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.
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Bolt holes in thin-walled cross-sections calculated with the “Thin-Walled Analysis” design method can be modeled using null elements.
In general, you can use null elements to bridge failure locations or holes in the cross-section, for example, if the cross-section only has a hole at this analyzed member location and before / after the complete cross-section provides the connection in the member. Using the null element, it is possible to transfer the shear in the failure location, and also to apply Steiner's components to the section properties.
In the case of a null element, the thickness t is equal to zero. For the calculation of shear stresses, the thickness of the adjacent elements is used as usual, as these elements exist in front of and behind the hole (viewed in the longitudinal direction of the member). For the shear thickness t *, we recommend specifying the thickness of the thinnest element adjacent to the null element.
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.