The new RF‑/DYNAM Pro - Natural Vibrations module has been available since RFEM version 5.04.xx and RSTAB version 8.04.xx were released. Masses can now be imported directly from load cases and load combinations.
In the DYNAM Pro add‑on module for RSTAB, you can now neglect masses that may have a negative effect on the equivalent mass factor when calculating eigenvalues. To do this, you can disable the masses under [Details]. These include primarily mass points located in the support of the structures.
Wind direction plays a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and the structural design of buildings and infrastructures. It is a determining factor in assessing how wind forces interact with structures, influencing the distribution of wind pressures, and consequently, the structural responses. Understanding the impact of wind direction is essential for developing designs that can withstand varying wind forces, ensuring the safety and durability of structures. Simplified, the wind direction helps in fine-tuning CFD simulations and guiding structural design principles for optimal performance and resilience against wind-induced effects.
In RF-/DYNAM Pro - Natural Vibrations, it is possible to transfer complete load cases/load combinations as masses. To do this, you can simply save the load case or the load combination to be considered as a mass case in the add‑on module.
The “Modal Analysis” add-on in RFEM 6 allows you to perform modal analysis of structural systems, thus determining natural vibration values such as natural frequencies, mode shapes, modal masses, and effective modal mass factors. These results can be used for vibration design, as well as for further dynamic analyses (for example, loading by a response spectrum).
As of the version 5.06.1103, masses of nodes, lines, members, and surfaces can be neglected in RF‑DYNAM Pro. The setting to activate this feature can be found in the Details dialog box; the neglected masses are valid for all defined mass cases.
Complex structures are assemblies of structural elements with various properties. However, certain elements can have the same properties in terms of supports, nonlinearities, end modifications, hinges, and so on, as well as design (for example, effective lengths, design supports, reinforcement, service classes, section reductions, and so on). In RFEM 6, these elements can be grouped on the basis of their shared properties and thus can be considered together for both modeling and design.
Concrete on its own is characterized by its compressive strength. An important part of reinforced concrete is reinforcing steel, which contributes to both the compressive and the tension resistance of the concrete. Welded wire fabric is generally located in the tension areas of the beams or surface elements (hollow core ceiling, wall, shell) to transfer the tensile forces induced by external loading.
Steel connections in RFEM 6 are defined as an assembly of components. In the new Steel Joints add-on, universally applicable basic components (plates, welds, auxiliary planes) are available for entering complex connection situations. The methods with which connections can be defined are considered in two previous Knowledge Base articles: “A Novel Approach to Designing Steel Joints in RFEM 6" and “Defining Steel Joint Components Using the Library".
Modal analysis is the starting point for the dynamic analysis of structural systems. You can use it to determine natural vibration values such as natural frequencies, mode shapes, modal masses, and effective modal mass factors. This outcome can be used for vibration design, and it can be used for further dynamic analyses (for example, loading by a response spectrum).