RFEM and RSTAB models can be saved as 3D glTF models (*.glb and *.glTF formats). View the models in 3D in detail with a 3D viewer from Google or Babylon. Take your VR glasses, such as Oculus, to "walk" through the structure.
You can integrate the 3D glTF models into your own websites using JavaScript according to these instructions (as on the Dlubal website Models to Download).
The material model Orthotropic Masonry 2D is an elastoplastic model that additionally allows softening of the material, which can be different in the local x- and y-directions of a surface. The material model is suitable for (unreinforced) masonry walls with in-plane loads.
Wind loads can be automatically generated as member loads or area loads on the following structural components (optional with internal pressure for open buildings):
To test the program before purchasing an RFEM or RSTAB license, you can download the free 90-day trial version. This will allow you to test the full version of the program without any limitations.
You can define eccentricities for member loads of the load type 'Force'. You can apply the load eccentricities by means of an absolute or relative offset.
We recommend using the large deformation analysis to consider all effects of eccentric loads.
The introductory examples and tutorials for RFEM 5 and RSTAB 8 will help you to get started with the program. Step by step, you will become familiar with the most important features. You can download the documents in PDF format.
Area loads can be automatically converted into member or line loads. There are 3 options available for this:
Generate Member Loads from Area Load via Plane
Member loads from area loads via cells
Line loads from surface loads on openings
In the case of member loads from area loads, a plane has to be defined via corner nodes or cells have to be selected in the graphic. The area load can either be applied to the entire surface or only the effective or projected surface of the members.
For the 'Line Loads from Area Loads on Openings' function, the corresponding openings are selected.
Area loads can be automatically converted into member loads. There are 2 options available for this:
Generate Member Loads from Area Load via Plane
Member loads from area loads via cells
Depending on the selected option, you either have to define a plane via corner nodes or select cells in the graphic. The area load can either be applied to the entire surface or only the effective or projected surface of the members.
In RFEM, it is possible to determine pushover curves (also called capacity curves) and export them to Excel.
With the RF-DYNAM Pro - Equivalent Loads add-on module, it is possible to generate load distribution automatically in accordance with a mode shape and export it as a load case to RFEM.
At first, the governing joint designs are arranged in groups and displayed with the basic geometry of the joint in the first result window. In the other result tables, you can see all fundamental design details such as the load-carrying capacity of anchors, stresses in welds, and others.
Dimensions, material specifications, and welds that are important for the construction of the connection are visible immediately and can be printed out. It is possible to visualize the connections in RF-/JOINTS Steel - Column Base or in the RFEM/RSTAB model.
All graphics can be included in the RFEM/RSTAB printout report or printed directly. Due to the scaled output, an optimal visual check is possible as early as in the design phase.
With this function, it is possible to refine the FE mesh on surfaces automatically. The mesh refinement is gradual. In each step, the FE mesh is recreated based on an error comparison of the results in the previous calculation step. The numerical error is evaluated from the results of surface elements and is based on the energy formulation of Zienkiewicz-Zhu.
The error evaluation is carried out for a linear static analysis. We select a load case (or load combination) for which the FE mesh is generated. The FE mesh is then used for all calculations.
When entering the structural model, you can define single-span and continuous beams with or without cantilevers. Furthermore, it is possible to specify different span lengths with definable boundary conditions (supports, releases) as well as any construction support and moment release in the construction stage. For a complete cross-section, you can create typical composite beam sections on the basis of steel girders (I-sections) with solid concrete flanges, precast plates, trapezoidal sheets, or tapered solid ceilings.
It is also possible to grade cross-sections by means of beam lengths, optionally with concrete encasement. Illustrative figures facilitate the entry of additional transverse reinforcements for trapezoidal sheeting, profile stiffeners, and angled or circular openings in the web. The self-weight is applied automatically when entering loads. In addition, it is possible to consider fixed and variable loads by specifying the concrete age at the beginning of loading for creeping, and to define single, uniform, and trapezoidal loads freely. COMPOSITE-BEAM automatically creates a load combination based on the data of individual load cases.
After modeling piping systems in RFEM using RF‑PIPING and defining loads as well as load and result combinations, you can carry out pipe stress analysis in the RF‑PIPING Design add‑on module.
You can select all or only some pipelines and loads, load or result combinations for piping design. The material library provides various materials according to EN 13480‑3, ASME B31.1‑2012, and ASME B31.3‑2012 standards.
After the calculation, the results are displayed in clearly arranged windows; for example, by cross‑section, by pipeline, or by members. You can also display the design ratio graphically on the entire model in RFEM. This way, you can quickly recognize critical or oversized areas of the cross-section.
In addition to the input and result data, including design details displayed in tables, you can add all graphics into the printout report. This way, comprehensible and clearly arranged documentation is guaranteed. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual designs.
RFEM offers the following tables to display forces and deformations of hinges and releases:
4.45 Line Hinges - Deformations
4.46 Line Hinges - Forces
4.47 Member Hinges - Deformations
4.48 Member Hinges - Forces
4.49 Nodal Releases - Deformations
4.50 Nodal Releases - Forces
4.51 Line Releases - Deformations
4.52 Line Releases - Forces
The tables can be displayed in the prinout report. Moreover, the results in line hinges and line releases can be displayed graphically. It can be controlled by Project Navigator - Results.
There are load generators available for beam structures, creating snow loads according to ASCE/SEI 7-10. The load cases are generated depending on the roof shape. Another generator creates coating loads (ice). You can save recurring load combinations as templates.
Do you want your structures to remain upright even in wind and snow? Then rely on the load wizards for plate and frame structures. You can now generate wind loads according to EN 1991‑1‑4 and snow loads according to EN 1991‑1‑3 (as well as other international standards). The load cases are generated depending on the roof shape.
When you select the design situation 'Accidental', accidental actions such as earthquake, explosion loads, collisions, and others are automatically taken into account. When applying German standards, you can automatically consider the 'North German Plain' by selecting the design situation 'Accidental - Snow'.
Keep an eye on all surfaces. A surface with the "Load Transfer" stiffness type has no structural effect. You can use it to consider the loads from surfaces that have not been modeled, for example, facade structures, glass surfaces, trapezoidal roof sections, and so on.