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.
For design supports, you can take into account a shear force reduction. This allows you to perform the shear design with the governing shear force at a distance of the beam height from the support edge.
A library for cross-laminated timber panels is implemented in RFEM, from which you can import the manufacturer's layer structures (for example, Binderholz, KLH, Piveteaubois, Södra, Züblin Timber, Schilliger, Stora Enso). In addition to the layer thicknesses and materials, there is also the information about stiffness reductions and the narrow side bonding.
Converting members to surface models works without any major problems. Easily generate member local section reductions using the Generate Surfaces from Members function. Thus, you can convert the members into surface models.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
Use the member cross-section reductions to consider the start, internal, or end notches of a beam. The beam reduction is thus taken into account in the calculation of the load-bearing capacity. However, this does not apply to the stiffness.
You can enter the structural system and calculate the internal forces in the programs RFEM and RSTAB. You have full access to the extensive material and cross-section libraries.
Timber Design is completely integrated into the main programs. At the same time, it automatically takes into account the structure and the available calculation results. You can assign further entries for the timber design, such as effective lengths, cross-section reductions, or design parameters, to the objects to be designed. You can easily select the elements graphically using the [Select] function at many places of the program.
The design checks for the members you have selected are carried out taking into account the governing component temperature. You can perform the cross-section design checks and stability analyses according to EN 1993‑1‑2, Section 4.2.3, in the Steel Design add-on. All reduction factors and coefficients that are necessary are stored accordingly and are taken into account when determining the load-bearing capacity.
The effective lengths for the equivalent member design are taken directly from the strength entries. You don't need to enter them again.
In each design, perform the cross-section classification first. For the cross-sections of Class 4, the design is performed automatically according to EN 1993‑1‑2, Annex E.
Please note 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. But don't worry, this can be easily done in the program. In the Steel Design add-on, you can enter a member local section reduction – and that's it. You can enter the reduction of the cross-section as an absolute value or as a percentage of the total area at all relevant locations.
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
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)
You enter the structural system and calculate the internal forces in the programs RFEM and RSTAB. You have full access to the extensive material and cross-section libraries. Did you know? You can also use the RSECTION program to create general cross-sections.
You find Steel Design fully integrated in the main programs. They automatically take into account the structure and the available calculation results. You can assign further entries for the aluminum design, such as effective lengths, cross-section reductions, or design parameters, to the objects to be designed. At many places of the program, you can easily select the elements graphically using the [Select] function.
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)
The number of degrees of freedom in a node is no longer a global calculation parameter in RFEM (6 degrees of freedom for each mesh node in 3D models, 7 degrees of freedom for the warping torsion analysis). Thus, each node is generally considered with a different number of degrees of freedom, which leads to a variable number of equations in the calculation.
This modification speeds up the calculation, especially for models where a significant reduction of the system could be achieved (for example, trusses and membrane structures).
Hinged girder system (Gerber beams) with and without cantilevers
Automatic generation of wind and snow loads
Automatic creation of required combinations for the ultimate and serviceability limit states, as well as fire resistance design
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)
Consideration of optimization options by user specifications according to the respective standard:
Shear force reduction of single loads near support
Shear force reduction of load introduction at the cross-section top point
Moment redistribution in support zone
Reduction of torsional stress by means of user-defined entry of moment
Increase of bending stiffnesses for flat-ended or edgewise bending strains
Simple geometry input with illustrative graphics
Extensive material library for both standards
Optional extension of material library by further materials
Extensive library of permanent loads
Allocation of framework to service classes 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
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.
Direct import of stp files from various CAD programs
Hinged column, optionally with elastic restraint of head or footing
Bracket, optionally with elastic restraint of footing
Simple geometry input with illustrative graphics
Extensive material library
Allocation of framework to service classes and specification of service class categories
Detailed settings of the fire resistance design
Specification of limit deformation for the serviceability limit state design
Determination of design ratios, support forces, and deformations
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)
Automatic generation of wind and snow loads
Multiple optional reductions according to the selected standard
Direct data export to MS Excel
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.
Direct import of stp files from various CAD programs
Hinged girder system (Gerber beams) with and without cantilevers
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)
Automatic generation of wind and snow loads
Multiple optional reductions according to the selected standard
Simple geometry input with illustrative graphics
Free entry of tapered geometries. Free selection of the grain angle allows for user-defined design of the compressive and tensile areas for bending
Comprehensive and extensible material library
Determination of design ratios, support forces, and deformations
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.
Direct import of stp files from various CAD programs
The module extension EC2 for RSTAB enables design of reinforced concrete according to EN 1992-1-1 (Eurocode 2) and the following National Annexes:
DIN EN 1992-1-1/NA/A1:2015-12 (Germany)
ÖNORM B 1992-1-1:2018-01 (Austria)
Belgium NBN EN 1992-1-1 ANB:2010 for design at normal temperature, and NBN EN 1992-1-2 ANB:2010 for fire resistance design (Belgium)
BDS EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2011 (Bulgaria)
EN 1992-1-1 DK NA:2013 (Denmark)
NF EN 1992-1-1/NA:2016-03 (France)
SFS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2007-10 (Finland)
UNI EN 1992-1-1/NA:2007-07 (Italy)
LVS EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2014 (Latvia)
LST EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2011 (Lithuania)
MS EN 1992-1-1:2010 (Malaysia)
NEN-EN 1992-1-1+C2:2011/NB:2016 (Netherlands)
NS EN 1992-1 -1:2004-NA:2008 (Norway)
PN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2010 (Poland)
NP EN 1992-1-1/NA:2010-02 (Portugal)
SR EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2008 (Romania)
SS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008 (Sweden)
SS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008-06 (Singapore)
STN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008-06 (Slovakia)
SIST EN 1992-1-1:2005/A101:2006 (Slovenia)
UNE EN 1992-1-1/NA:2013 (Spain)
CSN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2016-05 (Czech Republic)
BS EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2005 (United Kingdom)
CPM 1992-1-1:2009 (Belarus)
CYS EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2009 (Cyprus)
In addition to the National Annexes (NA) listed above, you can also define a specific NA, applying user‑defined limit values and parameters.
Optional presetting of partial safety factors, reduction factors, neutral axis depth limitation, material properties, and concrete cover
Determination of longitudinal, shear, and torsional reinforcement
Design of tapered members
Cross‑section optimization
Representation of minimum and compression reinforcement
Determination of editable reinforcement proposal
Crack width analysis with optional increase of the required reinforcement in order to keep the defined limit values of the crack width analysis
Nonlinear calculation with consideration of cracked cross‑sections (for EN 1992‑1‑1:2004 and DIN 1045‑1:2008)
Considering tension stiffening
Considering creep and shrinkage
Deformations in cracked sections (state II)
Graphical representation of all result diagrams
Fire resistance design according to the simplified method (zone method) according to EN 1992‑1‑2 for rectangular and circular cross‑sections. Thus, fire resistance design of brackets is possible as well.
After opening the program, you can define the standard and method according to which the design is performed. The ultimate and serviceability limit states can be designed according to the linear and nonlinear calculation methods. Load cases, load combinations or result combinations are then assigned to different calculation types. In other input windows, you can define materials and cross‑sections. In addition, it is possible to assign parameters for creep and shrinkage. Creep and shrinkage coefficients are directly adjusted, depending on the age of the concrete.
Support geometry is determined by means of design‑relevant data such as support widths and types (direct, monolithic, end, or intermediate support) and redistribution of moments as well as shear force and moment reduction. CONCRETE recognizes the support types from the RSTAB model automatically.
A segmented window includes the specific reinforcement data such as diameters, the concrete cover and curtailment type of reinforcements, number of layers, cutting ability of links, and the anchorage type. In the case of the fire resistance design, it is necessary to define the fire resistance class, the fire‑related material properties, and the cross-section side exposed to fire. Members and sets of members can be summarized in special 'reinforcement groups', each with different design parameters.
You can adjust the limit value of the maximum crack width in the case of crack width analysis. The geometry of tapers is to be determined additionally for the reinforcement.
There are three options to reduce the number of combinations. The first two procedures are only available for the generation of load combinations, not for result combinations.
The first option allows for automatic analysis of all load case results (internal forces, deformations, and so on) of selected elements. Then, the program will generate only those combinations that include the load cases producing a maximum or minimum. In addition, you can define a maximum number of relevant load cases, or neglect load cases with a very small contribution to the maximum and minimum values.
The second option allows for automatic evaluation of generated temporary or user-defined result combinations. Then, only the governing load combinations are created.
The third option to reduce the number of generated combinations is to classify only selected actions as leading actions.
The add-on module evaluates the pre-deformation of a load case as well as mode shapes of stability or dynamic analysis. Based on this initial deformation, it is possible either to pre-deform the structure or to create a load case with equivalent imperfections of members.
The pre-deformed initial model is useful especially for structures consisting of surface and solid elements (RFEM) as well as members. It is necessary to specify only the maximum value to which the deformation is to be scaled. All FE or model nodes will be scaled with regard to the initial deformation.
Equivalent imperfections are particularly useful for beam structures. You can define inclinations and precambers of members and sets of members in the additional window. They can be generated automatically, according to standards, or defined manually. The following standards are available:
EN 1992:2004
EN 1993:2005
DIN 18800:1990-11
DIN 1045-1:2001-07
DIN 1052:2004-08
Only the imperfection resulting from the initial deformation on the relevant member is applied. In addition, you can consider the reduction factors. This way, it is possible to apply the imperfection efficiently.
In RF‑/LTB, the design is usually performed according to the equivalent member method according to DIN 18800, Part 2. However, you can specify extensive detailed settings for the design in a separate dialog box:
Design according to Bird/Heil
Optionally, it is possible to apply the method according to Bird/Heil in the program
the required shear stiffness Sreq
the lateral-torsional buckling load Nki
the critical buckling moment Mki
.
This plastic-plastic calculation method is only valid for lateral and torsional restraints with simple bending with simultaneous load introduction on the upper flange. Further requirements that must be met can be found in the program manual. In case of invalid conditions (for example, biaxial bending), RF-/LTB displays the corresponding error message. In addition, the reduction factorκM for the bending moments My can be set to 1.0 if a restrained rotation axis is present.
Non-Designable Internal Forces
It is possible to neglect non-designable internal forces and thus exclude them from the design if the quotient of the internal force and the fully plastic internal force falls below a certain value. This way, you can neglect, for example, a small moment about the minor axis, thus avoiding the method for biaxial bending.
Allowance according to DIN 18800, Part 2, Element (320) and Element (323)
Automatic determination of ζ
If you want the factor for the determination of the ideal elastic critical moment Mcr to be determined automatically, you can select one of the following types:
Solving the elastic potential numerically
Comparison of moment diagrams
Australian Standard AS 4100-1990
US standard AISC LRFD
When aligning the moment distributions, you can use the library which contains more than 600 moment distributions in tables.
The details for the lateral-torsional buckling analysis are defined separately for members and sets of members. The following parameters can be set:
Support Type/Lateral-Torsional Buckling Load
Available options are Lateral and torsional restraint, Lateral and torsional restraint or Cantilever
Special supports are possible by specifying the degree of restraint βz and the degree of warping restraint β0. In this section as well, you can consider the elastic warping restraint of an end plate, a channel section, an angle, a column connection, and a beam cantilever by specifying the geometry dimensions.
As an alternative, it is also possible to enter the lateral-torsional buckling load NKi or the effective length sKi directly
Shear panel
A shear panel can be defined from a trapezoidal sheeting, bracing, or a combination of these
Alternatively, you can enter the shear panel stiffness Sprov directly
Rotational restraint
Choose between continuous and discontinuous rotational restraint
Position of Positive Transverse Load Application
The z-coordinate of the load application point can be freely selected in a detailed cross-section graphic. (upper chord, lower chord, centroid)
Alternatively, you can specify the data by selecting them or entering the data manually.
Beam Type
For standard sections, the rolled beam, welded beam, castellated beam, notched beam, or tapered beam (web or flange welded) options are available
For special cross-sections, it is possible to directly enter the beam factor n, the reduced beam factor n, or the reduction factor κM
Free definition of two or three reinforcement layers in the ultimate limit state
Vectorial representation of the main stress directions of internal forces allowing optimal orientation adjustment of the third reinforcement layer to the actions
Design alternatives to avoid compression or shear reinforcement
Design of surfaces as deep beams (theory of membranes)
Option to define basic reinforcements for top and bottom reinforcement layers
Definition of designed reinforcement for serviceability limit state design
Result output in points of any selected grid
Optional extension of the module with nonlinear deformation analysis. The calculation is performed in RF‑CONCRETE Deflect by reducing the stiffness according to the standard, or in RF‑CONCRETE NL by the general nonlinear calculation determining the stiffness reduction in an iterative process.
Design with design moments at column edges
Precise breakdown of reasons for failed design
Design details of all design locations for better traceability of reinforcement determination
Export of isolines for the longitudinal reinforcement in a DXF file for further use in CAD programs as a basis for reinforcement drawings