The design of cold-formed steel members according to the AISI S100-16 is now available in RFEM 6. Design can be accessed by selecting “AISC 360” as the standard in the Steel Design add-on. “AISI S100” is then automatically selected for the cold-formed design (Image 01).
In RFEM and RSTAB, parametrization provides you with many options, especially for recurring structural elements. Within the parametrization tool, you can access the internal values of a model; for example, the values of a selected cross‑section. The following example shows how this can work.
Parametric input allows you to enter the model data and load data in a specific way so they are dependent on certain variables (parameters). You can enter the parameters directly or calculate them from other parameters and constants, and furthermore, it is possible to access the cross-section values. This can be useful, for example, when calculating precambers, depending on the standard.
Model and load objects can be defined graphically or in tables, or they can be created using parameters (see the manual). With this parameterized input, you can also access the cells of certain tables of the program. In this way, it is possible to link a load parameter with a model data parameter, for example. The reference is created by the $ sign.
With the "Convert Area Loads on Openings to Line Loads" function, you can automatically take into account, for example, wind loads applied on windows or other loads applied on non‑bearing structures not represented in the model in openings. You can access this function via "Tools" → "Generate Loads" → "From Area Loads on Openings...."
The averaged internal forces from the previously defined average regions can also be used for designing concrete surfaces. To do this, click [Details] in RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces, then select the corresponding check box. This function is accessible only if you previously defined an average region.
The network licenses of Dlubal Software provide a very convenient solution for engineering offices as well as for users who are often on the move. This can be helpful if you are in a consulting meeting with a building owner and want to directly apply the current changes and show the solution immediately. You only need an Internet and a VPN connection in your office to access all your purchased licenses.
As in RFEM, load combinations can be generated automatically in RF‑PIPING. This feature is activated by default and creates the recommended load and result combinations for piping design. It is necessary to assign the relevant action category to load cases in order to generate the correct combinations. To do this, new action categories have been implemented specifically for loads on piping. Pressure temperature conditions are generated as the sets of the first (second, third, and so on) load case of the "Pressure" category and the first (second, third, and so on) load case of the "Temperature" category. The default setting can be reviewed or adjusted in the "Grouping of Thermal and Internal Pressure Load Cases for Operating Combinations" dialog box. You can access this dialog box by clicking the corresponding button in the "Piping Load Combinations" tab of the "Load Cases and Combinations" dialog box. This dialog box is automatically offered to check your entries in the case of any change of the load case from the "Pressure" or "Temperature" category.
You may already be familiar with the "Center of Gravity and Info" function, which can be accessed using the shortcut menu of any element. If you want to display this information on several elements consecutively, you have to close the dialog box and open the shortcut menu of the next element over and over again.
The geometry data of an RFEM model are currently managed in 29 tables, so not all of the tabs are displayed at once. To open a particular table, we recommend using the navigation menu that you can open by right-clicking on any tab. A shortcut menu appears, where you can quickly access the desired input table.