In the case of open cross-sections, the torsional load is removed mainly via secondary torsion, since the St. Venant torsional stiffness is low compared to the warping stiffness. Therefore, warping stiffeners in the cross-section are particularly interesting for the lateral-torsional buckling analysis, as they can significantly reduce the rotation. For this, end plates or welded stiffeners and sections are suitable.
In cross‑sections created in SHAPE‑THIN, the openings, such as bolt holes, can be modeled by using the elements with zero thickness. The program provides two options for calculating shear stresses in the area of such null elements.
When calculating a surface model, the internal forces are determined separately for each finite element. Since the element-by-element results usually represent a discontinuous distribution, RFEM performs smoothing of the internal forces that takes into account the influence of adjacent elements. The discontinuous distribution of internal forces is adjusted with this method. The result evaluation is thus clearer and easier.
When introducing and transferring horizontal loads such as wind or seismic loads, increasing difficulties arise in 3D models. To avoid such issues, some standards (for example, ASCE 7, NBC) require the simplification of the model using diaphragms that distribute the horizontal loads to structural components transferring loads, but cannot transfer bending themselves (called "Diaphragm").
There are several options for calculating a semi-rigid composite beam. They differ primarily in the type of modeling. Whereas the Gamma method ensures simple modeling, additional efforts are required when using other methods (for example, shear analogy) for the modeling which are, however, offset by the much more flexible application compared to the Gamma method.
Orthotropic material laws are used wherever materials are arranged according to their loading. Examples include fiber-reinforced plastics, trapezoidal sheets, reinforced concrete, and timber.
In RF-DYNAM Pro – Equivalent Loads, the equivalent seismic loads can be calculated according to different standards. By calculating the equivalent loads for each eigenmode, it is not directly possible to obtain the transversal shear for each story to perform an analysis afterwards. The following example describes the option to calculate the transversal shear quickly and efficiently.
For suspension cranes, the bottom chord of the runway girder is subjected to local flange bending due to the wheel loads in addition to the main load-bearing capacity. The bottom chord behaves like a slab due to these local bending stresses, and has a biaxial stress condition [1].
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.
RFEM offers the possibility to model also curved beams. To do this, a curved line must be created first (see Figure 01). This line can then be assigned a beam with a cross-section. The advantages over modeling with beam segments are easier handling during the modeling, as well as a clearer result output of the internal forces.
When designing bending-resistant connections from I-beams, the connection is dissolved into the individual parts. For these basic components of a joint, there are separate formula calculators for load-bearing capacity and stiffness. In RFEM and RSTAB, frame joints can be designed using the RF-/FRAME-JOINT Pro add-on module.
This article presents a bending beam with a circular opening analyzed using the numerical method. As a reference point, there is an example of a perforated beam from [1]. In our case, the 3D model was simplified to a two-dimensional discretization.
As of the program version X.06 of the RF‑/TIMBER Pro, RF‑/TIMBER AWC, and RF‑/TIMBER CSA add‑on modules, notches and cross‑section reductions can be considered in the design. The procedure is as follows:
In addition to bending, torsional, longitudinal, and strain loads, you can define and analyze the internal pressure of members with circular hollow cross‑sections in RFEM and RSTAB. The following perimeter and axial stresses resulting from the internal pressure load are analyzed using Barlow's formula and transferred to design modules in order to superimpose the remaining stresses due to internal forces.