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.
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If you want to specify your own design results for a structural component of one design situation type for different configurations, the "Construction Stages Analysis (CSA)" add-on provides a solution. Among other things, this add-on allows you to perform a parallel simulation of a model with a constant number of objects. In this special case, the base model is internally juxtaposed several times, and can thus be transferred to the design with differently set design configurations.
For the conversion, you can proceed as follows:
The ASCE 7-22 standard provides several types of design spectra. In this FAQ, we would like to focus on the following two design spectra:
The two-period spectrum is implemented in the program as usual. However, based on the data available from the standard, only the horizontal design spectrum / MCER spectrum as well as the modification related to the force and displacement can be offered.
For the multi-period design spectrum, discrete numerical values are specified. ASCE 7‑22 states that these values can be queried on the USGS Seismic Design Geodatabase page. In the current state of development, you have the option to create a user-defined response spectrum with a g‑factor (depending on the mass conversion constant) to use the data from the ASCE 7 Hazard Tool [1], for example.
Please proceed as follows:
The main programs RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9 are distinguished by their clarity. The entire input in the program is set up in such a way that you always obtain a clear result for each calculation task. The design of objects is organized in a similar way. In the input, the program shows the necessary properties for each design object, including the corresponding loads, and outputs a clear result for this object after the analysis.
If you want to determine your own design results for the entire model for different load levels, the "Construction Stages Analysis (CSA)" add-on provides a solution. In addition to the basic simulation of the construction process (the object rise), the program also allows for parallel simulation of models with a constant number of objects. In this special case, the base model is internally juxtaposed several times, and can thus be transferred to the design with different loads.
To do this, proceed as follows:
This is not possible in RFEM 5 or the RF‑STAGES add-on module. However, it is possible in the new program generation. In the Construction Stage Analysis add-on for RFEM 6, you can now modify the properties of structural elements.
Yes, you can also export the response spectra from RFEM 6 and import them into RFEM 5 as a user-defined response spectrum. Please note that export and import via Excel may also have different columns/descriptions due to different versions.
Export your data in RFEM 6 to Excel.
If you want to import this table directly, you will get an error message. RFEM 5 expects a different worksheet description and two columns only.
As soon as you adjust the name in Excel and delete the column with the frequency results, you will be able to edit the response spectrum in RFEM 5.
Masses can be neglected in the modal analysis settings.
It is possible to neglect masses in all fixed nodal supports and line supports, or to create a selection of the individual objects.
To perform an earthquake analysis, you need a modal analysis and then a load case of the Response Spectrum Analysis type.
After you have performed your modal analysis, create a new load case. Here you will find the usual settings from the previous program generation.
In the Response Spectrum tab, you can define your response spectrum as usual. If you want to use a response spectrum according to the standard, make sure that the desired standard is selected in the general data of Standards II.
In the Selection of Modes tab, you can select the mode shapes and filter them, if necessary.
After the load case has been calculated, you obtain the results.