When calculating regular structures, data input is often not complicated but time-consuming. Input automation can save valuable time. The task described in the present article is to consider the stories of a house as single construction stages. Data is entered using a C# program so that the user does not have to enter the elements of the individual floors manually.
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).
In RFEM 5 as well as RSTAB 8 in RF-/FOUNDATION Pro, you can save the foundation dimensions for all five foundation types as foundation templates in a user-defined database and use them later in other models.
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.
RFEM and RSTAB save the input data, the FE mesh, the results, the printout reports, and the 3D gITF model preview, including all visual objects, in one file.
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.
RFEM and RSTAB offer many display options in the Display Navigator. They can be completely different, depending on their function. You often have to click several times to make certain changes. If you want to optimize your work, you can create user‑defined views. In these views, you can save all specified settings. The following example illustrates this principle.
In RFEM 5 and RSTAB 8, you can save problems and warnings occurring during the model check as an extra view. This way, you can easily work through the hints and messages, one after the other, cleaning the model. The function is available for double nodes, overlapping members/lines, and surfaces.
By clicking "Options" → "Display Properties" → "Edit", you can change and save display settings for printout reports and your screen. For example, you can set individual colors for cross‑sections.
You can change the content and appearance of a toolbar under "View" → "Arrange Toolbars Customized". This way, you can easily arrange and save frequently used commands in specific user‑defined toolbars. In addition to the default arrangement on the top of the screen, you can dock the toolbars on the left and right edges of the screen for a better overview.
RFEM and RSTAB provide the option to create load and result combinations automatically according to the combination expressions defined in the standards. Partial safety factors and combination coefficients are specified in the standards or National Annexes. You can customize them as necessary and save them in a modified standard.
In RFEM and RSTAB, the check boxes for deformation in result diagrams are selected by default. To avoid creating a new user-defined result display every time, you can save the selection of check boxes displayed on the left.
In RFEM and RSTAB, there are two predefined unit profiles available by default. These profiles cover the metric and the imperial systems of measurement. You can individually adjust the units predefined by Dlubal Software, including the decimal places used. To avoid losing the changes you have made, you can save a new profile for the units (see Item [1] in the picture). The stored profile can be loaded again (see Item [2] in the picture) or transferred from PC to PC. To do this, simply copy the content of the "Units" folder in the RFEM or RSTAB file directory from one PC to another (see Item [3] in the picture). In this way, you can achieve an office standard regarding the units used in all your workplaces.
In RFEM, you can save the results of individual load increments during the calculation and display them graphically. Thus, you can graphically display and check the reaction diagram of different load levels for nonlinear supports.
In RFEM, you can save the results of individual load increments during the calculation and display them graphically. Thus, you can graphically display and check the reaction diagram of different load levels for nonlinear supports.
In RF-/DYNAM Pro - Natural Vibrations, it is possible to transfer complete load cases/load combinations as masses. To do this, you can simply save the load case or the load combination to be considered as a mass case in the add‑on module.