The recently introduced Webservices gives users the ability to communicate with RFEM 6 using their programming language of choice. This feature is enhanced with our High Level Functions (HLF) Library. The libraries are available for Python, JavaScript, and C#. This article looks at a practical use case of programming a 2D Truss Generator with Python. "Learning by doing," as the saying goes.
According to EN 1992-1-1 [1], a beam is a member of which the span is no less than 3 times the overall section depth. Otherwise, the structural element should be considered as a deep beam. The behavior of deep beams (that is, beams with a span less than 3 times the section depth) is different from the behavior of normal beams (that is, beams with a span that is 3 times greater than the section depth).
However, designing deep beams is often necessary when analyzing the structural components of reinforced concrete structures, since they are used for window and door lintels, upstand and downstand beams, the connection between split-level slabs, and frame systems.
The support of the cross-laminated timber panel deserves special attention. Usually, a cross‑laminated wall is secured against shearing by means of shear connectors and against lifting forces by means of tie rods.
RF-CONCRETE Members for RFEM or CONCRETE for RSTAB propose an automatically created reinforcement to the user if the "Design the provided reinforcement" option is selected in Window 1.6 "Reinforcement".
Usually, the lifting forces acting on a structure, which mostly result from wind loads or a dynamic analysis, are transferred into the ground through ties.
The stiffening of timber structures is usually carried out by means of timber panels. For this purpose, structural components consisting of slabs (chipboard, OSB) are connected with members. Several articles will describe the basics of this construction method and the calculation in the RFEM program. This first article describes the basic determination of the stiffnesses as well as the calculation.
In Germany, DIN EN 1991-1-4 with the National Annex DIN EN 1991-1-4/NA regulates the wind loads. The standard applies to civil engineering works up to an altitude of 300 m.
If a canopy roof (for example, a filling station roof) should be designed, a load determination with regard to Section 7.3 of EN 1991-1-4 is required. This article shows the design of a slightly inclined troughed roof, with an example.
This article describes how a flat slab is generated as a 2D model in RFEM and the loading is applied according to Eurocode 1. The load cases are combined according to Eurocode 0 and calculated linearly. In the RF-CONCRETE Surfaces add-on module, the bending design of the slab is performed while taking into account the standard requirements of Eurocode 2. The reinforcement is complemented by a rebar reinforcement for areas that are not covered by the mesh basic reinforcement.
Since the ultimate limit state of beams in the area of openings is affected, particular attention should be paid to this. In general, small openings can be sufficiently covered by adapting the beam structure to the openings. For big openings, it is necessary to consider and model the area separately.
In the case of a large amount of reinforcement, it might be useful to grade the longitudinal reinforcement of a beam, which means: curtailment. 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.
The product range of Dlubal Software contains various modules for the design of steel and timber connections. The RF-/JOINTS Steel – Column Base add-on module allows you to analyze footings of hinged or restrained steel column bases. The fastener selection, foundation geometry, and material quality are crucial for the cost-effective and safe design of the column base.
In the construction process, it is often necessary to fabricate the concrete elements in sections. A classic example of this production in sections is the use of prefabricated downstand beams, in which the slab is completed in the onsite concrete construction. By creating a new concrete area, interfaces may arise between the already hardened concrete and the fresh concrete. The transfer of the longitudinal shear forces arising between the partial cross-sections must be considered in the design.
When designing column bases, high-performance anchors are often used for an anchorage. This article describes different models for a column footing and the evaluation thereof.
When analyzing structural components of reinforced concrete structures, it is often necessary to design deep beams. These are mainly used for window and door lintels, upstand and downstand beams, the connection between split-level slabs, and frame systems. If they are displayed as surfaces in RFEM, the evaluation of reinforcement results requires further steps.
In RF-/JOINTS Steel - Pinned, it is possible to design connections without a supporting structure (for example, columns). In this case, the beam is connected to an anchor plate. How is this kind of connection defined?