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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In RFEM, built-up sections called Castellated Beams are available in the cross-section library. They allow you to place openings in the web of sections such as W-shapes for example. The layout of the openings is parametric where the diameter and spacing can be adjusted. These cross-sections can further be designed in the RF-STEEL AISC add-on module.
You can then set separate cross-sections for the start and end of the member allowing you to create a tapered section.
In order to recognize a cross-section as an I-section in RF‑/STEEL EC3, it is necessary to define a cross-section of the I-section type. This is the case with rolled and welded I-sections from the cross-section library, but not for built-up or modified cross-sections. Therefore, an ICM section (a modified cross-section) can no longer be automatically recognized as an I-section, for example.
The easiest way to design a cross-section with the General Method is to change the settings. You can also activate the design for other cross-sections using the "Enable also for non I-sections" option.
In timber design, beams are often built up of several timber elements. The individual elements can be connected with glue, nails, bolts, or dowels. A glued connection is to be assumed as rigid. In the case of dowel‑type fasteners, the joint is compliant (slip joint), and the cross‑section properties of the connected elements cannot be fully applied.
In RFEM and RSTAB, it is possible to consider the compliance (slip) of the connection in the individual layers. This can be done by specifying the coefficient of compliance gamma, which can be determined by means of the gamma method, for example according to EN 1995‑1‑1 (Annex B). By using this coefficient, the Steiner components of the cross-section parts are reduced, resulting in an effective bending stiffness.
In addition, it is possible to assign different materials to the individual cross‑section. To do this, use the "Hybrid" function, in which one of these materials is used as reference for the determination of the ideal cross-section properties.
The "gamma factor" can be determined according to EN 1995‑1‑1, Annex B. It depends, among other things, on the slip modulus of the fastener and their spacings, as well as the span.
However, this method has limitations. Therefore, you can also create a pure member model and read off or design the internal forces directly. This option is described in more detail in the Technical Article.