To work even more efficiently, RF‑GLASS allows you to create and save different, user‑defined layer structures that can be reimported later or loaded in another project.
Warning Regarding Connection to Project
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When opening a model immediately after opening the program, there is a message window asking if you want to create a new project for the model in the Project Manager.
An individual user‑defined workspace can increase your productivity and make your daily work easier. This is why many users take the opportunity to adjust the toolbars in RFEM and RSTAB and to create their own toolbars containing the most frequently used commands.
In RFEM and RSTAB, you can work with the Project Manager. It allows you to create an entire project structure and to connect it with the folders on the local hard disk.
In RFEM 5 and RSTAB 8, it is useful to parameterize frequently occurring components with variable dimensions. In the Block Manager, you then can specify new dimensions and import them in a new or existing file.
Due to rapid development in the IT sector, including structural design, the trend is towards a global model. Large projects are rarely carried out by a single engineer. Unified project management is the key to successful work in major projects.
The same structures are often needed in several projects, such as the purlin with columns and braces in this example. The dimensions can be changed directly in RFEM or RSTAB by shifting the nodes.
The network-capable Project Manager controls the projects of all Dlubal Software applications in one central location. The projects are linked to the folders on the hard disk.
When updating within a version series (for example, RFEM 5.01.01 to 5.01.02), the old program files are removed and replaced by new ones. The project data, of course, remain unchanged. When updating to the next version series (for example, RFEM 5.02.01), the new version is installed in parallel. The program files are located in different directories, so the previous version is still available.
The name of the project/model from the General Data is shown in the header of the printout report by default. In RFEM 5 and RSTAB 8, the model name can be changed manually in the printout report independently of the actual name.
When evaluating line support forces, implausible diagrams sometimes arise at first glance. In particular, for variable loads at locations that also have a nodal support, at division points and edge locations of supported lines, the results sometimes show unexpected support reactions. Using the function of the linear smooth distribution in Project Navigator – Display does not always lead to the expected result diagram.
The Project Manager is installed by default when installing RFEM and RSTAB and it manages all projects and calculation files. In the Project Manager, you can link different projects to have a clear overview of the program files.
Lattice towers represent typical applications in steel construction. Examples of this special type of truss structure are antenna and overhead line towers, as well as columns for wind power stations, cable cars, and supporting frame constructions. The modeling can be done individually in RFEM and RSTAB by entering various tower elements. Furthermore, you can use different copy functions and parameterized input options. However, this procedure normally requires considerable effort. It is more convenient to model such structures using prefabricated catalog elements provided by the Block Manager. These elements are automatically stored in the database during program installation. Thus, you can use tower segments, platforms, antenna brackets, cable ducts, and so on as parameterized building blocks for generating diverse tower structures.
Building Information Modeling describes what is possibly one of the most important current topics in the entire construction software industry. However, the process is not that new, and it is a well-known fact that the total costs of a project can be positively influenced by good planning in the initial stage.
In order to use the working window area optimally for the graphical input of model data or for result evaluation, there are various options for arranging Project Navigator, the table, and the result panel.
When you receive an RFEM or RSTAB file for further processing, the structures will be displayed in the program using the display settings of the last editor. If the settings do not correspond to your requirements, you can simply right‑click the empty area in Project Navigator - Display and select "Dlubal Standard". This returns the settings to the default values.
During the optimization of a structure, the individual cross‑sections may have to be modified several times. This can be done very quickly using the function "Assign Graphically to Members", which is available under "Cross‑Sections" in Project Navigator – Data.
With RFEM 5.06 and RSTAB 8.06, the examples and help files for programming the COM interface are not only available on the Internet, they are also included in the installation. To find them, look for the "SDK" folder in the project directory (usually C:\Users\Public\Documents\Dlubal).
The network-capable Project Manager controls the projects of all Dlubal Software applications in one central location. A table displays the important information for each model and corresponding file. Now, you can set dimension and weight units in the program options.
A successful project process involves not only the building owner and the engineer, but also the designers. These days, they also have to design standard connections in steel structures themselves. To do this, the corresponding internal forces of connections are required.
In addition to the options of Project Navigator - Display, you can modify the visibility of structures (members, surfaces, and so on) and guide objects (dimensions, comments, guidelines, and so on) in the menu and toolbar using the shortcut menus.