You have the option to perform the fire resistance design of surfaces using the reduced cross-section method. The reduction is applied over the surface thickness. It is possible to perform the design checks for all timber materials allowed for the design.
For cross-laminated timber, depending on the type of adhesive, you can select whether it is possible for individual carbonized layer parts to fall off, and whether you can expect increased charring in certain layer areas.
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.
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 cross-sections, such as rectangular sections, square sections, T‑sections, circular sections, built-up cross-sections, irregular parametric cross-sections, and many others (suitability for design depends on the selected standard)
Design of cross-laminated timber (CLT)
Design of timber-based materials and laminated veneer lumber according to EC 5
Design of tapered and curved members (design method according to 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
Did you use the eigenvalue solver of the add-on to determine the critical load factor within the stability analysis? If so, you can then display the governing mode shape of the object to be designed as a result. The eigenvalue solver is available here for the lateral-torsional buckling analysis, depending on the design standard used.
If your design is successful, the relaxed part of your work follows. Because the program does many processes for you. For example, the performed design checks are displayed in a table. It shows you all the result details. Due to the clearly presented design formulas, you will be able to understand the results without any problems. There is no "black box" effect here.
The design checks are carried out at all governing locations of the members and displayed graphically as a result diagram. Furthermore, detailed graphics, such as the stress distribution on a cross-section or the governing mode shape, are available for you 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.
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 by means of the equivalent stress check (currently not yet for the design standard ADM 2020).
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, 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 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)
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:
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 50009
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:
First, it is necessary to decide whether to perform design according to ASD or LRFD. Then, you can enter the load cases, load combinations, and result combinations to be designed. Load combinations according to ASCE 7 can be generated either manually or automatically in RFEM/RSTAB.
Further specifications include presetting of lateral intermediate supports, effective lengths, and other standard-specific design parameters. When using continuous members, it is possible to define individual support conditions and eccentricities at each intermediate node of the single members. A special FEA tool then internally determines the effective radii of gyration required for the stability analysis for these situations.
Design of members and sets of members for tension, compression, bending, shear, torsion, and combined internal forces
Stability analysis of buckling and lateral-torsional buckling
Automatic determination of effective radius of gyration by special integrated FEA software (eigenvalue analysis) for general loading and support conditions
Alternative analytical calculation of effective radius of gyration for standard situations
Optional application of discrete lateral supports to beams
Definition of nodal supports for sets of members
Serviceability limit state design (deflection)
Cross-section optimization
A wide range of available cross-sections, such as rolled I-sections, channel sections, T-sections, angles, rectangular and circular hollow sections, round bars, and many others.
Detailed result documentation including references to design equations of the used standard
Various filter and sorting options of results, including result lists by member, cross-sections, and x-location, or by load case, load and result combination
Result table of member slenderness and governing internal forces
The first results window shows the maximum design ratios with the corresponding design of each designed load case, load combination, or result combination.
The other result windows list all detailed results sorted by specific subject in extendable tree menus. All intermediate results along a member can be displayed at any location. In this way, you can easily retrace how the module has performed the individual designs.
The complete data from the module are part of the RFEM/RSTAB printout report.
The cross-section resistance design analyzes tension and compression along the grain, bending, bending and tension/compression as well as the strength in shear due to shear force.
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 compared to the maximum allowable deflection.
Separate design cases allow for a flexible and stability analysis of members, sets of members, and loads.
Design-relevant parameters such as such as stability analysis, load duration in case of fire, member slendernesses, and limit deflection can be adjusted as desired.