Knowledge Base

Useful Program Features

Dlubal Software programs and add-on modules include a wide range of powerful features. In addition to product features, you can find here technical articles and application examples.

Furthermore, this overview provides you with several handy tips and tricks for your work with RFEM and RSTAB.

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New 001487 Technical Article Steel Structures Stress Analysis SHAPE-THIN Stand-Alone Programs

Redistributing Shear Stresses from Null Elements

SHAPE-THIN allows you to calculate section properties and stresses of any cross-sections. If a flange or a web is weakened by bolt holes, you can consider this by using null elements. The stresses are subsequently recalculated with the reduced cross-section values. In this case, it is necessary to pay special attention to shear stresses. By default, these are set to zero in the area of the null elements. When recalculating shear stresses with the reduced cross-section values and without further adaptation, it turns out that the integral of the shear stresses is no longer equal to the applied shear force. The following example shows in detail how to calculate the shear stress.
New 001486 Technical Article Steel Structures Stability Analysis RFEM RSTAB Modeling | Loading Eurocode 3

Imperfections According to EN 1993-1-1 Clause 5.3.2: Bow Imperfection

According to EN 1993‑1‑1 [1], it is necessary to use the equivalent geometric imperfections with values that reflect the possible effects of all types of imperfections. EN 1993‑1‑1, Clause 5.3, specifies basic imperfections for the global analysis of frames as well as member imperfections.
New 001485 Technical Article RFEM RSTAB Modeling | Loading ASCE 7

Generating Wind Loads on Walls and Roofs According to ASCE/SEI 7-16

RFEM and RSTAB allow you to easily consider wind load effects on a three-dimensional building according to ASCE/SEI 7‑16 [1]. This article explains the complex theory of entering wind loads in the software. You can find the wind load under 'Tools' → 'Generate Loads' → 'From Wind Loads'.
New 001484 Technical Article Tensile Membrane Structures Form-Finding and Cutting Patterns RF-CUTTING-PATTERN Add-on Modules

Cutting Pattern of Membranes and Cable Elements

Cable and tensile membrane structures are regarded as very slender and aesthetic building constructions. The partly very complex double-curved shapes can be found using suitable form-finding algorithms. A possible solution is, for example, to search the form via the equilibrium between the surface stress (provided prestress and an additional load such as self-weight, pressure, etc.) and the given boundary conditions.
New 001483 Tips & Tricks Steel Structures Stability Analysis RF-/STEEL AISC Add-on Modules ANSI/AISC 360

RF-/STEEL AISC Mode Shapes

After running an analysis in RF-/STEEL AISC, the mode shapes for sets of members can be viewed graphically in a separate window. Select the relevant set of members in the result window and click the [Mode Shapes] button.
New 001482 Technical Article Concrete Structures RF-CONCRETE CONCRETE Add-on Modules Eurocode 2

Displaying Curtailment of Longitudinal Reinforcement and Reinforcement Covering Line

In the case of a huge amount of reinforcement, it might be useful to grade the longitudinal reinforcement of a beam. The grading corresponds to the tensile force distribution. Using RF-CONCRETE Members and CONCRETE, you can specify the curtailment of the reinforcement, which is considered in the automatically proposed reinforcement for the longitudinal reinforcement. When determining this reinforcement proposal, it is necessary to ensure that the envelope of the acting tensile force can be absorbed.
New 001481 Tips & Tricks Structural Analysis & Design RFEM RSTAB Printout Report

Visual Model Check Using Print to 3D PDF

The 3D PDF functionality allows you to display three-dimensional models from RFEM or RSTAB in a 3D PDF.
New 001480 Technical Article Concrete Structures RF-CONCRETE Add-on Modules Eurocode 2

Downstand Beams, Ribs, T-Beams: Deformation and Deflection in Cracked State

RFEM and the RF-CONCRETE add-on modules provide various options for the deformation analysis of a T-beam in cracked state (state II). This technical article describes the calculation methods (C) and modelling options (M). Both the calculation methods and the modelling options are not limited to T-beams, but will only be explained using an example of this system.
New 001479 Technical Article Nonlinear Analysis RFEM Modeling | Structure

Hardening Parameters in Nonlinear Material Models

Strain hardening is the material ability to reach a higher stiffness by redistributing (stretching) microcrystals in the crystal lattice of the structure. A distinction is made between the material isotropic hardening as scalar quantities or tensorial kinematic hardening.
001478 Technical Article Concrete Structures RF-/FOUNDATION Pro Add-on Modules Eurocode 7

Influence of Ground Water Level on Design in RF-/FOUNDATION Pro

Using RF-/FOUNDATION Pro, it is possible to perform geotechnical design according to EN 1997‑1 [1] for single foundations. Subsequently, the program displays detailed information about the influence of the ground water level on the selected design according to EN 1997‑1.