- General stress analysis
- Automatic import of internal forces from RFEM/RSTAB
- Graphical and numerical output of stresses, strains, clearance, and design ratios fully integrated in RFEM/RSTAB
- User-defined specification of the limit stress
- Summary of similar structural components for the design
- Wide range of customization options for graphical output
- Clearly arranged result tables for a quick overview after the design
- Simple traceability of the results due to the complete documentation of the calculation method including all formulas
- High productivity due to the minimal amount of input data required
- Flexibility due to detailed setting options for basis and extent of calculations
- Gray zone display for unimportant value ranges (see Product Feature)
- Cross-section optimization
- Transfer of optimized sections to RFEM/RSTAB
- Design of any thin-walled section from RSECTION
- Representation of a stress diagram on a section
- Determination of normal, shear, and equivalent stresses
- Output of stress components for the individual member internal force types
- Detailed representation of stresses in all stress points
- Determination of the largest Δσ for each stress point (for example, for fatigue design)
- Colored display of stresses and design ratios for a quick overview of the critical or oversized zones
- Output of parts lists
- Determination of principal and basic stresses, membrane and shear stresses, as well as equivalent stresses and equivalent membrane stresses
- 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)
- Optional optimization of surface thicknesses and data transfer to RFEM
- Output of strains
- Detailed results of individual stress components and ratios in tables and graphics
- Filter function for solids, surfaces, lines, and nodes in tables
- Transversal shear stresses according to Mindlin, Kirchhoff, or user-defined specifications
- Stress evaluation for welds at connection lines between surfaces (see the Product Feature)
After you have completed the design, the program takes care of clearly arranged results. Thus, the program shows you the resulting maximum stresses and stress ratios sorted by section, member/surface, solid, member set, x-location, and so on. In addition to the tabular result values, the add-on shows you the corresponding cross-section graphic with stress points, stress diagram, and values as well. You can relate the design ratio to any kind of stress type. The current location is highlighted in the RFEM/RSTAB model.
In addition to the tabular evaluation, the program offers you even more. You can also graphically check the stresses and design ratios on the RFEM/RSTAB model. It is possible for you to adjust the colors and values individually.
The display of result diagrams of a member or set of members enables you a targeted evaluation. For each design location, you can open the respective dialog box to check the design-relevant section properties and stress components of any stress point. Finally, you have the option of printing the corresponding graphic, including all design details.
The parameters of the National Annexes (NA) to Eurocode 3 of the following countries are integrated:
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DIN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-04 (Germany)
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ÖNORM EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-12 (Austria)
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SN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-07 (Switzerland)
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BDS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-10 (Bulgaria)
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BS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-07 (United Kingdom)
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CEN EN 1993-1-1/2015-06 (European Union)
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CYS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-07 (Cyprus)
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CSN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-06 (Czech Republic)
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DS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-07 (Denmark)
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ELOT EN 1993-1-1/NA:2017-01 (Greece)
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EVS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-08 (Estonia)
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HRN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-03 (Croatia)
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I S. EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-03 (Ireland)
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ILNAS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-06 (Luxembourg)
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IST EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-11 (Iceland)
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LST EN 1993-1-1/NA:2017-01 (Lithuania)
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LVS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-10 (Latvia)
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MS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2010-01 (Malaysia)
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MSZ EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-11 (Hungary)
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NBN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-07 (Belgium)
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NEN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-12 (Netherlands)
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NF EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-02 (France)
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NP EN 1993-1-1/NA:2009-03 (Portugal)
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NS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-09 (Norway)
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PN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-08 (Poland)
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SFS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-08 (Finland)
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SIST EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-09 (Slovenia)
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SR EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-04 (Romania)
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SS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2019-05 (Singapore)
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SS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-06 (Sweden)
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STN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-10 (Slovakia)
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TKP EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-04 (Belarus)
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UNE EN 1993-1-1/NA:2016-02 (Spain)
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UNI EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-08 (Italy)
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.
The Dlubal structural analysis software does a lot of work for you. The input parameters, which are relevant for the selected standards, are suggested by the program in accordance with the rules. Furthermore, you can enter response spectra manually.
Load cases of the type Response Spectrum Analysis define the direction in which response spectra act and which eigenvalues of the structure are relevant for the analysis. In the spectral analysis settings, you can define details for the combination rules, damping (if applicable), and zero-period acceleration (ZPA).
Did you know that Equivalent static loads are generated separately for each relevant eigenvalue and excitation direction. These loads are saved in a load case of the Response Spectrum Analysis type and RFEM/RSTAB performs a linear static analysis.
The load cases of the type Response Spectrum Analysis contain the generated equivalent loads. First, the modal contributions have to be superimposed with the SRSS or CQC rule. In this case, you can use the signed results based on the dominant mode shape.
Afterwards, the directional components of earthquake actions are combined with the SRSS or the 100% / 30% rule.
- Automatic generation of FE analysis models: The add-on automatically creates a finite element model (FE) of the steel connection in the background.
- Consideration of all internal forces: The calculation and design checks include all internal forces (N, Vy, Vz, My, Mz, MT) and are not limited to planar loading.
- Automatic load transfer: All load combinations are automatically transferred to the FE analysis model of the connection. The loads are transferred directly from RFEM, so manual data input is not necessary.
- Efficient modeling: The add-on saves you time when modeling complex connection situations. You can also save the created FE analysis model and use it further for your own detailed analyses.
- Extensible library: An extensive and extensible library with predefined steel connection templates is available.
- Wide applicability: The add-on is suitable for connections of any type and shape, compatible with almost all rolled, welded, built-up, and thin-walled cross-sections.
- Selection of nodes in the RFEM model, automatic recognition and assignment of the members connected to the node
- Many predefined components available for easy input of typical connection situations (for example, end plates, cleats, fin plates)
- Universally applicable basic components (plates, welds, auxiliary planes) for entering complex connection situations
- No manual editing of the FE model required by the user, the essential calculation settings can be changed via the configuration settings
- Automatic adaptation of the connection geometry, even if the members are subsequently edited, due to the relative relation of the components to each other
- Parallel to the input, a plausibility check is carried out by the program to quickly detect missing input or collisions, for example
- Graphical display of the connection geometry that is updated in parallel with the input
The program supports you: It determines the bolt forces on the basis of the FE analysis model and evaluates them automatically. The add-on performs the standard-compliant design of bolt resistance for failure cases, such as tension, shear, hole bearing, and punching, and clearly displays all required coefficients.
Do you want to perform weld design? The welds are modeled as elastic-plastic surface elements, and their stresses are read out from the FE analysis model. The plasticity criteria is set in the way that they represent failure according to AISC J2-4, J2-5 (strength of welds), and J2-2 (strength of base metal). The design can be performed with the partial safety factors of the selected National Annex of EN 1993‑1‑8.
The plates in the connection are designed plastically by comparing the existing plastic strain to the allowable plastic strain. The default setting is 5% according to EN 1993‑1‑5, Annex C, but can be adjusted by user-defined specifications, as well as 5% for AISC 360.
You can display all essential results on the FE model. In this case, you can filter the results separately according to the respective components.
Furthemore, RFEM delivers you all design checks in a tabular form, including the display of the formulas used. If you wish, you can transfer the result tables to the RFEM printout report.
- Stress determination using an elastic-plastic material model
- Design of masonry disc structures for compression and shear on the building model or single model
- Automatic determination of stiffness of a wall-slab hinge
- An extensive material database for almost all stone-mortar combinations available on the Austrian market (the product range is continuously being expanded, for other countries as well)
- Automatic determination of material values according to Eurocode 6 (ÖN EN 1996‑X)
- Option to create pushover analysis
You enter and model the structure directly in RFEM. You can combine the masonry material model with all common RFEM add-ons. This enables you to design the entire building models in connection with masonry.
The program automatically determines for you all parameters required for the calculation by using the material data that you have entered. Then, it finally generates the stress-strain curves for each FE element.
Was your design successful? Then just sit back and relax. You benefit from the numerous functions in RFEM also here. The program gives you the maximum stresses of the masonry surfaces, whereby you can display the results in detail at each FE mesh point.
Moreover, you can insert sections in order to carry out a detailed evaluation of the individual areas. Use the display of the yield areas to estimate the cracks in the masonry.
Compared to the RF-/DYNAM Pro - Equivalent Loads add-on module (RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8), the following new features have been added to the Response Spectrum Analysis add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9:
- Response spectra of numerous standards (EN 1998, DIN 4149, IBC 2018, and so on)
- User-defined response spectra or those generated from accelerograms
- Direction-relative response spectrum approach
- Results are stored centrally in a load case with underlying levels to ensure clarity
- Accidental torsional actions can be taken into account automatically
- Automatic combinations of seismic loads with the other load cases for use in an accidental design situation
Compared to the RF‑/STEEL add-on module (RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8), the following new features have been added to the Stress-Strain Analysis add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9:
- Treatment of members, surfaces, solids, welds (line welded joints between two and three surfaces with subsequent stress design)
- Output of stresses, stress ratios, stress ranges, and strains
- Limit stress depending on the assigned material or a user-defined input
- Individual specification of the results to be calculated through freely assignable setting types
- Non-modal result details with prepared formula display and additional result display on the cross-section level of members
- Output of the design check formulas used
For each load case, the deformations can be displayed at the end time.
These results are also documented for you in the printout report of RFEM and RSTAB. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual design checks.
Do you work with steel connections? The Steel Joints add-on for RFEM supports you when analyzing steel connections by using an FE model. In this case, the modeling runs fully automatically in the background. Nevertheless, you can control this process via the simple and familiar input of components. You can then use the loads determined on the FE model for your design of the components according to EN 1993‑1‑8 (including National Annexes).
Building stone on stone has a long tradition in construction. The Masonry Design add-on for RFEM allows you to design masonry using the finite element method. It was developed as part of the research project DDMaS - Digitizing the Design of Masonry Structures. Here, the material model represents the nonlinear behavior of the brick-mortar combination in the form of macro-modeling. Do you want to find out more?
Do you have great respect for the ravages of time? After all, it eventually gnaws at your construction projects. Use the Time-Dependent Analysis (TDA) add-on to consider the time-dependent material behavior of members. Long-term effects, such as creep, shrinkage, and aging, can influence the distribution of internal forces, depending on the structure. Prepare for this optimally with this add-on.
For joint components, you can check whether the stability failure is relevant. This requires the Structure Stability add-on for RFEM 6.
In this case, you calculate the critical load factor for all analyzed load combinations and the selected number of mode shapes for the connection model. Compare the smallest critical load factor with the limit value 15 from the standard EN 1993‑1‑1, Clause 5. Furthermore, you can make user-defined adjustment of the limit value. As a result of the stability analysis, the program displays the corresponding mode shapes graphically.
For the stability analysis, RFEM uses the adapted surface model to specifically recognize the local buckling shapes. You can also save and use the model of the stability analysis, including the results, as a separate model file.
To design a Steel connection, you must have the Steel Joints Add-on enabled. The Add-ons in RFEM 6 are activated in the Add-ons tab of the Edit Model - Base Data window. If the Add-on is active, it is displayed in the navigator.
- For a new connection model, you have to select a node in the RFEM model
- After selecting a node, the members connected to the node are automatically recognized and assigned
- In the window for assigning members, select the ones that will be assigned to the connection
- The members marked by us are displayed in the preview window on the right
- Connections can be modeled for multiple nodes in a structure.
- For member settings, select the ones to be supported
- Many predefined components: Allow easy input of typical connection situations, such as end plates, angles, multi-wall sheets, cleats, fin plates
- Universally applicable basic components (plates, welds, bolts, auxiliary planes) for entering complex connection situations
- Graphical display of the connection geometry that is updated in parallel with the input
- The Steel Joints Template included in the add-on allows you to select from several connection types and, and once selected, it will be applied to your model.
- Wide range of cross-section shapes: Includes I-sections, channel sections, angles, T-sections, built-up cross-sections, RHS (rectangular hollow sections), and thin-walled sections
- The Template covers connections from three general categories: Rigid, Pinned, Truss
- Automatic adaptation of the connection geometry, even if the structural components are subsequently edited, based on the relative relation of the components
- The program performs a plausibility check in parallel with the input to quickly detect missing entries or collisions.
- If an error occurs, an error message appears describing the problem.
- The steel connections model and the results can be saved as a separate model file
- The resulting stresses and the results of the stability analysis (joint buckling) can be displayed in a separate model
- In the saved model, you can run a deformation animation on the connection
- Connection components are converted to surfaces and members when they are saved
- The results of the connection design can be entered in the printout report
- When creating a new printout report, select the items added from the Steel Joints Add-on
- Use the tool 'Print Graphics to Printout Report' to insert graphics with the results of the connection, including the control panel, into the report
- Printout report contains the specifications of the connection components, design parameters, results and graphics
- The proposed connection can be applied to all selected nodes in the structure
- The location of the connection can be defined using the 'Main' tab of the Add-on dialog box
- The design is performed for all connections in the structure and after the calculation, the results on all connections can be displayed
- The table shows the results for the individual connections, each connection is designed and can be saved separately