This article shows you how to use the add-on Optimization & Costs / CO2 Emission Estimation to estimate the model costs. Furthermore, it shows you how to optimize parameters based on minimum cost when working with parameterized models and blocks.
Structures in RFEM 6 can be saved as blocks and reused in other RFEM files. The advantage of dynamic blocks with respect to non-dynamic blocks is that they allow interactive modifications of the structural parameters as a result of modified input variables. One example is the possibility to add structural elements by changing only the number of bays as an input variable. This article will demonstrate the aforementioned possibility for dynamic blocks that are created by scripting.
In addition to the predefined models available as blocks in Dlubal Center | Blocks, it is possible to create new blocks and save them in the manner discussed in the Knowledge Base article "Saving Models as Blocks in RFEM 6".
In RFEM 6 it is possible to save selected objects (as well as whole structures) as blocks and reuse them in other models. Three types of blocks can be distinguished: non-parameterized, parameterized, and dynamic blocks (via JavaScript). This article will focus on the first block type (non-parameterized).
If you want to import a block with previously saved loads into an existing model, the load cases are not integrated into the existing load cases, but are added to the existing ones.
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.
Parameterized entries provide the engineer with an efficiency-increasing tool. This allows entering structural and loading data so that they depend on certain variables. These variables (for example, length, width, live load, and so on) are called parameters.
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.
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.
The RF-/FOUNDATION Pro add‑on module designs single foundations (foundation plates, bucket and block foundations) for all support forces arising in the RFEM/RSTAB model. The geotechnical designs are performed according to EN 1997-1.
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.
The RFEM/RSTAB printout report includes a text block function. This feature allows you to create user‑defined text blocks with formatting and heading and add them to the printout report.
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.
The integrated project manager helps you to organize design files of Dlubal Software programs. For this, a link is created between an existing project folder on the hard drive and the Project Manager. If you want to delete a project created in the Project Manager, there are two methods.
In addition to the standard functions, the input tables of the main program have block functions. With these functions, you can edit the data in the selected rows and columns of the table in one step.