The building model is calculated in two phases:
- Global 3D calculation of the global model, where the slabs are modeled as a rigid plane (diaphragm) or as a bending plate
- Local 2D calculation of the individual floors
After the calculation, the results of the columns and walls from the 3D calculation and the results of the slabs from the 2D calculation are combined in a single model. This means that there is no need to switch between the 3D model and the individual 2D models of the slabs. The user only works with one model, saves valuable time, and avoids possible errors in the manual data exchange between the 3D model and the individual 2D ceiling models.
The vertical surfaces in the model can be divided into shear walls and opening lintels. The program automatically generates internal result members from these wall objects, so they can be designed as members according to any standard in the Concrete Design add-on.
Have you activated the Building Model add-on? Very good! This allows you to display the center of rigidity in tabular and graphical form. Use it for your dynamic analysis, for example.
Among others, the following cross-laminated timber manufacturers are available in the layer structure library:
- Binderholz (USA)
- KLH (USA, CAN)
- Kalesnikoff (USA, CAN)
- Nordic Structures (USA, CAN)
- Mercer Mass Timber
- SmartLam
- Sterling Structural
- Superstructures listed in Lignatec Edition 32 "Cross-Laminated Timber of Swiss Production"
By importing a structure from the layer structure library, all relevant parameters are adopted automatically. The library is continually updated.
A library for cross-laminated timber panels is implemented in RFEM, from which you can import the manufacturer's layer structures (for example, Binderholz, KLH, Piveteaubois, Södra, Züblin Timber, Schilliger, Stora Enso). In addition to the layer thicknesses and materials, there is also the information about stiffness reductions and the narrow side bonding.
Go to Explanatory VideoUsing the "Load Transfer Only" story type, you can consider slabs without stiffness effect in and out of the plane in the Building Model add-on. This element type collects the loads on the slab and transfers them to the supporting elements of a 3D model. Thus, you can simulate secondary components, such as grillage and similar load distribution elements, without any further effect in the 3D model.
Several modeling tools are available for elements in building models:
- Vertical line
- Column
- Wall
- Beam
- Rectangular floor
- Polygonal floor
- Rectangular floor opening
- Polygonal floor opening
This feature allows you to define the element on the ground plane (for example, with a background layer) with the associated multiple element creation in space.
Are you afraid that your project will end in the digital tower of Babel? The Building Model add-on for RFEM supports you in your work on a construction project with several stories. It allows you to define a building by means of stories at specified elevations. You can adjust the stories in many ways afterwards and also select the story slab stiffness. Information about the stories and the entire model (center of gravity, center of rigidity) is displayed for you in tables and graphics.
The stress and strain results by surface can be output in the surface result table according to the thickness layer.
Have you activated the Time-Dependent Analysis (TDA) add-on? Very well, now you can add time data to load cases. After you have defined the start and end of the load, the influence of creep at the end of the load is taken into account. The program allows you to model creep effects for frame and truss structures made of reinforced concrete.
In this case, the calculation is performed nonlinearly according to the rheological model (Kelvin and Maxwell model).
Was the calculation successful? You can now display the determined internal forces in tables and graphics, and consider them in the design.
- Consideration and display of story masses
- Listing of structural elements and their information
- Automated creation of result sections on shear walls
- Output of section resultants in global direction for determining shear forces
- Optional definition of rigid diaphragm by story (story modeling)
- Stiffness type Floor Slab - Rigid Diaphragm
- Defining floor sets,
- for example, calculation of slabs as a 2D position within the 3D model
- Shear walls: Automatic definition of result members with any cross-section
- Design of rectangular cross-sections using the Concrete Design add-on
- Definition of deep beams
- Design with the Concrete Design add-on
- Tabular output of story actions, interstory drift, and center points of mass and stiffness, as well as the forces in shear walls
- Separate result display of the floor and stiffening design
- Optional neglecting of openings of a certain size