The program does a lot of work for you. For example, the load or result combinations required for the serviceability limit state are generated and calculated in RFEM/RSTAB. You can select these design situations for the deflection analysis in the Aluminum Design add-on. Depending on the specified precamber and reference system, the program determines the deformation values at each location of a member. They are then compared to the limit values.
You can specify the deformation limit value individually for each structural component in Serviceability Configuration. In this case, you define the maximum deformation depending on the reference length as the allowable limit value. By defining design supports, you can segment the components. In this way, you can determine the corresponding reference length automatically for each design direction.
And that's not all. Based on the position of the assigned design supports, the program allows you to automatically determine the distinction between beams and cantilevers. The limit value is thus determined accordingly.
When calculating the deflection limit, you have to consider certain reference lengths. You can define these reference lengths and the segments to be checked independently of each other, depending on the direction. For this, define design supports at the intermediate nodes of a member and assign them to the respective direction for the deformation analysis. Thus, the segments are created where you can define a precamber for each direction and segment.
In the "Deflection and Design Support" tab under "Edit Member", the members can be clearly segmented using optimized input windows. Depending on the supports, the deformation limits for cantilever beams or single-span beams are used automatically.
By defining the design support in the corresponding direction at the member start, member end, and intermediate nodes, the program automatically recognizes the segments and segment lengths to which the allowable deformation is related. It also automatically detects whether it is a beam or a cantilever due to the defined design supports. The manual assignment, as in the previous versions (RFEM 5), is no longer necessary.
The "User-Defined Lengths" option allows you to modify the reference lengths in the table. The corresponding segment length is always used by default. If the reference length deviates from the segment length (for example, in the case of curved members), it can be adjusted.
Did you know? You can individually define the reference lengths to be considered in the calculation of the deflection limit value and the segments to be checked, depending on the direction. For this, define design supports at the intermediate nodes of a member and assign them to the respective direction for the deformation analysis. In the resulting segments, you can also define a precamber for each direction and segment.
Your RFEM/RSTAB program is responsible for generating and calculating the load and result combinations required for the serviceability limit state. Select the design situations for the deflection analysis in the Timber Design add-on. The calculated deformation values are then determined at each location of a member, depending on the specified precamber and the reference system, and then compared to the limit values.
You can specify the deformation limit value individually for each structural component in Serviceability Configuration. In this case, the maximum deformation should not exceed the permissible limit value, depending on the reference length. When defining design supports, you can segment the components. This allows you to determine the corresponding reference length automatically for each design direction.
Based on the position of the assigned design supports, the program automatically determines the difference between beams and cantilevers. Thus, you can be sure that the limit value is determined accordingly.
In RFEM/RSTAB, you have the option to generate and then calculate the load or result combinations required for the serviceability limit state. You can select these design situations for the deflection analysis in the Steel Design add-on. The calculated deformation values are determined accordingly at each location of a member, depending on the specified precamber and reference system. Finaly, you can compare these deformation values with the limit values.
Did you know? You can specify the deformation limit value individually for each structural component in Serviceability Configuration. Define the maximum deformation depending on the reference length as the allowable limit value. By defining design supports, you can segment the components in order to determine the corresponding reference length automatically for each design direction.
Based on the position of the assigned design supports, the distinction between beams and cantilevers is made automatically so the limit value can be determined accordingly.
You can individually define all reference lengths that need to be considered in the calculation of the deflection limit value, as well as the segments to be checked, depending on the direction. For this, define design supports at the intermediate nodes of a member and assign them to the respective direction for the deformation analysis. Thus, the segments are created where it is possible to define a precamber for each direction and segment.
Design of members and sets of members for tension, compression, bending, shear, combined internal forces, and torsion
Stability analysis of buckling and lateral-torsional buckling
Automatic determination of critical buckling loads and critical buckling moments for general load applications and support conditions by means of a special FEA program (eigenvalue analysis) integrated in the module
Alternative analytical calculation of the critical buckling moment for standard situations
Optional application of discrete lateral supports to beams and continuous members
Automatic cross-section classification (compact, noncompact, and slender)
Serviceability limit state design (deflection)
Cross-section optimization
A wide range of available cross-sections, such as rolled I-sections; channel sections; T-sections; angles; rectangular and circular hollow sections; round bars; symmetrical and asymmetrical, parametric I-, T-, and angle sections; double angles
Clearly arranged input and result windows
Detailed result documentation including references to design equations of the used standard
Various filter and sorting options of results, including result lists by member, cross-sections, and x-location, or by load case, load combination, and result combination
Result table of member slenderness and governing internal forces
Design of members and sets of members for tension, compression, bending, shear, torsion, and combined internal forces
Stability analysis of buckling and lateral-torsional buckling
Automatic determination of effective radius of gyration by special integrated FEA software (eigenvalue analysis) for general loading and support conditions
Alternative analytical calculation of effective radius of gyration for standard situations
Optional application of discrete lateral supports to beams
Definition of nodal supports for sets of members
Serviceability limit state design (deflection)
Cross-section optimization
A wide range of available cross-sections, such as rolled I-sections, channel sections, T-sections, angles, rectangular and circular hollow sections, round bars, and many others.
Detailed result documentation including references to design equations of the used standard
Various filter and sorting options of results, including result lists by member, cross-sections, and x-location, or by load case, load and result combination
Result table of member slenderness and governing internal forces
Design of members and sets of members for tension, compression, bending, shear, combined internal forces, and torsion
Stability analysis of buckling and lateral-torsional buckling
Automatic determination of critical buckling loads and critical buckling moments for general load applications and support conditions by means of a special FEA program (eigenvalue analysis) integrated in the module
Alternative analytical calculation of the critical buckling moment for standard situations
Optional application of discrete lateral supports to beams and continuous members
Automatic cross-section classification (compact, noncompact, and slender)
Serviceability limit state design (deflection)
Cross-section optimization
A wide range of available cross-sections, such as rolled I-sections, channel sections, T-sections, angles, rectangular and circular hollow sections, round bars, symmetrical, asymmetrical, parameterized I-, T-, and angle sections, as well as user-defined SHAPE‑THIN sections
Clearly arranged input and result windows
Detailed result documentation including references to design equations of the used standard
Various filter and sorting options of results including result lists by member, cross-section, x-location, or by load cases, load and result combinations
Result table of member slenderness and governing internal forces
Graphical and numerical results of stresses and stress ratios fully integrated in RFEM
Flexible design with different layer compositions
High efficiency due to few entries required
Flexibility due to detailed setting options for basis and extent of calculations
A local overall stiffness matrix of the surface in RFEM is generated on the basis of the selected material model and the layers contained. The following material models are available:
Orthotropic
Isotropic
User-defined
Hybrid (for combinations of material models)
Option to save frequently used layer structures in a database
Determination of basic, shear, and equivalent stresses
In addition to the basic stresses, the required stresses according to DIN EN 1995-1-1 and the interaction of those stresses are available as results.
Stress analysis for structural surfaces including simple or complex shapes
Equivalent stresses calculated according to different approaches:
Shape modification hypothesis (von Mises)
Shear stress hypothesis (Tresca)
Normal stress hypothesis (Rankine)
Principal strain hypothesis (Bach)
Calculation of transversal shear stresses according to Mindlin or Kirchhoff, or user-defined specifications
Serviceability limit state design by checking surface displacements
User-defined specifications of limit deflections
Possibility to consider layer coupling
Detailed results of individual stress components and ratios in tables and graphics
Results of stresses for each layer in the model
Parts list of designed surfaces
Possible coupling of layers entirely without shear
The cross-section resistance design analyzes tension and compression along the grain, bending, bending and tension/compression as well as the strength in shear due to shear force.
The design of structural components at risk of buckling or lateral buckling is performed according to the Equivalent Member Method and considers the systematic axial compression, bending with and without compression force as well as bending and tension. Deflection of inner spans and cantilevers is compared with the maximum allowable deflection.
Separate design cases allow a flexible analysis for selected members, sets of members, and actions, as well as for the individual stability analyses. such as stability analysis, load duration in case of fire, member slendernesses, and limit deflection can be adjusted as desired.
After opening the add‑on module, it is necessary to select the members/sets of members, load cases, load or result combinations for the ultimate limit state, serviceability limit state, and fire resistance design. The materials from RFEM/RSTAB are preset and can be adjusted in RF‑/TIMBER SANS. Material properties listed in the respective standard are included in the material library.
When checking the cross-sections, you can specify whether to consider a cross-section selected in RFEM/RSTAB, or a modified cross-section. Then, you can define the load duration classes, the moisture service conditions, and timber treatment.
The deformation analysis requires the reference lengths of the relevant members and sets of members. Furthermore, you can define a specific direction of deflection, precamber and the beam type.
For fire resistance design, you can define the charring sides of a member or set of members.
Full integration in RFEM/RSTAB including import of all relevant information and internal forces
Design of members and continuous members for tension, compression, bending, shear, and combined internal forces
Stability analysis for lateral-torsional buckling and buckling according to the equivalent member method or the second order analysis
Serviceability limit state design by limitation of deflections
Free configuration of charring time and charring rates, as well as free choice of charring sides for fire design
South African material library and cross‑section library
User-defined entry of rectangular and circular cross-sections
Cross-section optimization with optional transfer to RFEM/RSTAB
Optional import of effective lengths from the RSBUCK or RF‑STABILITY add‑on module
Detailed result documentation including references to design equations of the used standard
Various filter and sorting options of results including result lists by member, cross-sections, x-location, or by load case, load and result combination
Consideration of moisture service conditions
Visualization of the design criterion on the RFEM/RSTAB model
The cross-section resistance design analyzes tension and compression along the grain, bending, bending and tension/compression as well as the strength in shear due to shear force.
The design of structural components at risk of buckling or lateral buckling is performed according to the Equivalent Member Method and considers the systematic axial compression, bending with and without compression force as well as bending and tension. The deflection of inner spans and cantilevers is compared to the maximum allowable deflection.
Separate design cases allow for a flexible and stability analysis of members, sets of members, and loads.
Design-relevant parameters such as such as stability analysis, load duration in case of fire, member slendernesses, and limit deflection can be adjusted as desired.
After opening the add-on module, it is necessary to select the members/sets of members, load cases, load or result combinations for the ultimate and the serviceability limit state design. The materials from RFEM/RSTAB are preset and can be adjusted in RF-/TIMBER CSA. Material properties listed in the respective standard are included in the material library.
When checking the cross-sections, you can specify whether to consider a cross-section selected in RFEM/RSTAB, or a modified cross-section. Then, you can define the load duration classes, the moisture service conditions, and timber treatment.
The deformation analysis requires the reference lengths of the relevant members and sets of members. Furthermore, you can define a specific direction of deflection, precamber and the beam type.
For fire resistance design, you can define the charring sides of a member or set of members.
After the calculation, the module shows clearly arranged tables listing the required reinforcement and the results of the serviceability limit state design. All intermediate values are included in a comprehensible manner. In addition to the tables, current stresses and strains in a cross‑section are represented graphically.
The reinforcement proposals of the longitudinal and the shear reinforcement, including sketches, are documented in accordance with current practice. It is possible to edit the reinforcement proposal and to adjust, for example, the number of members and the anchorage. The modifications will be updated automatically.
A concrete cross‑section, including reinforcement, can be visualized in a 3D rendering. This way, the program provides an optimal documentation option to create reinforcement drawings, including steel schedule.
Crack width analyzes are performed using the selected reinforcement of internal forces in the serviceability limit state. The result output covers steel stresses, the minimum reinforcement, limit diameters, and the maximum bar spacing, as well as crack spacing and the maximum crack widths.
As a result of the nonlinear calculation, there are the ultimate limit states of the cross‑section with defined reinforcement (determined linear elastically) as well as effective deflections of the member considering stiffness in cracked state.
The cross-section resistance design analyzes tension and compression along the grain, bending, bending and tension/compression as well as the strength in shear due to shear force.
The design of structural components at risk of buckling or lateral buckling is performed according to the Equivalent Member Method and considers the systematic axial compression, bending with and without compression force as well as bending and tension. The deflection of inner spans and cantilevers is compared to the maximum allowable deflection.
Separate design cases allow for a flexible and stability analysis of members, sets of members, and loads.
Design-relevant parameters such as the stability analysis type, member slendernesses, and limit deflections, can be freely adjusted.
After opening the add-on module, it is necessary to select the members/sets of members, load cases, load or result combinations for the ultimate and the serviceability limit state design. The materials from RFEM/RSTAB are preset and can be adjusted in RF‑/TIMBER NBR. The material properties listed in the respective standard are included in the material library.
When checking the cross-sections, you can specify whether to consider a cross-section selected in RFEM/RSTAB, or a modified cross-section. Then, you can define the load duration classes, moisture service conditions, and timber treatment.
The deformation analysis requires the reference lengths of the relevant members and sets of members. Furthermore, you can define a specific direction of deflection, precamber and the beam type.
Full integration in RFEM/RSTAB including import of all relevant information and internal forces
Design of members and continuous members for tension, compression, bending, shear, and combined internal forces
Stability analysis for lateral-torsional buckling and buckling according to the equivalent member method or the second order analysis
Serviceability limit state design by limitation of deflections
Brazilian material library and cross-section library
User-defined entry of rectangular and circular cross-sections
Cross-section optimization with optional transfer to RFEM/RSTAB
Optional import of effective lengths from the RSBUCK or RF‑STABILITY add‑on module
Detailed result documentation including references to design equations of the used standard
Various filter and sorting options of results including result lists by member, cross-sections, x-location, or by load case, load and result combination
Consideration of moisture service conditions
Visualization of the design criterion on the RFEM/RSTAB model
Results are displayed in result tables sorted by required designs. Clear arrangement of the results allows for easy orientation and evaluation.
Ultimate Limit State Design:
Bending and shear force resistance with interaction
Partial shear connecting of ductile and non-ductile connecting elements
Determination of required shear connectors and their distribution
Design of longitudinal shear force resistance
Design of connection with shear connectors and of connector perimeter
Results of governing support reactions for construction and composite stage, including loads of construction supports
Lateral-torsional buckling analysis (for continuous beams and cantilevered girders)
Check of cross-section classes as well as of plastic and elastic cross-section properties
Serviceability limit state design:
Deflection Analysis
Deformations and initial pre-cambering determined with ideal cross-section properties from creep and shrinkage
Analysis of natural frequencies
Crack width analysis
Determination of support forces
All data are documented in a clearly arranged printout report, including graphics. In case of any modification, the printout report is updated automatically. COMPOSITE-BEAM is a stand-alone program and does not require the RSTAB license.
The cross-section resistance design analyzes tension and compression along the grain, bending, bending and tension/compression as well as the strength in shear due to shear force.
The design of structural components at risk of buckling or lateral buckling is performed according to the Equivalent Member Method and considers the systematic axial compression, bending with and without compression force as well as bending and tension. The deflection of inner spans and cantilevers is compared to the maximum allowable deflection.
Separate design cases allow for a flexible and stability analysis of members, sets of members, and loads.
Design-relevant parameters such as load duration in case of fire, member slendernesses, limit deflection can be adjusted as desired.
After opening the add‑on module, it is necessary to select the members/sets of members, load cases, load or result combinations for the ultimate limit state, serviceability limit state, and fire resistance design (only ASD). Also, you can select the design method (ASD or LRFD). The materials from RFEM/RSTAB are preset and can be adjusted in RF-/TIMBER AWC. Material properties listed in the respective standard are included in the material library.
When checking the cross-sections, you can specify whether to apply the design values of the relevant standard, or user-defined values. Then, you can consider the load duration classes (LDC), temperature effects, and moisture service conditions.
The deformation analysis requires the reference lengths of the relevant members and sets of members. Furthermore, you can define a specific direction of deflection, precamber and the beam type.
For fire resistance design, you can define the charring sides of a member or set of members.
The design analyzes tension and compression along the grain, bending, bending and tension or compression, and shear due to shear force with and without torsion. Designs proceed at the level of design stress values.
The design of structural components at risk of buckling or lateral buckling is performed according to the Equivalent Member Method and considers the systematic axial compression, bending with and without compression force as well as bending and tension. The deflection of inner spans and cantilevers is determined in characteristic and quasi-permanent design situations.
Separate design cases allow for a flexible and stability analysis of members, sets of members, and loads. In the case of tapered members, the cut-to-grain angle is considered in the bending tension and bending compression area. If there is a ridge defined, the module performs the ridge design additionally.
After opening the add-on module, it is necessary to select the members/sets of members, load cases, load or result combinations for the ultimate limit state, serviceability limit state, and fire resistance design. The materials from RFEM/RSTAB are preset and can be adjusted in RF-/TIMBER Pro. Material properties listed in the respective standard are included in the material library.
After the cross-section check, the module determines the load duration classes (LDC) and the service classes (SECL). It is possible to assign them to the selected load cases and members.
Combined cross-sections may consist of various materials. The RF-/TIMBER Pro add-on module performs designs considering the shifted neutral axis (in the case of semi-rigid cross-sections). The deformation analysis requires the reference lengths of the relevant members and sets of members. Furthermore, you can define a specific direction of deflection, precamber and the beam type.