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 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.
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.
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.
Do you want your structures to remain upright even in wind and snow? Then rely on the load wizards for plate and frame structures. You can now generate wind loads according to EN 1991‑1‑4 and snow loads according to EN 1991‑1‑3 (as well as other international standards). The load cases are generated depending on the roof shape.
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:
The material library already includes the Canadian types of concrete and reinforcing steel available for design. However, you can always define other materials for the design according to CSA A23.3.
The units used for the reinforced concrete design according to CSA A23.3 are adjusted to the metric system by default.
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.
After opening the add-on module, it is necessary to select the members/sets of members, load cases, load or result combinations for the ultimate and the serviceability limit state design. The materials from RFEM/RSTAB are preset and can be adjusted in RF-/TIMBER CSA. Material properties listed in the respective standard are included in the material library.
When checking the cross-sections, you can specify whether to consider a cross-section selected in RFEM/RSTAB, or a modified cross-section. Then, you can define the load duration classes, the moisture service conditions, and timber treatment.
The deformation analysis requires the reference lengths of the relevant members and sets of members. Furthermore, you can define a specific direction of deflection, precamber and the beam type.
For fire resistance design, you can define the charring sides of a member or set of members.
There are load generators available for beam structures, creating snow loads according to ASCE/SEI 7-10. The load cases are generated depending on the roof shape. Another generator creates coating loads (ice). You can save recurring load combinations as templates.
After the calculation, the module displays results in clearly arranged result tables. All intermediate values (for example, governing internal forces, adjustment factors, and so on) can be included in order to make the design more transparent. The results are sorted by load case, cross-section, set of members, and members. If the analysis fails, the affected cross-sections can be modified in an optimization process.
The design ratio is represented with different colors in the RFEM/RSTAB model. This way, you can quickly recognize critical or oversized areas of the cross-section. Furthermore, result diagrams displayed on the member or set of members ensure targeted evaluation.
In addition to the input and result data, including design details displayed in tables, you can add all graphics into the printout report. This way, comprehensible and clearly arranged documentation is guaranteed. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual designs.
The generated loads can be transferred easily to RFEM/RSTAB in order to superimpose other load cases. All module data is included in the RFEM/RSTAB printout report.
The report contents and the extent of the results can be selected specifically for the individual designs.
After generating the loads, you can check the results in clearly arranged tables. The output includes all information about the generated load cases and loads due to self-weight, wind load, and ice load. All loads are itemized in structural objects and equipment.
The RF-/TOWER Loading add-on module meets the requirements of EN 1991-1-4 / DIN EN 1993-3-1, DIN 1055-4, DIN 4131:1991-11, and DIN V 4131:2008-09. These standards include specifications of dead, wind, maintenance/technician and ice loads (ISO 12494 or DIN 1055-5), as well as variable loads. The standard specifications are preset or available in the libraries.
For the generation of wind loads according to Eurocode, the National Annexes (NA) of the following countries are available:
DIN EN 1991-1-4 (Germany)
CSN EN 1994-1-4 (Czech Republic)
NA to CYS EN 1991-1-4 (Cyprus)
DK EN 1991-1-4 (Denmark)
NBN EN 1991-1-4 (Belgium)
NEN EN 1991-1-4 (Netherlands)
NF EN 1991-1-4 (France)
SFS-EN 1991-1-4 (Finland)
SIST EN 1991-1-4 (Slovenia)
SR EN 1991-1-4 (Romania)
SS EN 1991-1-4 (Singapore)
SS-EN 1991-1-4 (Sweden)
STN EN 1991-1-4 (Slovakia)
UNI EN 1991-1-4 (Italy)
It is possible to generate individual load situations: You can set the wind pressure, wind direction, or ice loads manually, or import them from tables.
Wind loads can be automatically generated as member loads or area loads on the following structural components (optional with internal pressure for open buildings):