Wind loads can be automatically generated as member loads or area loads on the following structural components (optional with internal pressure for open buildings):
In the Timber Design add-on for RFEM, you can design members as well as surfaces according to Eurocode 5, SIA 265 (Swiss standard), CSA O86 (Canadian standard), or ANSI/AWC NDS (American standard); for example, cross-laminated timber, glued-laminated timber, softwood, mass timber, and so on.
Do you work with the structural components consisting of slabs? In that case, you have to perform the shear force design with the requirements of punching shear design, for example, according to 6.4, EN 1992‑1‑1. In addition to floor slabs, you can also design foundation slabs in this way.
In the Ultimate Configuration for concrete design, you can define the punching design parameters for the selected nodes.
As you've already learned, the results of a Modal Analysis load case are displayed in the program after a successful calculation. You can thus immediately see the first mode shape graphically or as an animation. You can also easily adjust the representation of the mode shape standardization. Do that directly in the Results navigator, where you have one of four options for the visualization of the mode shapes available for the selection:
Scaling the value of the mode shape vector uj to 1 (considers the translation components only)
Selecting the maximum translational component of the eigenvector and setting it to 1
Considering the entire eigenvector (including the rotation components), selecting the maximum, and setting it to 1
Setting the modal mass mi for each mode shape to 1 kg
You can find a detailed explanation of the mode shape standardization in the OnlineManual here.
SHAPE-THIN calculates all relevant cross‑section properties, including plastic limit internal forces. Overlapping areas are set close to reality. If cross-sections consist of different materials, SHAPE‑THIN determines the effective cross‑section properties with respect to the reference material.
In addition to the elastic stress analysis, you can perform the plastic design including interaction of internal forces for any cross‑section shape. The plastic interaction design is carried out according to the Simplex Method. You can select the yield hypothesis according to Tresca or von Mises.
SHAPE-THIN performs a cross-section classification according to EN 1993-1-1 and EN 1999-1-1. For steel cross-sections of cross-section class 4, the program determines effective widths for unstiffened or stiffened buckling panels according to EN 1993-1-1 and EN 1993-1-5. For aluminum cross-sections of cross-section class 4, the program calculates effective thicknesses according to EN 1999-1-1.
Optionally, SHAPE‑THIN checks the limit c/t-values in compliance with the design methods el‑el, el‑pl, or pl‑pl according to DIN 18800. The c/t-zones of elements connected in the same direction are recognized automatically.
Is the calculation finished? The results of the modal analysis are then available both graphically and in tables. Display the result tables for the load case or the load cases of the modal analysis. Thus, you can see the eigenvalues, angular frequencies, natural frequencies, and natural periods of the structure at first glance. The effective modal masses, modal mass factors, and participation factors are also clearly displayed.
Utilize all the options of the 'Edit Load Cases and Combinations' dialog box to facilitate your work. Here you can automatically create load and result combinations after selecting the corresponding combination expressions. In this clearly arranged dialog box, you can also e.g. to copy, add, or renumber load cases.
Additionally, control the load cases and combinations in Tables 2.1 – 2.6.
The design of cold-formed steel members according to the AISI S100-16 / CSA S136-16 is available in RFEM 6. Design can be accessed by selecting “AISC 360” or “CSA S16” as the standard in the Steel Design Add-on. “AISI S100” or “CSA S136” is then automatically selected for the cold-formed design.
RFEM applies the Direct Strength Method (DSM) to calculate the elastic buckling load of the member. The Direct Strength Method offers two types of solutions, numerical (Finite Strip Method) and analytical (Specification). The FSM signature curve and buckling shapes can be viewed under Sections.
Optional consideration of stiffening elements for transversal tension
Two design types available for stiffening elements concerning transversal tension:
Constructive if required
Full absorption of tension stresses perpendicular to grain
Calculation of required number of stiffening elements for transversal tension and graphical representation of the arrangement in the beam
Simple geometry input with illustrative graphics
Convenient generation of snow loads according to EN 1991-1-3 or DIN 1055:2005, Part 5
Automatic determination of wind loads according to EN 1991-1-4 or DIN 1055:2005, Part 4
User-defined load cases and load applications
Automatic generation of all possible load combinations
Connection to MS Excel and access via COM interface
Material library for both standards
For design according to EC 5 (EN 1995), the following National Annexes are available:
DIN EN 1995-1-1/NA:2013-08 (Germany)
NBN EN 1995-1-1/ANB:2012-07 (Belgium)
DK EN 1995-1-1/NA:2011-12 (Denmark)
SFS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2007-11 (Finland)
NF EN 1995-1-1/NA:2010-05 (France)
UNI EN 1995-1-1/NA:2010-09 (Italy)
NEN EN 1995-1-1/NB:2007-11 (Netherlands)
ÖNORM B 1995-1-1:2015-06 (Austria)
PN EN 1995-1-1/NA:2010-09 (Poland)
SS EN 1995-1-1 (Sweden)
STN EN 1995-1-1/NA:2008-12 (Slovakia)
SIST EN 1995-1-1/A101:2006-03 (Slovenia)
CSN EN 1995-1-1:2007-09 (Czech Republic)
BS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2009-10 (the United Kingdom)
Extensive library of permanent loads
Allocation of a structure to service class, and specification of service class categories
Determination of design ratios, support forces, and deformations
Info icon indicating successful or failed design
Color reference scales in result tables
Direct data export to MS Excel
DXF interface for preparation production documents in CAD
Program languages: English, German, Czech, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Polish, Chinese, Dutch, and Russian
Verifiable printout report, including all required designs. Printout report available in many output languages; for example, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Czech, Polish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Dutch.
The Base Data dialog box includes a wide range of standards and the option to create combinations automatically. The following standards are available:
EN 1990:2002
EN 1990 + EN 1995:2004 (Timber)
EN 1990 + EN 1991-2; Road bridges
EN 1990 + EN 1991-3; Cranes
EN 1990 + EN 1997
to DIN 1055-100:2001-03
DIN 1055-100 + DIN 1052:2004-08 (timber)
DIN 1055-100 + DIN 18008 (Glass)
DIN 1052 (simplified) (timber)
DIN 18800:1990
ASCE 7‑10
ASCE 7-10 NDS (Wood)
ACI 318-14
IBC 2015
CAN/CSA S 16.1-94:1994
NBCC: 2005
NBR 8681
IS 800:2007
SIA 260:2003
SIA 260 + SIA 265:2003 (timber)
BS 5950-1:2000
GB 50009-2012
CTE DB-SE
For the European standards (EC), the following National Annexes are available:
As you probably know, the design checks for the selected members are carried out, taking into account the defined charring time. All necessary reduction factors and coefficients are stored accordingly in the program and are taken into account when determining the load-bearing capacity. That saves you a lot of work.
The effective lengths for the equivalent member design are taken directly from the strength entries. You do not have to enter them again.
After completing the design, the program presents the fire resistance design checks clearly and with all result details. This allows you to follow the results completely transparently. The results also contain all the required parameters, so you can determine the component temperature at the design time.
In addition to all these features, the program allows you to integrate all result tables and graphics, including the ultimate and serviceability limit state results,into the global printout report of RFEM/RSTAB as a part of the steel design results.
Is your goal to determine the number of mode shapes? The program offers you two methods for this. On the one hand, you can manually define the number of the smallest mode shapes to be calculated. In this case, the number of available mode shapes depends on the degrees of freedom (that is, the number of free mass points multiplied by the number of directions in which the masses act). However, it is limited to 9999. On the other hand, you can set the maximum natural frequency the way that the program determined the mode shapes automatically until reaching the natural frequency set.
In the RF-LAMINATE add-on module for RFEM, the design of torsional shear stresses in the superposition of net and gross cross-section values is possible. The design is performed separately in the x- and y-directions. The loads on the intersection points of cross-laminated timber panels are checked.
In RFEM and RSTAB, you can design members with the "Laminated Veneer Lumber" material type. The following manufacturers are available:
Pollmeier (Baubuche)
Metsä (Kerto LVL)
STEICO
Stora Enso
In the ultimate configuration, you can consider strength coefficients for increasing the strengths. The coefficients reducing the strengths are automatically taken into account regardless of this. Try it now!
There are various options available for modeling a roof. Graphical representations facilitate the geometry input. Modifications are updated automatically.
In addition, it is possible to consider cross‑section weakening on supports. Optionally, you can define if the design of support pressure on the rafter side should be performed.
Permanent loads (for example, roof structure) can be entered using the comprehensive and extensible material library. Loads due to cantilevers and collars/ties can be entered separately. Generators integrated in RX-TIMBER Purlin allow for convenient generation of various wind and snow load cases. You can manually add any concentrated and distributed loads.
Load cases are displayed graphically and superimposed in automatically generated load combinations according to EC 5. For stability and serviceability limit state designs, you can change the data manually, for example, for example, for cantilevers (roof overhang), it is necessary to ignore the SLS.
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.
Did you use the eigenvalue solver of the add-on to determine the critical load factor within the stability analysis? In this case, you can then display the governing mode shape of the object to be designed as a result.
The Aluminum Design add-on provides you with further options. Here you can also design general cross-sections that are not predefined in the cross-section library. For example, create a cross-section in the RSECTION program and then import it into RFEM/RSTAB. Depending on the design standard used, you can select from various design formats. This includes, for example, the equivalent stress analysis.
With a license for RSECTION and Effective Sections, you can also perform the design checks while taking into account the effective cross-section properties according to EN 1993‑1‑5.
Design of tension, compression, bending, shear, torsion, and combined internal forces
Consideration of a notch
Design of compression perpendicular to the grain on the end and intermediate supports with (EC 5) and without reinforcement elements (fully threaded screws)
Optional shear force reduction at the support (see the Product Feature)
Design of curved and tapered members
Consideration of higher strengths for similar components that are close together (factor ksys according to EN 1995‑1‑1, 6.6(1)-(3))
Option to increase shear resistance for softwood timber according to DIN EN 1995‑1‑1:NA NDP to 6.1.7(2)
SHAPE-THIN includes an extensive library of rolled and parameterized cross-sections. They can be composed or supplemented by new elements. It is possible to model a section consisting of different materials.
Graphical tools and functions allow for modeling complex section shapes in the usual way common for CAD programs. The graphical entry provides the option of setting point elements, fillet welds, arcs, parameterized rectangular and circular sections, ellipses, elliptical arcs, parabolas, hyperbolas, spline, and NURBS. Alternatively, it is possible to import a DXF file that is used as the basis for further modeling. You can also use guidelines for modeling.
Furthermore, parameterized input allows you to enter model and load data in a specific way so they depend on certain variables.
Elements can be divided or attached to other objects graphically. SHAPE-THIN automatically divides the elements and provides for an uninterrupted shear flow by introducing dummy elements. In the case of dummy elements, you can define a specific thickness to control the shear transfer.
Wind loads are also not a problem in your design. You can automatically generate wind loads as member loads or area loads (RFEM) on the following structural components:
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
Determination of the equivalent member lengths for tapered members
Consideration of Lateral-Torsional Bracing Position
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)