

FAQ 004161 | How can I import an IGES or STEP file into RFEM?

Additional Import Options via RF-LINK Module

Activating CAD/BIM Option After Selecting File to be Imported

Conversion of Imported Elements into Members, Surfaces, or Solids

Do you have any questions?

Events

2024-05-08

Online Training

RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to Reinforced Concrete Design

2024-05-23

Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dlubal Support Team

Webinar

Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dlubal Support Team | May 2024

2024-10-23

Online Training

RSECTION 1 | Students | Introduction to Strength of Materials

2024-10-30

Online Training

RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to FEM

2024-11-13

Online Training

RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to Reinforced Concrete Design

Videos

FAQ

FAQ 004161 | How can I import an IGES or STEP file into RFEM?

Length: 00:00:53 min

Knowledge Base

KB 000696 | Generating Member Load Using Free Line Load

Length: 00:00:38 min

Knowledge Base

KB 000712 | Modeling Pipe Surface

Length: 00:00:31 min

Knowledge Base

KB 000670 | Saving and Importing Diagrams for Member Hinges

Length: 00:00:34 min

FAQ

[EN] FAQ 004830 | How do I activate pipeline modeling?

Length: 00:00:00 min

FAQ

[EN] FAQ 001062 | I have calculated a box girder. Which surface results or surface stresses ...

Length: 00:01:00 min

Event

Plate and Shell Modeling in RFEM - Part 2

Length: 01:06:55 min

Event

Plate and Shell Modeling in RFEM - Part 1

Length: 01:06:05 min

FAQ

FAQ 004157 | How can I remove a web stiffener or an end plate for the connection design in the FRAME...

Length: 00:00:46 min

Playlist

Models to Download

322x

24x

Piping - U Compensator

Model 004273 | Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert

774x

51x

Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert

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Double Sewer Culvert

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Truncated Icosahedron

1160x

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Icosahedron

828x

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Double Culvert

569x

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Concrete Culvert

1231x

Plate Funnel

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Omega Tube

Knowledge Base Articles

Not all structural elements of a real building are included in a structural model. As an example, we can look at a pipe that runs along a steel girder frame.

It may become necessary to analyze pipe cross‑sections as surface models in plant engineering in particular, but also when analyzing details of structural systems. For this purpose, RFEM offers the option to create pipe cross‑sections automatically by means of a line.

In many cases, it is necessary to filter the results for the display of values on surfaces so as not to show all the numbers. In displaying the reinforcement arrangement, you can, for example, hide values that are below the already used basic reinforcement.

Saving and Importing Diagrams for Member Hinges

In RFEM 5 and RSTAB 8, it is possible to assign nonlinearities to member hinges. In addition to the nonlinearities "Fixed if" and "Partial activity", you can select "Diagram". If you select the "Diagram" option, you have to specify the according settings for the activity of the member hinge. For the individual definition points, it is necessary to specify the abscissa and ordinate values (deformations or rotations and the according internal forces) that define the hinge.

Screenshots

Additional Import Options via RF-LINK Module

Activating CAD/BIM Option After Selecting File to be Imported

Conversion of Imported Elements into Members, Surfaces, or Solids

RFEM Model of Airedale Swing Bridge in Closed State

Airedale Swing Bridge in Rodley, United Kingdom

Airedale Swing Bridge Under Construction

Feature 002639 | Calculation of Initial Stiffness Sj,ini

Connection - Torsional Stiffnesses in RFEM

Product Features

Graphical Representation of Pipelines with Loads in RFEM

After activating the RF‑PIPING add‑on module, a new toolbar is available in RFEM and the project navigator and tables are extended. The piping system is now modeled in the same way as the members. Pipe bends are defined simultaneously by tangents (straight pipe sections) and radius. Thus, it is easy to subsequently change bend parameters.

It is also possible to extend the piping subsequently by defining special components (expansion joints, valves, and others). The implemented libraries of structural components facilitate the definition.

Continuous pipe sections are defined as sets of piping systems.
For piping loads, member loads are assigned to the respective load cases. The combination of loads is included in piping load combinations and result combinations.
After the calculation, you can display deformations, member internal forces, and support forces graphically or in tables.

Pipe stress analysis according to standards can then be performed in the RF‑PIPING Design add‑on module. You only need to select the relevant sets of piping systems and load situations.

RF-/DYNAM Pro - Equivalent Loads Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB | Generation of Equivalent Earthquake Loads

Response spectra in accordance with different standards
The following standards are implemented:
- EN 1998-1:2010 + A1:2013 (European Union)
- DIN 4149:1981-04 (Germany)
- DIN 4149:2005-04 (Germany)
- IBC 2000 (USA)
- IBC 2009-ASCE/SEI 7-05 (USA)
- IBC 2012/15 - ASCE/SEI 7-10 (USA)
- IBC 2018 - ASCE/SEI 7-16 (USA)
- ÖNORM B 4015:2007-02 (Austria)
- NTC 2018 (Italy)
- NCSE-02 (Spain)
- SIA 261/1:2003 (Switzerland)
- SIA 261/1:2014 (Switzerland)
- SIA 261/1: 2020 (Switzerland)
- O.G. 23089 + OG 23390 (Turkey)
- SANS 10160-4 2010 (South Africa)
- SBC 301:2007 (Saudi Arabia)
- GB 50011 - 2001 (China)
- GB 50011 - 2010 (China)
- NBC 2015 (Canada)
- DTR BC 2-48 (Algeria)
- DTR RPA99 (Algeria)
- CFE Sismo 08 (Mexico)
- CIRSOC 103 (Argentina)
- NSR - 10 (Colombia)
- IS 1893:2002 (India)
- AS1170.4 (Australia)
- NCh 433 1996 (Chile)
The following National Annexes according to EN 1998‑1 are available:
- DIN EN 1998-1/NA:2011-01 (Germany)
- ÖNORM EN 1991-1-1:2011-09 (Austria)
- NBN - ENV 1998-1-1: 2002 NAD-E/N/F (Belgium)
- ČSN EN 1998-1/NA:2007 (Czech Republic)
- NF EN 1998-1-1/NA:2014-09 (France)
- UNI-EN 1991-1-1/NA:2007 (Italy)
- NP EN 1998-1/NA:2009 (Portugal)
- SR EN 1998-1/NA:2004 (Romania)
- STN EN 1998-1/NA:2008 (Slovakia)
- SIST EN 1998-1:2005/A101:2006 (Slovenia)
- CYS EN 1998-1/NA:2004 (Cyprus)
- NA to BS EN 1998-1:2004:2008 (United Kingdom)
- NS-EN 1998-1:2004 + A1:2013/NA:2014 (Norway)
User-defined response spectra
Direction-relative response spectrum approach
Relevant mode shapes for the response spectrum can be selected manually or automatically (5% rule from EC 8 can be applied)
Generated equivalent static loads are exported to load cases, separately for each modal contribution and separately for each direction
Result combinations by modal superposition (SRSS and CQC rule) and direction superposition (SRSS or 100% / 30% rule)
Signed results based on the dominant eigenmode can be displayed

Graphical Representation of Pipeline Analysis Results in RFEM

After modeling piping systems in RFEM using RF‑PIPING and defining loads as well as load and result combinations, you can carry out pipe stress analysis in the RF‑PIPING Design add‑on module.

You can select all or only some pipelines and loads, load or result combinations for piping design. The material library provides various materials according to EN 13480‑3, ASME B31.1‑2012, and ASME B31.3‑2012 standards.

After the calculation, the results are displayed in clearly arranged windows; for example, by cross‑section, by pipeline, or by members. You can also display the design ratio graphically on the entire model in RFEM. This way, you can quickly recognize critical or oversized areas of the cross-section.

In addition to the input and result data, including design details displayed in tables, you can add all graphics into the printout report. This way, comprehensible and clearly arranged documentation is guaranteed. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual designs.

RF-PIPING Design Add-on Module for RFEM | Design of Pipelines

Design according to EN 13480-3, ASME B31.1-2012, and ASME B31.3-2012
Check of the minimum required wall thickness of the pipes, taking into account manufacturing allowances, corrosion, and welding factor
Analysis of stresses due to sustained loads, sustained and occasional loads as well as due to thermal expansion
Result documentation with tables and graphics in the RFEM printout report