The interface to Autodesk Revit is installed automatically during the installation of RFEM 5 or RSTAB 8. Subsequent installation of the plug‑in is possible through the execution of Revit-Installer.exe.
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.
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 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.
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).