Wind loads can be automatically generated as member loads or area loads on the following structural components (optional with internal pressure for open buildings):
Design of member ends, members, nodal supports, nodes, and surfaces
Consideration of specified design areas
Check of cross-section dimensions
Design according to EN 1995-1-1 (European Timber Standard) with the respective National Annexes + DIN 1052 + DSTV DIN EN 1993-1-8 + ANSI / AWC - NDS 2015 (US Standard)
Design of various materials, such as steel, concrete, and others
No necessary linking to specific standards
Extensible library including timber fasteners (SIHGA, Sherpa, WÜRTH, Simpson StrongTie, KNAPP, PITZL) and steel fasteners (standardized connections in steel building design according to EC 3, M-connect, PFEIFER, TG-Technik)
Ultimate load capacities of timber beams by the companies STEICO and Metsä Wood available in the library
Connection to MS Excel
Optimization of connecting elements (the most utilized element is calculated)
Design of foundation torsion and limitation of gaping joint
Sliding design
Settlement calculation
Bending failure design of the plate and bucket
Punching shear design
Foundation and bucket dimensions can be user-defined or determined by the module. You can edit the determined reinforcement manually. In this case, the designs are updated automatically.
After the calculation, the module shows clearly arranged tables listing the results of the nonlinear calculation. All intermediate values are included in a comprehensible manner. Graphical representation of design ratios, deformations, concrete and reinforcing steel stresses, crack widths, crack depths, and crack spacing in RFEM facilitates a quick overview of critical or cracked areas.
Error messages or remarks concerning the calculation help you find design problems. Since the design results are displayed by surface or by point including all intermediate results, you can retrace all details of the calculation.
Due to the optional export of input or result tables to MS Excel, the data remain available for further use in other programs. The complete integration of results in the RFEM printout report guarantees verifiable structural design.
It is possible to freely model a cross-section using surfaces limited by polygonal lines, including openings and point areas (reinforcements). Alternatively, you can use the DXF interface to import the geometry. An extensive material library facilitates the modeling of composite cross-sections.
Definition of limit diameters and priorities allows for a curtailment of reinforcements. In addition, you can consider the respective concrete covers and prestresses.
After the calculation, the maximum stresses, stress ratios, and displacements are displayed by load case, surface, or grid points. The design ratio can be related to any kind of stress type. The current location is highlighted by color in the RFEM model.
In addition to the result evaluation in tables, it is possible to display the stresses and stress ratios graphically in the RFEM work window. For this, you can adjust the colors and values assigned in the panel.
It is necessary to select load cases, load combinations, and result combinations for the ultimate and the serviceability limit state design. After selecting the surfaces to be designed, you can define the relevant material model.
The structure of layers forming the basis for the stiffness calculation can vary. You can adjust the parameters defined by the selected material model according to your individual needs. The 3*3 matrix of the layers is modifiable as well. In this way completely free selection when generating the stiffnesses is provided.
The limit stresses of each layer are defined by the selected material. These values can be customized as well.
The program creates a reinforcement proposal for the top and the bottom plate reinforcement. The program searches automatically for the most favorable reinforcement combination, with a mat and added rebars. If required, the rebars are distributed across two reinforcement areas by curtailment. It is possible to modify the reinforcement proposal individually by:
Application of another mat type
Individual control of diameter and spacing of added rebars
Free selection of reinforcement area widths
Individual curtailment of reinforcements
You can display the foundation in excellent rendering quality, including reinforcement. In the rendering, as well as in up to seven different dimensioned reinforcement drawings ready for construction, the module provides a solution proposal for bucket design. It is possible to modify the number, position, diameter, and spacing of used rebars here as well. You can also determine the shape of the applied links.
The dimensions of the foundation plate and bucket can be determined by the add-on module, or can be user-defined. Clearly arranged windows display the results of each performed design, including all intermediate values. They are covered in a reduced printout report providing a verifiable structural analysis.
After the design, the punching checks are presented clearly and with all result details, so that traceability is guaranteed at all times. The provided and allowable shear stresses for the shear resistance design of a slab as well as various perimeters and reinforcement ratios are represented in detail. If necessary, a clarifying note is displayed.
The next result window lists the required longitudinal or punching reinforcement of each analyzed node. An explanatory graphic is also available. The design results can be clearly displayed with values in the work window. Furthermore, you can add all result tables and graphics into the global printout report of RFEM, which guarantees coherent documentation.
The deformation analysis with RF-CONCRETE Deflect can be activated in the settings for the analytical serviceability limit state design in the RF-CONCRETE Surfaces module. Consideration of long-term effects (creep and shrinkage) and tension stiffening between cracks can also be managed in the dialog box above. The creep coefficient and shrinkage strain are calculated using the specified input parameters or defined individually.
You can specify the deformation limit value individually for each surface or for an entire surface group. The max. deformation is defined as the allowable limit value. In addition, you have to specify whether the undeformed or the deformed system is to be used for the design check.
Deformation analyses of reinforced concrete surfaces without or with cracks (state II) by applying the approximation method (for example, deformation analysis according to EN 1992-1-1, Cl. 7.4.3 )
Tension stiffening of concrete applied between cracks
Optional consideration of creep and shrinkage
Graphical representation of results integrated in RFEM; for example, deformation or sag of a flat slab
Numerical results clearly arranged in tables and graphical display of the results in the model
Complete integration of results in the RFEM printout report
Iterative nonlinear calculation of deformations for beam and plate structures consisting of reinforced concrete by determining the respective element stiffness subjected to the defined loads
Deformation analyses of cracked reinforced concrete surfaces (state II)
General nonlinear stability analysis of compression members made of reinforced concrete; for example, according to EN 1992-1-1, 5.8.6
Tension stiffening of concrete applied between cracks
Numerous National Annexes available for the design according to Eurocode 2 (EN 1992-1-1:2004 + A1:2014, see EC2 for RFEM)
Optional consideration of long-term influences such as creep or shrinkage
Nonlinear calculation of stresses in reinforcing steel and concrete
Nonlinear calculation of crack widths
Flexibility due to detailed setting options for basis and extent of calculations
Graphical representation of results integrated in RFEM; for example, deformation or sag of a flat slab made of reinforced concrete
Numerical results clearly arranged in tables and graphical display of the results in the model
Complete integration of results in the RFEM printout report
After the calculation, the module shows clearly arranged tables listing the required reinforcement and the results of the serviceability limit state design. All intermediate values are included in a comprehensible manner.
The results of RF‑CONCRETE Members are displayed as result diagrams of each member. The reinforcement proposals of the longitudinal and the shear reinforcement, including sketches, are documented in accordance with current practice. It is possible to edit the reinforcement proposal and to adjust, for example, the number of members and the anchorage. The modifications will be updated automatically. A concrete cross‑section, including reinforcement, can be visualized in a 3D rendering. This way, the program provides an optimal documentation option to create reinforcement drawings, including steel schedule.
The results of RF-CONCRETE Surfaces can be displayed graphically as isolines, isosurfaces, or numeric values. It is possible to sort the longitudinal reinforcement display by required reinforcement, required additional reinforcement, provided basic or additional reinforcement, and provided total reinforcement. The isolines of the longitudinal reinforcement can be exported as a DXF file for further use in CAD programs as a basis for reinforcement drawings.
In order to facilitate the data input, surfaces, members, sets of members, materials, surface thicknesses, and cross-sections are preset in RFEM. It is possible to select the elements graphically using the [Select] function. The program provides access to the global material and section libraries. Load cases, load combinations, and result combinations can be combined in various design cases. You can enter all geometric and standard-specific reinforcement settings for the reinforced concrete design in a segmented window. The geometry entries in both RF‑CONCRETE modules differ from each other.
In the RF-CONCRETE Members add-on module, for example, This includes, for example, specifications for the curtailment of rebars, number of layers, cutting ability of links, and anchorage type. For the fire resistance design of reinforced concrete members, you have to define the fire resistance class, the fire‑related material properties, and the cross‑section sides exposed to fire.
In the RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces add‑on module, it is necessary to specify, for example, the concrete cover, the reinforcement direction, the minimum and the maximum reinforcement, the basic reinforcement to be applied, or the designed longitudinal reinforcement, as well as the rebar diameter.
Surfaces or members can be summarized in special "reinforcement groups", each defined by different design parameters. This way, it is possible to efficiently calculate alternative designs with different boundary conditions or modified cross‑sections.
After the calculation, the module shows clearly arranged tables listing the deformation analysis results. All intermediate values are displayed in a comprehensible manner. Graphical representation of design ratios and deformation in RFEM allows a quick overview of critical areas.
Since the design results are displayed by surface or by point including all intermediate results, you can retrace all details of the calculation. The complete integration of results in the RFEM printout report guarantees verifiable structural design.
After the calculation, the results of performed designs, including all required intermediate values, are displayed in clearly arranged result tables sorted by various criteria. Since the program displays the intermediate values in detail, the transparency of all designs is ensured. It is possible to display the distribution of internal forces for each x-location of the beam in a separate graphical window. Here, both the deformations and the individual internal forces can be displayed.
Designs with design details and selected result diagrams can be added in the printout report, providing clearly arranged documentation. The printout report can include graphics, descriptions, drawings, and more. Moreover, it is possible to select which calculation data will be covered in the printout.
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 in the characteristic and quasi-permanent design situations is determined for inner spans and cantilevers. Separate design cases allow for a flexible analysis of specific actions as well as for individual stability analyses. You can define the design type to be performed in the Control Parameters window.
After the calculation, the results of performed designs, including all required intermediate values, are displayed in clearly arranged result tables sorted by various criteria.
Since the program displays the intermediate values in detail, the transparency of all designs is ensured. Furthermore, it is possible to display the distribution of results for each x-location of the column. This way, both the deformations and the individual internal forces can be displayed.
Designs with design details and selected result diagrams can be added in the printout report, providing clearly arranged documentation. It is possible to select which calculation data will be covered in the printout.
There are various options available for column modeling. Graphical representations facilitate the geometry input. Modifications are updated automatically. The relevant timber grade of the material can be selected from the material library. The strength classes of glulam, poplar, and softwood timber are available as defined in the respective standards.
Furthermore, it is possible to generate a strength class with user-defined material properties in order to extend the library. The load cases entered can be checked graphically and combined automatically in load combinations.
After the calculation, the results of performed designs, including all required intermediate values, are displayed in clearly arranged result tables sorted by various criteria. Since the program displays the intermediate values in detail, the transparency of all designs is ensured. It is possible to display the distribution of internal forces for each x-location of the beam in a separate graphical window. Here, both the deformations and the individual internal forces can be displayed.
Designs with design details and selected result diagrams can be added in the printout report, providing clearly arranged documentation. The printout report can include graphics, descriptions, drawings, and more. Moreover, it is possible to select which calculation data will be covered in the printout.
After the calculation, the results of performed designs, including all required intermediate values, are displayed in clearly arranged result tables sorted by various criteria. Since the program displays the intermediate values in detail, the transparency of all designs is ensured. It is possible to display the distribution of internal forces for each x-location of the beam in a separate graphical window. Here, both the deformations and the individual internal forces can be displayed.
Designs with design details and selected result diagrams can be added in the printout report, providing clearly arranged documentation. The printout report can include graphics, descriptions, drawings, and more. Moreover, it is possible to select which calculation data will be covered in the printout.
There are various options available for frame modeling. Graphical representations facilitate the geometry input. Modifications are updated automatically. Basic dimensions as well as geometrical data are entered in tables. During the input, the program checks the conditions required for the beam creation (for example, lamellas forming a curve) according to the defined standard. The most important geometry parameters are updated and displayed.
The relevant timber grade of the material can be selected from the material library. All material grades for glulam, hardwood, poplar and softwood timber specified in EN 1995-1-1 are available. Furthermore, it is possible to generate a strength class with user-defined material properties in order to extend the library. Permanent loads (for example, roof structure) can also be entered using the comprehensive and extensible material library.
Generators integrated in RX-TIMBER Purlin allow for convenient generation of various wind and snow load cases. By clicking the information buttons, the map of wind and snow zones for the relevant country is displayed. The corresponding zone can be selected with a double-click. Load cases can be checked graphically. However, you can enter load specifications manually as well. According to the generated loads, the program automatically creates combinations for the ultimate and serviceability limit states as well as for fire resistance design in the background. The generated combinations can be considered or adjusted by user-defined specifications.
After the calculation, the results of performed designs, including all required intermediate values, are displayed in clearly arranged result tables sorted by various criteria. Since the program displays the intermediate values in detail, the transparency of all designs is ensured. It is possible to display the distribution of internal forces for each x-location of the beam in a separate graphical window. Here, both the deformations and the individual internal forces can be displayed.
Limit state designs are represented on members and the relevant fastener. This way, it is possible to retrace each value determined for calculation. Designs with design details and selected result diagrams can be added in the printout report, providing clearly arranged documentation. The printout report can include graphics, descriptions, drawings, and more. Moreover, it is possible to select which calculation data will be covered in the printout.
There are various options available for beam modeling. A roof type determines the exact purlin location for wind and snow generation.
Two beam types are available: continuous beam and purlin. If you select the continuous beam, it is possible to define several hinge conditions of the beam. If you select the purlin, it is not possible to modify hinge conditions. In this case, the calculation considers a double cross-section in the coupling zone. In addition, several coupling elements are available in the purlin settings:
Nails (prebored/not prebored)
Ring and plate connectors and bolts
Screw connection with fastening system WT from SFS intec
User-defined specification using characteristic strength
The relevant timber grade of the material can be selected from the material library. All material grades for glulam, hardwood and softwood timber specified in EC 5 are available. Furthermore, you have the option to generate a strength class with user-defined material properties and thus extend the library.A comprehensive and extensible material library can also be used for entering permanent loads (for example, roof structure).
Generators integrated in RX-TIMBER Purlin allow for convenient generation of various wind and snow load cases. By clicking the information buttons, the map of wind and snow zones for the relevant country is displayed. The corresponding zone can be selected with a double-click. Load cases can be checked graphically.
However, you can enter load specifications manually as well. According to the generated loads, the program automatically creates combinations for the ultimate and serviceability limit states as well as for fire resistance design in the background.