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.
A wide range of available 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; built-up cross-sections (suitability for design depends on the selected standard)
Design of general RSECTION cross-sections (depending on the design formats available in the respective standard); for example, equivalent stress design
Design of tapered members (design method depending on the standard)
Adjustment of the essential design factors and standard parameters is possible
Flexibility due to detailed setting options for basis and extent of calculations
Fast and clear results output for an immediate overview of the result distribution after the design
Detailed output of the design results and essential formulas (comprehensible and verifiable result path)
Numerical results clearly arranged in tables and graphical display of the results in the model
Integration of the output into the RFEM/RSTAB printout report
Design of tension, compression, bending, shear, torsion, and combined internal forces
Tension design with consideration of a reduced section area (for example, hole weakening)
Automatic classification of cross-sections to check local buckling
Internal forces from the calculation with Torsional Warping (7 DOF) are taken into account using the equivalent stress check (currently not available for the design standards AISC 360‑16 and GB 50017).
Design of cross-sections of Class 4 with effective cross-section properties according to EN 1993‑1‑5 as well as cold-formed sections according to EN 1993‑1‑3, AISI S100, or CSA S136 (licenses for RSECTION and Effective Sections are required for the RSECTION cross-sections)
Shear buckling check according to EN 1993‑1‑5 with consideration of transverse stiffeners
Design of stainless-steel components according to EN 1993‑1‑4
Stability analyses for flexural buckling, torsional buckling, and flexural-torsional buckling under compression
Import of the effective lengths from the calculation using the Structure Stability add-on
Graphical input and check of the defined nodal supports and effective lengths for stability analysis
Lateral-torsional buckling analysis of the structural components subjected to moment loading
Depending on the standard, a choice between user-defined input of Mcr, analytical method from the standard, and use of internal eigenvalue solver
Consideration of a shear panel and a rotational restraint when using the eigenvalue solver
Graphical display of a mode shape if the eigenvalue solver was used
Stability analysis of structural components with the combined compression and bending stress, depending on the design standard
Comprehensible calculation of all necessary coefficients, such as the factors for considering moment distribution or interaction factors
Alternative consideration of all effects for the stability analysis when determining internal forces in RFEM/RSTAB (second-order analysis, imperfections, stiffness reduction, possibly in combination with the Torsional Warping (7 DOF) add-on)
You enter the structural system and calculate the internal forces in the programs RFEM and RSTAB. You have full access to the extensive material and cross-section libraries. Did you know? You can also use the RSECTION program to create general cross-sections.
You find Steel Design fully integrated in the main programs. They automatically take into account the structure and the available calculation results. You can assign further entries for the aluminum design, such as effective lengths, cross-section reductions, or design parameters, to the objects to be designed. At many places of the program, you can easily select the elements graphically using the [Select] function.
A wide range of available 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; built-up cross-sections (suitability for design depends on the selected standard)
Design of general RSECTION cross-sections (depending on the design formats available in the respective standard); for example, equivalent stress design
Design of tapered members (design method depending on the standard)
Adjustment of the essential design factors and standard parameters is possible
Flexibility due to detailed setting options for basis and extent of calculations
Fast and clear results output for an immediate overview of the result distribution after the design
Detailed output of the design results and essential formulas (comprehensible and verifiable result path)
Numerical results clearly arranged in tables and graphical display of the results in the model
Integration of the output into the RFEM/RSTAB printout report
Design of tension, compression, bending, shear, torsion, and combined internal forces
Tension design with consideration of a reduced section area (for example, hole weakening)
Automatic classification of cross-sections to check local buckling
Internal forces from the calculation with Torsional Warping (7 DOF) are taken into account using the equivalent stress check (currently not yet available for the ADM 2020 design standard).
Design of cross-sections of Class 4 with effective cross-section properties according to EN 1993‑1‑5 (licenses for RSECTION and Effective Sections are required for the RSECTION cross-sections)
Shear buckling check with consideration of transverse stiffeners
Stability analyses for flexural buckling, torsional buckling, and flexural-torsional buckling under compression
Lateral-torsional buckling analysis of the structural components subjected to moment loading
Import of the effective lengths from the calculation using the Structure Stability add-on
Graphical input and check of the defined nodal supports and effective lengths for stability analysis
Depending on the standard, a choice between user-defined input of Mcr, analytical method from the standard, or use of internal eigenvalue solver
Consideration of a shear panel and a rotational restraint when using the eigenvalue solver
Graphical display of a mode shape if the eigenvalue solver was used
Stability analysis of structural components with the combined compression and bending stress, depending on the design standard
Comprehensible calculation of all necessary coefficients, such as interaction factors
Alternative consideration of all effects for the stability analysis when determining internal forces in RFEM/RSTAB (second-order analysis, imperfections, stiffness reduction, possibly in combination with the Torsional Warping (7 DOF) add-on)
Was your design successful? Just sit back and relax. The program gives you the performed design checks in tables. All result details are displayed for you and you can easily follow them using the clearly arranged design formulas.
The design checks are carried out at all governing locations of the members. A graphical display is provided as a result diagram. Furthermore, you have access to detailed graphics, such as the stress distribution on a cross-section or the governing mode shape, available in the result output.
All input and result data are part of the RFEM/RSTAB printout report. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual design checks.
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.
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)
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‑/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
Compared to the RF‑/STEEL EC3 add-on module (RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8), the following new features have been added to the Steel Design add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9:
In addition to Eurocode 3, other international standards are integrated (such as AISC 360, CSA S16, GB 50017, SP 16.13330)
Consideration of hot-dip galvanizing (DASt guideline 027) in the fire protection design according to EN 1993‑1‑2
Input option for transverse stiffeners that can be taken into account in the shear buckling analysis
Lateral-torsional buckling can also be checked for hollow sections (for example, relevant for slender, high rectangular hollow sections)
Automatic detection of members or member sets valid for the design (for example, automatic deactivation of members with invalid material or members already contained in a member set)
Design settings can be adjusted individually for each member
Graphical display of the results in the gross section or the effective section
Output of the used design check formulas (including a reference to the used equation from the standard)
Compared to the RF‑/TIMBER Pro add-on module (RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8), the following new features have been added to the Timber Design add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9:
In addition to Eurocode 5, other international standards are integrated (SIA 265, ANSI/AWC NDS, CSA O86, GB 50005)
Design of compression perpendicular to grain (support pressure)
Implementation of eigenvalue solver for determining the critical moment for lateral-torsional buckling (EC 5 only)
Definition of different effective lengths for design at normal temperature and fire resistance design
Evaluation of stresses via unit stresses (FEA)
Optimized stability analyses for tapered members
Unification of the materials for all national annexes (only one "EN" standard is now available in the material library for a better overview)
Display of cross-section weakenings directly in the rendering
Output of the used design check formulas (including a reference to the used equation from the standard)
Compared to the RF‑/ALUMINUM add-on module (RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8), the following new features have been added to the Aluminum Design add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9:
In addition to Eurocode 9, the US standard ADM 2020 is integrated.
Consideration of the stabilizing effect of purlins and sheets by rotational restraints and shear panels
Graphical display of the results in the gross section
Output of the used design check formulas (including a reference to the used equation from the standard)
With Dlubal Software, you always have an overview, regardless of whether your projects are from the reinforced concrete, steel, timber, aluminum, or other industry. The program clearly displays the design check formulas used in your design (including a reference to the used equation from the standard). These design check formulas can also be included in the printout report.
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?
For joint components, you can check whether the stability failure is relevant. This requires the Structure Stability add-on.
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 perform 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.