The "Base Plate" component allows you to design base plate connections with cast-in anchors. In this case, plates, welds, anchorages, and steel-concrete interaction are analyzed.
The modal relevance factor (MRF) can help you to assess to which extent specific elements participate in a specific mode shape. The calculation is based on the relative elastic deformation energy of each individual member.
The MRF can be used to distinguish between local and global mode shapes. If multiple individual members show significant MRF (for example, > 20%), the instability of the entire structure or a substructure is very likely. On the other hand, if the sum of all MRFs for an eigenmode is around 100%, a local stability phenomenon (for example, buckling of a single bar) can be expected.
Furthermore, the MRF can be used to determine critical loads and equivalent buckling lengths of certain members (for example, for stability design). Mode shapes for which a specific member has small MRF values (for example, < 20%) can be neglected in this context.
The MRF is displayed by mode shape in the result table under Stability Analysis → Results by Members → Effective Lengths and Critical Loads.
In RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9, you can export line graphics to the SVG format (vector graphics).
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics and is an XML-based file format for displaying two-dimensional vector graphics. These vector graphics can be scaled without loss. It is possible to edit the SVG files using text editors, embed them on websites, and open them in the usual browsers.
During the calculation, the selected horizontal load is increased in load steps. A static nonlinear analysis is carried out for each load step until reaching the specified limit condition.
The results of the pushover analysis are extensive. On one hand, the structure is analyzed for its deformation behavior. This can be represented by a force-deformation line of the system (a capacity curve). On the other hand, the response spectrum effect can be displayed in the ADRS display (Acceleration-Displacement Response Spectrum). The target displacement is automatically determined in the program based on these two results. The process can be evaluated graphically and in tables.
The individual acceptance criteria can then be graphically evaluated and assessed (for the next load step of the target displacement, but also for all other load steps). The results of the static analysis are also available for the individual load steps.
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.
It is possible to save different model versions within a model by using the Save as Version function. In the Base Data of the model, the different model versions can be displayed in the History tab.
In addition to other predefined components in the design add-on for steel connections, the universal base component "General Weld" can be used to enter complex connection situations.
Did you know that To calculate masonry structures, a nonlinear material model has been implemented in RFEM. It is based on the approach of Lourenco, a composite yield surface according to Rankine and Hill. This model allows you to describe and model the structural behavior of masonry and the different failure mechanisms.
The limit parameters were selected in such a way that the design curves used correspond to a normative design curve.
- 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
Your RFEM/RSTAB program is responsible for generating and calculating the load and result combinations required for the serviceability limit state. Select the design situations for the deflection analysis in the Timber Design add-on. The calculated deformation values are then determined at each location of a member, depending on the specified precamber and the reference system, and then compared to the limit values.
You can specify the deformation limit value individually for each structural component in Serviceability Configuration. In this case, the maximum deformation should not exceed the permissible limit value, depending on the reference length. When defining design supports, you can segment the components. This allows you to determine the corresponding reference length automatically for each design direction.
Based on the position of the assigned design supports, the program automatically determines the difference between beams and cantilevers. Thus, you can be sure that the limit value is determined accordingly.
In RFEM/RSTAB, you have the option to generate and then calculate the load or result combinations required for the serviceability limit state. You can select these design situations for the deflection analysis in the Steel Design add-on. The calculated deformation values are determined accordingly at each location of a member, depending on the specified precamber and reference system. Finaly, you can compare these deformation values with the limit values.
Did you know? You can specify the deformation limit value individually for each structural component in Serviceability Configuration. Define the maximum deformation depending on the reference length as the allowable limit value. By defining design supports, you can segment the components in order to determine the corresponding reference length automatically for each design direction.
Based on the position of the assigned design supports, the distinction between beams and cantilevers is made automatically so the limit value can be determined accordingly.
To design a Steel connection, you must have the Steel Joints Add-on enabled. The Add-ons in RFEM 6 are activated in the Add-ons tab of the Edit Model - Base Data window. If the Add-on is active, it is displayed in the navigator.
- Many predefined components: Allow easy input of typical connection situations, such as end plates, angles, multi-wall sheets, cleats, fin plates
- Universally applicable basic components (plates, welds, bolts, auxiliary planes) for entering complex connection situations
- Graphical display of the connection geometry that is updated in parallel with the input
- The Steel Joints Template included in the add-on allows you to select from several connection types and, and once selected, it will be applied to your model.
- Wide range of cross-section shapes: Includes I-sections, channel sections, angles, T-sections, built-up cross-sections, RHS (rectangular hollow sections), and thin-walled sections
- The Template covers connections from three general categories: Rigid, Pinned, Truss
- Automatic adaptation of the connection geometry, even if the structural components are subsequently edited, based on the relative relation of the components
Stay informed with our Knowledge Base: Here you can find useful technical articles about the "Structural Analysis and Design" that will support you in your daily work. You will also get useful tips & tricks for the correct and efficient application of the Dlubal structural analysis programs.
KNOWLEDGE BASECommunication 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.
Take your structural design one step further. RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9 support now a new file format for structural design, Structural Analysis Format (SAF). For this, both programs allow for the import as well as the export. SAF is a file format based on MS Excel, intended to facilitate the exchange of structural analysis models between different software applications.
Benefit from better organization. It is now possible for you to create cross-section and material-based parts lists.
Webservice and API opens up a wide range of new possibilities for you. You can create your own desktop or web-based applications by controlling all objects included in RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9. By providing libraries and functions, you can develop your own design checks, effective modeling of parametric structures, as well as optimization and automation processes using the programming languages Python and C#. Does that sound exciting to you? Then find out more here!
- Calculation of stationary incompressible turbulent wind flow using the SimpleFOAM solver from the OpenFOAM® software package
- Numerical scheme according to the first and second order
- Turbulence models RAS k-ω and RAS k-ε
- Consideration of surface roughness depending on model zones
- Model design via VTP, STL, OBJ, and IFC files
- Operation via bidirectional interface of RFEM or RSTAB for importing model geometries with standard-based wind loads and exporting wind load cases with probe-based printout report tables
- Intuitive model changes via drag & drop and graphical adjustment assistance
- Generation of a shrink-wrap mesh envelope around the model geometry
- Consideration of environmental objects (buildings, terrain, and so on)
- Height-dependent description of the wind load (wind speed and turbulence intensity)
- Automatic meshing depending on a selected depth of detail
- Consideration of layer meshes near the model surfaces
- Parallelized calculation with optimal utilization of all processor cores of a computer
- Graphical output of the surface results on the model surfaces (surface pressure, Cp coefficients)
- Graphical output of the flow field and vector results (pressure field, velocity field, turbulence – k-ω field, and turbulence – k-ε field, velocity vectors) on Clipper/Slicer planes
- Display of 3D wind flow via animated streamline graphics
- Definition of point and line probes
- Multilingual user interface (German, English, Czech, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Chinese)
- Calculations of several models in one batch process
- Generator for creating rotated models to simulate different wind directions
- Optional interruption and continuation of the calculation
- Individual color panel per result graphic
- Display of diagrams with separate output of results on both sides of a surface
- Output of the dimensionless wall distance y+ in the mesh inspector details for the simplified model mesh
- Determination of the shear stress on the model surface from the flow around the model
- Calculation with an alternative convergence criterion (you can select between the residual types pressure or flow resistance in the simulation parameters)
Technology takes you further, also in your daily work with RFEM / RSTAB. The new API technology Webservice allows you to create your own desktop or web-based applications by controlling all objects included in RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9. Entire libraries and numerous functions are available to you. Thus, you can easily perform your own design checks, effective modeling of parametric structures, and optimization and automation processes using the programming languages Python and C#. Dlubal Software makes your work easier and more convenient. Check it out now!
WebService and APITake a look at the "My Account" category. This is where your customer data, such as address, licensed programs, and add-ons are managed. It also takes you straight to the Dlubal website. Find out about the latest news there, use online services such as "Snow Load Zones, Wind Zones and Earthquake Zones", or get helpful information from the FAQ database.
Are you looking for models for your design? Then you have come to the right place at the Dlubal Center. It contains an extensive database with partly parameterized models. These include, for example, trusses, glulam beams, tapered frames, or tower segments. You can import these models and, if necessary, modify them according to your individual requirements. Furthermore, you can save the models as a block for later use.
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?
Once you activate the Form-Finding add-on in the Base Data, a form-finding effect is assigned to the load cases with the load case category "Prestress" in conjunction with the form-finding loads from the member, surface, and solid load catalog. This is a prestress load case. It thus mutates into a form-finding analysis for the entire model with all member, surface, and solid elements defined in it. You reach the form-finding of the relevant member and membrane elements amid the overall model by using special form-finding loads and regular load definitions. These form-finding loads describe the expected state of deformation or force after the form-finding in the elements. The regular loads describe the external loading of the entire system.
The form-finding process gives you a structural model with active forces in the "prestress load case" This load case shows the displacement from the initial input position to the form-found geometry in the deformation results. In the force or stress-based results (member and surface internal forces, solid stresses, gas pressures, and so on), it clarifies the state for maintaining the found form. For the analysis of the shape geometry, the program offers you a two-dimensional contour line plot with the output of the absolute height and an inclination plot for the visualization of the slope situation.
Now, a further calculation and structural analysis of the entire model is performed. For this purpose, the program transfers the form-found geometry including the element-wise strains into a universally applicable initial state. You can now use it in the load cases and load combinations.
- 002108
- General
- Optimization & Cost / CO2 Emission Estimation for RFEM 6
- Optimization & Cost / CO2 Emission Estimation for RSTAB 9
- Artificial intelligence technology (AI): Particle swarm optimization (PSO)
- Structure optimization according to the minimum weight or deformation
- Use of any number of optimization parameters
- Specification of variable ranges
- Optimization of cross-sections and materials
- Parameter definition types
- Optimization | Ascending or Optimization | Descending
- Application of parametric models and blocks
- Code-based JavaScript parametrization of blocks
- Optimization taking into account the design results
- Tabular display of the best model mutations
- Real-time display of the model mutations in the optimization process
- Model cost estimation by specifying unit prices
- Determination of the global warming potential GWP when realizing the model by estimating the CO2 equivalent
- Specification of weight-, volume-, and area-based units (price and CO2e)
- 002109
- General
- Optimization & Cost / CO2 Emission Estimation for RFEM 6
- Optimization & Cost / CO2 Emission Estimation for RSTAB 9
Did you know? The structural optimization in the programs RFEM and RSTAB is a completion of the parametric input. It is a parallel process beside the actual model calculation with all its regular calculation and design definitions. The add-on assumes that your model or block is built with a parametric context and is controlled in its entirety by global control parameters of the "optimization" type. Therefore, these control parameters have a lower and upper limit and a step size to delimit the optimization range. If you want to find optimal values for the control parameters, you have to specify an optimization criterion (for example, minimum weight) with the selection of an optimization method (for example, particle swarm optimization).
You can already find the cost and CO2 emission estimation in the material definitions. You can activate both options individually in each material definition. The estimation is based on a unit for unit cost or unit emission for members, surfaces, and solids. In this case, you can select whether to specify the units by weight, volume, or area.
- 002110
- General
- Optimization & Cost / CO2 Emission Estimation for RFEM 6
- Optimization & Cost / CO2 Emission Estimation for RSTAB 9
There are two methods that you can use for the optimization process, with which you can find optimal parameter values according to a weight or deformation criterion.
The most efficient method with the littlest calculation time is the near-natural particle swarm optimization (PSO). Have you heard or read about it? This artificial intelligence (AI) technology has a strong analogy to the behavior of flocks of animals, looking for a resting place. In such swarms, you can find many individuals (cf. optimization solution - for example, weight) who like to stay in a group and follow the group movement. Let's assume that each individual swarm member has a need to rest at an optimal resting place (cf. best solution - for example, lowest weight). This need increases as the resting place is approached. Thus, the swarm behavior is also influenced by the properties of the space (cf. result diagram).
Why the excursion into biology? Quite simply – the PSO process in RFEM or RSTAB proceeds in a similar way. The calculation run starts with an optimization result from a random assignment of the parameters to be optimized. It repeatedly determines new optimization results with varied parameter values, which are based on the experience of the previously performed model mutations. The process continues until the specified number of possible model mutations is reached.
As an alternative to this method, the program also offers you a batch processing method. This method attempts to check all possible model mutations by randomly specifying the values for the optimization parameters until a predetermined number of possible model mutations is reached.
After calculating a model mutation, both variants also check the respective activated design results of the add-ons. Furthermore, they save the variant with the corresponding optimization result and value assignment of the optimization parameters if the utilization is < 1.
You can determine the estimated total costs and emission from the respective sums of the individual materials. The sums of the materials are composed of the weight-based, volume-based, and area-based partial sums of the member, surface, and solid elements.
- Stress determination using an elastic-plastic material model
- Design of masonry disc structures for compression and shear on the building model or single model
- Automatic determination of stiffness of a wall-slab hinge
- An extensive material database for almost all stone-mortar combinations available on the Austrian market (the product range is continuously being expanded, for other countries as well)
- Automatic determination of material values according to Eurocode 6 (ÖN EN 1996‑X)
- Option to create pushover analysis
The load cases of the type Response Spectrum Analysis contain the generated equivalent loads. First, the modal contributions have to be superimposed with the SRSS or CQC rule. In this case, you can use the signed results based on the dominant mode shape.
Afterwards, the directional components of earthquake actions are combined with the SRSS or the 100% / 30% rule.