The structural analysis software RFEM 6 is the basis of a modular software system. The main program RFEM 6 is used to define structures, materials, and loads of planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, and members. The program also allows you to create combined structures as well as to model solid and contact elements.
RSTAB 9 is a powerful analysis and design software for 3D beam, frame, or truss structure calculations, reflecting the current state of the art and helping structural engineers meet requirements in modern civil engineering.
Do you often spend too long calculating cross-sections? Dlubal Software and the RSECTION stand-alone program facilitate your work by determining section properties of various cross-sections and performing a subsequent stress analysis.
Do you always know where the wind is blowing from? From the direction of innovation, of course! With RWIND 2, you have a program at your side that uses a digital wind tunnel for the numerical simulation of wind flows. The program simulates these flows around any building geometry and determines the wind loads on the surfaces.
Are you looking for an overview of snow load zones, wind zones, and seismic zones? Then you are in the right place. Use the Geo-Zone Tool to determine quickly and efficiently snow loads, wind speeds, and seismic data according to ASCE 7‑16 and other international standards.
Would you like to try out the capabilities of the Dlubal Software programs? You have the opportunity to do so! The free 90-day full version allows you to thoroughly test all our programs.
In the RSECTION program, you can analyze general steel or aluminum cross-sections and determine the effective section properties. For this, you need the Effective Sections program extension of RSECTION. If you have licensed this add-on, you can activate the Effective Section option for the calculation in the Base Data of the cross-section.
Then, define the standard according to which the calculation should be performed. Currently, the following options are available:
The effective section properties depend on the internal forces of the cross-section. Therefore, create a load case and define one or more internal force constellations.
After the calculation, the effective section properties are displayed in the table. In the graphic, you can check the stresses on the effective section.
Once you have saved the cross-section, you can import it into RFEM or RSTAB to use it for further analyses.
The webinar Determination of Section Properties and Stress Analysis in RSECTION shows the modeling and calculation of a cold-formed section. You can find further information there.
Both RFEM and RSTAB provide solution: There are numerous European and international standards as well as add-ons available for both programs that can facilitate your daily design work of aluminum and lighweight structures.
Main Programs RFEM and RSTAB
The main programs RFEM and RSTAB are used to define the model with its properties and actions. In addition to spatial beam structures, such as scaffolding or frame structures, you can also model membrane structures with RFEM. Thus, RFEM is the more versatile variant—especially if you work in other areas, such as solid construction.
Available Standards
Add-ons for Aluminum and Lightweight Structure
Design add-ons supplement the functionality of the main programs. Use the Aluminum Design add-on to perform the ultimate and serviceability limit state design, as well as the stability analysis according to the standards listed above. The Torsional Warping (7 DOF) add-on allows you to also perform lateral-torsional buckling analysis with up to seven degrees of freedom.
The design checks can be carried out for a large number of standardized and parameterized cross-sections. Lightweight structures often includes special cross-sections, such as extruded sections. You can define it with the program RSECTION and use it for the design in RFEM or RSTAB.
In the case of membrane and cable structures, the Form-Finding add-on facilitates your task to determine the shape of member and surface models subjected to axial forces.
In case of any questions about the Dlubal solution for aluminum and lightweight structures, our sales team will be happy to assist you.
RFEM allows you to perform structural analysis and design of laminate and sandwich structures. The same applies to the cross-laminated timber. Stress and deflection analysis of laminate and sandwich surfaces is performed according to the laminate theory, taking into account the shear coupling.
Programs and Add-ons
RFEM is the main program that you can use to define the model and actions. You can model planar and spatial structures, consisting of plates, walls, shells, and members.
For the stress and deflection analysis, you need the Multilayer Surfaces add-on. It allows you to define and analyze layer structures.
Use the Timber Design add-on to also design the member supporting elements of the structure according to Eurocode 5 or ANSI/AWC NDS, for example.
Dynamic Analysis
If you need to perform a seismic or vibration analysis, the corresponding Dynamic Analysis add-ons are the perfect tools for determining natural frequencies and mode shapes, or for the analysis of external excitations.
In case of any questions about the Dlubal timber design solutions, our sales team will be happy to assist you.