Large-scale models are models which contain multiple dimensional scales and thus are demanding on computational power. This article will show you how to simplify and optimize the calculation of such models with respect to the desired results.
The calculation of complex structures by means of finite element analysis software is generally performed on the entire model. However, the construction of such structures is a process carried out in multiple stages where the final state of the building is achieved by combining the separate structural parts. To avoid errors in the calculation of overall models, the influence of the construction process must be considered. In RFEM 6, this is possible using the Construction Stages Analysis (CSA) add-on.
The dialog box for editing load or result combinations is a non-modal dialog box. This means that after you open this dialog box, you can edit the combinations outside the dialog box as well. For manually defining or editing a combination, a separate dialog box can be opened parallel to the "Edit load cases and combinations" dialog box.
If you define a parametric cross-section in the library using its dimensions, the geometric properties are coded in the cross-section description; for example, "TO 200/100/10/10/10/10".
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".
When editing elements via the COM interface, selecting elements is often a problem because it cannot be carried out visually via the work window. The selection can be particularly difficult for models that have been created via the program interface and are then to be modified using a separate program. Apart from the exception, when the selection was made previously via RFEM, there are several alternatives for programming.
With program version RFEM 5.06, you can edit several tendons in the RF‑TENDON add‑on module simultaneously. To do this, it is necessary to select the corresponding tendons in the tendon arrangement table.
Users of RFEM and RSTAB already know the advantages of various visibilities that can be used to create user‑defined areas of the structure for further editing.
RFEM and RSTAB provide the export interface ("File" → "Export") to export model and load data, as well as results, to Excel or in a CSV file in one step. You can select the tables to be exported in the "Export Tables" section. The "Only selected tables" option allows you to export only a specific selection of tables. Use the [Select Load Cases and Tables for Export] button to open the corresponding dialog box.
You can quickly copy nodal loads to other nodes using the "Copy Nodal Load" option in the shortcut menu. To do this, select the nodal loads to be copied first, then click the "Copy Nodal Load" option in the shortcut menu. A "Multiple Selection" window appears where you can enter the relevant nodes to which the nodal load is to be copied. After clicking "OK" to close the window, the nodal load is copied.
In order to show various results (deformations, internal forces) in multiple windows quickly, you can use the "Arrange Result Windows" function ("Results" menu). A dialog box appears where you can select the relevant results to be displayed.
When calculating the surface reinforcement in RF-CONCRETE Surfaces, the result values for both surface sides +/- z are available. If you are unsure which side of a surface is the positive or the negative z side, you can hide the local coordinate system of each surface in the RFEM Project Navigator - Display under "Model" → "Surfaces" → "Surface Axis Systems x,y,z". In the case of complex structures, this can quickly become confusing. Displaying multiple axis systems makes it difficult to recognize the incorrect direction of a surface, for example (see the figure on the top).
In RFEM and RSTAB, you can create a combination scheme in the combinatorics of load cases and combinations. This scheme can be used for other projects by transferring it to other computers using the Export/Import function. Thus, multiple people working on a project can use the same scheme.