In RFEM, you can generate surfaces from members with the library cross-sections as well as from the members with the RSECTION cross-section.
You can open the cross-sections in RSECTION using a direct connection, modify them there, and transfer them back to RFEM/RSTAB. Both RSECTION cross-sections and library cross-sections, with the exception of elliptical, semi-elliptical and virtual joists, can be opened and modified directly in RSECTION by clicking a button.
For example, you can thus adjust the reinforcement layout of user-defined RSECTION cross-sections directly in a local RSECTION environment in RFEM/RSTAB. This feature is currently only available for cross-sections with a uniform distribution type. The shear and longitudinal reinforcement defined for library cross-sections is not imported into RSECTION.
Within the "Plastic capacity design | Simplex Method" in RSECTION, the simultaneous variation of shear stresses over the cross-sectional area is performed in addition to the variation of axial stresses. This extended form of analysis allows you to use redistribution reserves, especially for the cross-sections subjected to shear loading, thus loading the cross-sections even more efficiently.
Go to Explanatory VideoIn the Concrete Design add-on, you can design any RSECTION cross-section. Define the concrete cover, shear force, and longitudinal reinforcement directly in RSECTION.
After importing the reinforced RSECTION cross-section into RFEM 6 or RSTAB 9, you can use it for design in the Concrete Design add-on.
Go to Explanatory VideoCurved elements are available only in RFEM. It's possible to intersect curved surfaces and solids.
When doing this, the program generates surfaces with the "Trimmed" surface type. With this technology, you can create very complex geometries, such as pipe intersections or curved openings, with a single click.
The intersection of solids is carried out adaptively using the new solid types "Hole" and "Intersection", according to the set theory. Use this method to create new, complex solid geometries similar to the manufacturing process (drilling, milling, turning, etc.). Therefore, it is possible to create complex curved surface or perforated solid elements. It's a simple process!
Go to Explanatory VideoWould you like to perform cross-section design checks for cold-formed steel members according to EN 1993‑1‑3? No matter if you design the cold-formed sections from the cross-section library or the general cold-formed (non-perforated) sections from RSECTION – your structural analysis program helps you to determine the effective cross-section, taking into account the local buckling and instability. You can also perform a cross-section check according to EN 1993‑1‑3, 6.1.6. In this case, the internal forces from the calculation using Torsional Warping (7 DOF) are taken into account by means of the equivalent stress check
Go to Explanatory VideoWould you like to create a cross-section from the import of a DXF file? It's very easy. You have the following options:
- Create elements automatically
- Use DXF template lines as centerlines of elements with a defined thickness
Do you select the option to create the elements automatically? In that case, the program creates the elements and the associated parts for you from the contour of the outline. It only creates the elements not exceeding a definable maximum thickness.
Your cross-section geometry is available as a centroidal axis model? Then use DXF template lines as centerlines of elements with a defined thickness. Defining a thickness that is assigned equally to all elements.
Do you miss the "Create elements automatically" and "Create elements on lines" functions? Don't worry, both are also available in the "Edit" menu under "Manipulation".
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.
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.
This feature also contributes to the clearly-arranged display of your results. Clipping planes are intersecting planes that you can place freely throughout the model. The zone in front of or behind the plane is consequently hidden in the display. This way, you can clearly and simply show the results in an intersection or a solid, for example.
When performing a design according to EN 1993‑1‑3, it is possible to graphically display a mode shape for the distortional buckling of a cross-section, and for the RSECTION cross-sections.
The mode shape can also be output in RSECTION 1 for library cross-sections.
The Steel Design add-on helps you, among other things, to design general cross-sections that are not predefined in the cross-section library. To do this, create a cross-section in the RSECTION program and then import it into RFEM/RSTAB. Depending on the design standard that you have used, you can select from various design formats. One of them is, for example, the equivalent stress analysis. Do you have a license for RSECTION and Effective Cross-Sections? Then you can also perform the design checks that take into account the effective cross-section properties according to EN 1993‑1‑5.
One thing is absolutely undisputed: WebService and API covers universal aspects in the construction industry. However, there is an issue. For the calculation and design, you need different features for each region, country, company, and civil engineer. Everyone has their own requirements. We have solved this problem. Since with WebService and API, you can easily create your very own calculation and design system. Always at your side: The performance and reliability of RFEM, RSTAB, and RSECTION.
The need for adapted and automated structural analysis and design is constantly increasing. WebService technology allows you to create special functionalities quickly and precisely. Our customers can develop such solutions independently or in cooperation with us. See for yourself and give it a try!
WebService and API provide you various scope of application. We have summarized some ideas as to how WebService and API can support your company:
- Creating additional applications for RFEM 6, RSTAB 9, and RSECTION 1
- Possibility to make the workflows more efficient (for example, model definition and input) and to integrate RFEM 6, RSTAB 9, and RSECTION 1 into your company applications
- Simulating and calculating several design options
- Running optimization algorithms for size, shape, and/or topology
- Accessing the calculation results
- Generation of printout reports in the PDF format
The level of quality of the work is automatically increased not only by the algorithmic model definitions, but also by:
- Extending / consolidating RFEM 6, RSTAB 9, and RSECTION 1 with your own controls
- Increased interoperability between the individual software used to complete a project
Communication is the key to success. This also applies to a client-server relation. WebService and API provides you with an XML based information exchange system for direct client-server communication. Programs, objects, messages, or documents can be integrated into these systems. For example, a web service protocol of the HTTP type runs for the client-server communication when you are looking for something in the Internet using a search engine.
Now back to Dlubal Software. In our case, the client is your programming environment (.NET, Python, JavaScript) and the service provider is RFEM 6. Client-server communication allows you to send requests to and receive feedback from RFEM, RSTAB, or RSECTION.
What is the difference between WebService and an API?
- WebService is a collection of open source protocols and standards used to exchange data between systems and applications. In contrast, an application programming interface (API), is a software interface through which two applications can interact without a user being involved.
- Thus, all web services are APIs, but not all APIs are web services.
What are the advantages of the WebService technology?
You can communicate more quickly within and between organizations.A service can be independent of other services.Webservice allows you to use your application to make your message or feature available to the rest of the world.Webservice helps you to exchange data between different applications and platforms Several applications can communicate, exchange data, and share services with each other. SOAP ensures that programs created on different platforms and based on different programming languages can exchange data securely.
Communication between the web service client and server is optionally encrypted via the https protocol. To do this, you can install an SSL certificate with the corresponding private key in the settings.
The following new features are available for your work with surfaces: When creating surface intersections, independent surface components are now created for you instead of surface components.
Do you know about RSECTION 1 yet? The stand-alone program RSECTION helps you to determine the section properties for any thin-walled and massive cross-sections. Then, it performs a stress analysis. RSECTION combines the programs SHAPE‑THIN and SHAPE‑MASSIVE. Compared to these programs, we have added the following new features in RSECTION:
- Graphical display of stress components
- Scripting using Javascript
Find out more here:
WebService and API allows you to communicate with RFEM, RSTAB, and RSECTION via high-level functions. You can use it to create your web or desktop applications and optimize your workflow. There is also an RFEM 6 server that runs on your computer without a GUI, but only responds to your WebService requests.
The section properties program RSECTION combines the programs SHAPE‑THIN and SHAPE‑MASSIVE. Compared to these programs, the following new features have been added in RSECTION:
- Graphical display of stress components
- Scripting using Javascript
Effective Sections is an extension of the section properties program RSECTION. Compared to the RF‑/STEEL Cold-Formed Sections add-on module for RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8, the following new features have been added to Effective Sections:
- Consideration of the effects of distortional buckling of sections via eigenvalue method
- Definition of stiffeners and buckling panels no longer necessary
- Graphical display of unit stresses
- Optional manual definition of stress points
- Available for general thin-walled RSECTION cross-sections
- Classification according to
- EN 1993-1-1
- EN 1993-1-4
- EN 1999-1-1
- Determination of the effective section according to
- EN 1993-1-5
- EN 1993-1-3
- EN 1999-1-1
- Consideration of the effects of distortional buckling of cold-formed sections via eigenvalue method
- Determination of the stresses on the effective section and gross section
- Cross-section, stability, and serviceability limit state design checks of RSECTION cross-sections of Class 4 according to EN 1993‑1‑1 or EN 1999‑1‑1 in the Steel Design or Aluminum Design add-ons
- Cross-section checks for cold-formed RSECTION cross-sections according to EN 1993‑1‑3 in the Steel Design add-on
- Available for all National Annexes integrated in the Steel Design add-on
The Effective Sections extension is fully integrated in RSECTION. Thus, there is no second program and window chaos that make your work difficult. Therefore, all input options of RSECTION are available to you. You only need to specify the standard group in the Base data, according to which the effective cross-section is to be determined. After importing the section into the main program RFEM or RSTAB, it is available like a library section for design in the Steel Design. Sounds good, doesn't it?
- Determination of longitudinal, shear, and torsional reinforcement
- Representation of minimum and compression reinforcement
- Determination of neutral axis depth, concrete and steel strains
- Design of member sections affected by bending about two axes
- Design of tapered members
- Design of RSECTION cross-sections (see this Product Feature)
- Determination of deformation in state II; for example, according to EN 1992‑1‑1, 7.4.3, and ACI 318‑19 24.2.3, Table 24.2.3.5
- Considering tension stiffening
- Considering creep and shrinkage
- Fatigue design according to EN 1992‑1‑1, Section 6.8 (see this Product Feature)
- Simplified fire resistance design according to EN 1992‑1‑2 for Columns (Section 5.3.2) and Beams (Section 5.6) (see this Product Feature)
- Seismic design according to EC 8 (see this Product Feature)
- Precise breakdown of reasons for failed design
- Design details of all design locations for better traceability of reinforcement determination
- Optional cross-section optimization
- Visualization of concrete section with reinforcement in 3D rendering
- Creation of 2D interaction diagrams; for example, M-N diagram
- Visualization of section resistance in 3D interaction diagram
- Output of moment-curvature diagram
- 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 for the design standards AISC 360‑16 and GB 50017).
- Design of cross-sections of Class 4 with effective cross-section properties according to EN 1993‑1‑3 (licenses for RSECTION and Effective Sections are required for the RSECTION cross-sections)
- Shear buckling check according to EN 1993‑1‑5 with consideration of transverse stiffeners
- Design of stainless steel components according to EN 1993‑1‑4
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.
- 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
- Extensive library of rolled, parametric thin-walled and thick-walled cross-sections
- Extensible library for material properties
- Import of dxf files
- Cross-section properties of thin-walled or thick-walled cross-sections
- Ideal section properties of cross-sections consisting of different materials
- Stress analysis
- Plastic capacity design with interaction of internal forces according to the Simplex Method
- Design of reinforcement and the subsequent design of concrete cross-section in the Concrete Design add-on (see Product Feature)
- Saving cross-sections as a block
- Scripting with JavaScript
- Interface with MS Excel for exporting tables
- Connection to Webservice & API (for example, optional creation of cross-section and access to result tables)
- Printout report
RSECTION contains an extensive library of rolled sections, as well as parametric thin-walled and massive cross-sections. You can compose them or supplement them with new elements.
Graphical tools and functions allow you to model complex section shapes in the usual way common for CAD programs. The graphical input supports, among other things, the setting of arcs, circles, ellipses, parabolas, and NURBS. As an alternative, you can import a DXF file and use this as the basis for further modeling. You can easily model a section consisting of different materials with minimum effort.
Furthermore, a parameterized input allows you to enter the cross-section dimensions and internal forces in such a way that they depend on certain variables.
You can also carry out all inputs by means of a script.