As for the previous generations of Dlubal programs, an integrated interface with Autodesk Revit is now also available for RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9. This article will provide some general information about the interface as well as the Dlubal-relevant structural objects and parameters in Revit.
In RFEM and RSTAB, you can use many interfaces to simplify the modeling of your structure. From background layers, to the import of IFC objects that can be converted into members or surfaces, to the import of the entire structural system from Revit or Tekla. Regardless of the performance of the selected interface, further utilization also depends on the accuracy of the imported data.
The calculation of structures based on digital twins is becoming an everyday task in the engineering office. If a digital building model already exists, you want to continue to use the information contained in it as seamlessly as possible. This states extensive requirements with regard to modeling and interfaces for BIM-compatible structural analysis software.
This article discusses the most common BIM interfaces. Adjustments are often necessary during the transition to the structural branch-specific model. The tasks that arise and the tools to address them successfully and quickly are presented.
In the construction process, it is often necessary to fabricate the concrete elements in sections. A classic example of this production in sections is the use of prefabricated downstand beams, in which the slab is completed in the onsite concrete construction. By creating a new concrete area, interfaces may arise between the already hardened concrete and the fresh concrete. The transfer of the longitudinal shear forces arising between the partial cross-sections must be considered in the design.
In his bachelor's thesis, Jonas Mösch analyzes the open and closed interfaces in BIM-based structural design. The theoretical section covers the definition of the term "Building Information Modeling".
In RFEM and RSTAB, several interfaces are available. The DSTV interface (*.stp) is the most convenient for importing beam structures, since supports, hinges, loads, and load combinations are also transferred, in addition to the general topology.
The national parameters of EN 1992‑1‑1 for each country can be exported from RF‑/CONCRETE, RF‑/CONCRETE Columns, and RF‑/FOUNDATION Pro. To do this, there are interfaces with MS Excel, OpenOffice, and CSV. By exporting the national parameters, you can edit them in (for example) MS Excel, and display possible differences between the individual National Annexes clearly (see the image).
RFEM and RSTAB provide numerous interfaces with other programs for data exchange. In the respective programs, different names are often used for the same materials and cross-sections. Therefore, it is necessary to convert the material and cross‑section names in order for them to be recognized by the program after the data exchange.