To avoid these problems, RFEM provides the "Round Node Coordinates" option under "Tools" -> "Regenerate Model". This option is also available in RSTAB.
Cleaning "Numerical Pollution" After DXF Import
During the cooperation between the structural and design engineers, the DXF format is often used if there is no direct interface. However, the geometrical data of these DXF files are not always accurate. For example, an inaccuracy in the third decimal place is not noticeable, but it can lead to numerical problems when generating the FE mesh in RFEM.
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The individually defined printout reports in an RFEM or RSTAB model can be displayed in different ways.
The interface to Autodesk Revit is installed automatically during the installation of RFEM 5 or RSTAB 8. Subsequent installation of the plug‑in is possible through the execution of Revit-Installer.exe.
In the age of BIM, data exchange between the various disciplines of structural engineering is becoming increasingly important. Since each software has its own specifications with regard to the description of cross-sections and materials, RFEM and RSTAB offer a conversion table (mapping file).
The ISM file (ISM = Integrated Structural Modeling) in RFEM and RSTAB provides an interesting option for exchanging data. If you export a model to this data format, you can view and analyze it with the free ISM viewer from Bentley.
![Visualization of Haixi Solar Power Plant, China
(© Cockerill Maintenance & Ingenierie s.a. [CMI])](/en/webimage/019788/2952722/Sonnekraftwerk1.jpg?mw=350&hash=7e081df07564a2c98a32b94a13c44a1ce7678610)
- 3D incompressible wind flow analysis with OpenFOAM® software package
- Direct model import from RFEM or RSTAB including neighboring and terrain models (3DS, IFC, STEP files)
- Model design via STL or VTP files independent of RFEM or RSTAB
- Simple model changes using Drag and Drop and graphical adjustment assistance
- Automatic corrections of the model topology with shrink wrap networks
- Option to add objects from the environment (buildings, terrain ...)
- Wind load determined over the height of the building, depending on standard-specific parameters (velocity, turbulence intensity)
- K-epsilon and K-omega turbulence models
- Automatic mesh generation adjusted to the selected depth of detail
- Parallel calculation with optimal utilization of the capacity of multicore computers
- Results in just minutes for low-resolution simulations (up to 1 million cells)
- Results within a few hours for simulations with medium/high resolution (1‑10 million cells)
- Graphical display of results on the Clipper/Slicer planes (scalar and vector fields)
- Graphical display of streamlines
- Streamline animation (optional video creation)
- Definition of point and line probes
- Display of aerodynamic pressure coefficients
- Graphical display of turbulence properties in the wind field
- Optional meshing using the boundary layer option for the area near the model surface
- Consideration of rough model surfaces possible
- Optional use of a seond-order numerical Order
- Multilingual user interface (for example, German, English, Spanish, French)
- Documentation possible in the RFEM and RSTAB printout report
Rely on the Dlubal programs even in windy matters. RFEM and RSTAB provide a special interface for exporting models (that is, structures defined by members and surfaces) to RWIND 2. There, the wind directions to be analyzed for your project are defined by means of related angular positions about the vertical model axis. Furthermore, the elevation-dependent wind profile and turbulence intensity profile are defined on the basis of a wind standard. These specifications result in specific load cases, depending on the angle. For this, the fluid parameters, turbulence model properties, and iteration parameters that are all stored globally are helpful. You can extend these load cases by partial editing in the RWIND 2 environment using terrain or environment models from STL vector graphics.
As an alternative, you can also run RWIND 2 manually and without the interface application in RFEM or RSTAB. In this case, the structures and terrain environment in the program are directly modeled by imported STL and VTP files. You can define the height-dependent wind load and other fluid-mechanical data directly in RWIND 2.
Due to its versatile applicability, RWIND 2 is always at your side to support you in your individual projects.
Work on your models with efficient and precise calculations in the digital wind tunnel. RWIND 2 uses a numerical CFD model (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to simulate wind flows around objects. Specific wind loads are generated from the simulation process for RFEM or RSTAB.
RWIND 2 performs this simulation using a 3D volume mesh. The program provides automatic meshing; you can easily set the entire mesh density as well as the local mesh refinement on the model using a few parameters. A numerical solver for incompressible turbulent flows is used to calculate the wind flows and the surface pressures on the model. The results are then extrapolated to your model. RWIND 2 is designed to work with different numerical solvers.
We currently recommend using the OpenFOAM® software package, which has provided very good results in our tests and is also a frequently used tool for CFD simulations. Alternative numerical solvers are under development.
Always keep an eye on your results. In addition to the resulting load cases in RFEM or RSTAB (see below), the results from the aerodynamics analysis in RWIND 2 represent the flow problem as a whole:
- Pressure on structure surface
- Pressure field about structure geometry
- Velocity field about structure geometry
- Velocity vectors about structure geometry
- Flow lines about structure geometry
- Forces on member-shaped structures that were originally generated from member elements
- Convergence diagram
- Direction and size of the flow resistance of the defined structures
These results are displayed in the RWIND 2 environment and evaluated graphically. The flow results around the structure geometry in the overall display are rather confusing, but the program has a solution for this. In order to present clearly arranged results, freely movable section planes are displayed for the separate display of the 'solid results' in a plane. Accordingly, for the 3D branched streamline result, the program presents you an animated display in the form of moving lines or particles in addition to the static one. This option helps to represent the wind flow as a dynamic effect.
You can export all results as a picture or, especially for the animated results, as a video.
Do you have a list of FAQs in Excel, for example, to give us with an overview of the existing FAQ?
I have imported a DXF file to RFEM. Unfortunately, the scaling of the model is not correct and has to be reduced. How can I change the scale?
Is it possible to lock graphics in the printout report?
Can I use RFEM to calculate a log house three-dimensionally?
In the global calculation parameters, the "Exceptional handling" option for members is grayed out and cannot be activated. What is the reason?
Where can I find the internal forces at certain nodes in the printout report?
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