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.
You know for sure that when connecting tension-loaded components with bolted connections, you need to consider the cross-section reduction due to the bolt holes in the ultimate limit state design. The structural analysis programs also have a solution for this. In the Aluminum Design add-on, you can enter a member local section reduction for this. Enter the reduction of the cross-section as an absolute value or as a percentage of the total area at all relevant locations.
The Torsional Warping (7 DOF) add-on allows you to perform the calculation of member structures in RFEM and RSTAB, taking into account the cross-section warping. You can consider all internal forces (N, Vu, Vv, Mt,pri, Mt,sec, Mu, Mv, Mω) determined in this way in the equivalent stress analysis of the aluminum design. Note: This feature is not yet available for the design standard ADM 2020.
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 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.
You can find the serviceability limit state design checks in the result tables of the Aluminum Design add-on. They are already fully integrated there. You have the option to display the design results with all the details at each location of the designed members. You can also use graphics with the result diagrams of the design ratios.
You can integrate all result tables and graphics into the global printout report of RFEM/RSTAB as a part of the aluminum design results. RFEM/RSTAB also allows you to display and document the deformations of the entire structure independently of the add-on.
Do you prefer it clear? So do we! That's why all performed design checks for the design standard are displayed for you in a clear way. You determine a design criterion for each design check. You get design details, which include the initial values, intermediate results, and final results, arranged in a structured way for each design check. You can find the calculation process with the applied formulas, standard sources, and results in great detail in an information window in the design details.
You can find the design checks displayed in tables in the Aluminum Design add-on. Moreover, you can display the distribution of the design ratios graphically. Extensive filter options are available for you both in the table as well as in the graphical output. You can thus specifically display the desired design checks by limit state or design type in the program.
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.
Note that the definition of the effective lengths in the Aluminum Design add-on is an essential requirement for the stability analysis. For this, define the nodal supports and effective length factors in the input dialog box. Do you want to clearly document the nodal supports and the resulting segments with the associated effective length factors? To check the input data, it is best for you to use the graphic display in the RFEM/RSTAB work window. Thus, you can comprehend the design at any time with minimum effort.
As usual, you enter the structural system and calculate the internal forces in the programs RFEM and RSTAB. You have unlimited access to the extensive material and cross-section libraries. Did you know that you can create general cross-sections using the RSECTION program? That saves you a lot of work.
Don't be afraid of additional windows and input chaos! Aluminum Design is completely integrated into the main programs and automatically takes into account the structure and the available calculation results. You can directly assign further entries for the aluminum design, such as effective lengths, cross-section reductions, or design parameters, to the objects to be designed. You can simply and efficiently select the elements graphically using the [Select] function.
Was your design successful? Very good, now comes the relaxed part. Because the program gives you the performed design checks in a table. You can display all result details in detail here. The clearly presented design formulas ensure that you will be able to understand the results without any problems. There is no black-box effect with Dlubal Software.
The design checks are carried out at all governing locations of the members and displayed graphically as a result diagram. You can find more detailed graphics in the result output. This includes the stress distribution on the cross-section or the governing mode shape, for example.
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.
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)
With Dlubal, you can safely and easily design structures all over the world. Select from a large number of standards in the Base Data. You can also decide whether to create the combinations automatically.
The following standards are available:
EN 1990
EN 1990 | Timber
EN 1990 | Road Bridges
EN 1990 | Cranes
EN 1990 | Geotechnical Engineering
EN 1990 | Base + Timber
EN 15512
ASCE 7
ASCE 7 | Timber
ACI 318
IBC
CAN/CSA
NBC
NBC | Timber
NBR 8681
IS 800
SIA 260
SIA 260 | Timber
BS 5950
GB 55001 | GB 55002
GB 50009 | GB 50011
GB 50068 | GB 50011
CTE DB-SE
SANS 10160-1
NTC
NTC | Timber
AS/NZS 1170.0
SP 20.13330:2016
TSC | Steel
For the European standards (EC), the following National Annexes are available:
In the "Load Cases & Combinations" dialog box, you have an option to automatically generate load and result combinations as soon as you have selected the corresponding combination expressions. For example, you can also copy or add load cases in a clearly arranged window.
Furthermore, you can manage the load cases and combinations in the tables.
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 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:
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.
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.
Design of tension, compression, bending, shear, and combined internal forces
Stability analysis for flexural buckling, torsional buckling, and lateral-torsional buckling
Automatic determination of critical buckling loads and critical moment for lateral-torsional buckling by means of integrated FEA program (eigenvalue analysis) from boundary conditions of loads and supports
Optional application of discrete lateral supports to beams
Automatic or manual cross-section classification
Integration of parameters from National Annexes (NA) of the following countries:
DIN EN 1999-1-1/NA:2010-12 (Germany)
NBN EN 1999-1-1/ANB:2011-03 (Belgium)
DK EN 1999-1-1/NA:2013-05 (Denmark)
SFS EN 1999-1-1/NA:2016-12 (Finland)
ELOT EN 1999-1-1/NA:2010-11 (Greece)
IS EN 1999-1-1/NA:2010-03 (Ireland)
UNI EN 1999-1-1/NA:2011-02 (Italy)
LST EN 1999-1-1/NA:2011-09 (Lithuania)
UNI EN 1999-1-1/NA:2011-02 (Italy)
NEN EN 1999-1-1/NB:2011-12 (Netherlands)
PN EN 1999-1-1/NA:2011-01 (Poland)
SS EN 1999-1-1/NA:2011-04 (Sweden)
STN EN 1999-1-1/NA:2010-01 (Slovakia)
BS EN 1999-1-1/NA:2009 (the United Kingdom)
STN EN 1999-1-1/NA:2009-02 (Slovakia)
CYS EN 1999-1-1/NA:2009-07 (Cyprus)
Serviceability limit state design for characteristic, frequent, or quasi-permanent design situation
Consideration of transverse welds
Variety of cross-sections provided; for example, I‑sections, C‑sections, rectangular hollow sections, square sections, angles with equal and unequal legs, flat steel, round bars
Clearly arranged result tables
Automatic cross-section optimization
Detailed result documentation with references to the design equations used and described in the standard
Filter and sorting options for results, including result lists by member, cross‑section, and x‑location, or by load cases, load combinations, and result combinations
Result window of member slenderness and governing internal forces
The first result window shows the maximum design ratios with the corresponding design for each designed load case and combination.
The other windows show all detailed results sorted by specific topics. It is possible to display all intermediate results of each location along the members. In this way, you can easily retrace how the module has performed the individual designs.
The complete module data are part of the RFEM/RSTAB printout report. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual designs.
The data specified in RFEM/RSTAB concerning material, loads, and load combinations must comply with the design concept of the Eurocode. The RFEM/RSTAB material library already contains the relevant materials. Furthermore, RFEM/RSTAB allows for automatic creation of load and result combinations in accordance with the Eurocode. It is also possible to create the combinations manually.
In the RF-/ALUMINUM add-on module, you must first select the members and sets of members to be designed, as well as the load cases, load combinations, and result combinations. In the subsequent input windows, you can adjust preset definitions of lateral intermediate supports and effective lengths.
When using continuous members, you can define individual support conditions and eccentricities for each intermediate node of the single members. A special FEA tool determines the critical loads and moments required for the stability analysis.
The calculated stresses and settlements are displayed in result windows. In addition, it is possible to evaluate the results graphically. The graphic displays the position and the layer arrangement of the soil samples to clarify the results.
The final result window shows the elastic foundation coefficients. Graphical evaluation is possible as well.