In the Concrete Design add-on, you have the option to define an existing vertically oriented punching shear reinforcement. This is then taken into account in the punching shear design.
Global 3D calculation of the global model, where the slabs are modeled as a rigid plane (diaphragm) or as a bending plate
Local 2D calculation of the individual floors
After the calculation, the results of the columns and walls from the 3D calculation and the results of the slabs from the 2D calculation are combined in a single model. This means that there is no need to switch between the 3D model and the individual 2D models of the slabs. The user only works with one model, saves valuable time, and avoids possible errors in the manual data exchange between the 3D model and the individual 2D ceiling models.
The vertical surfaces in the model can be divided into shear walls and opening lintels. The program automatically generates internal result members from these wall objects, so they can be designed as members according to any standard in the Concrete Design add-on.
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.
It is necessary to enter the required force-time diagrams. They can be combined in load cases or load combinations of the type Time History Analysis | Time Diagrams with the loading in order to define where and in which direction the force-time diagrams act.
The second option is to enter acceleration-time diagrams, which can be used in the load cases of the Time History Analysis | Accelerogram type.
All calculation parameters are specified in the time history analysis settings. These include, for example, the type of analysis method and the maximum calculation time.
In the "Shear Reinforcement" tab, you can select the option "Cross-ties over free rebars with active selection in graphic". It allows you to arrange additional cross-ties on free rebars of the longitudinal reinforcement.
You can activate or deactivate the position of the cross-ties in the Info Graphic. The cross-ties are applied for the ultimate limit state design and the structural design checks. They are available for the design according to EN 1992‑1‑1.
When designing connections, you can now also insert a new member as a component directly in the Steel Joints add-on. This will only be considered for the connection design. You can use the Weld and Fasteners components to connect to other members.
Furthermore, it is possible to use the Member Section and Member Editor components and arrange reinforcement elements on the inserted member, such as stiffeners and tapers.
In 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.
You have the option to automatically design the existing surface reinforcement to cover the required reinforcement. You can also select whether to automatically define the reinforcement diameter or the member spacing.
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)
You can display the existing stresses and strains of a concrete cross-section and the reinforcement as a 3D stress image or 2D graphic. Depending on which results do you select in the result tree of the design details, the stresses or strains are displayed to you in the defined longitudinal reinforcement under the load actions or the limit internal forces.
You can specify the shear and longitudinal reinforcement individually for each member. In this case, there are various templates available for entering the reinforcement.
Enter the surface reinforcement directly on the RFEM level. In this case, you can select the defined area reinforcements individually. The usual editing functions Copy, Mirror, or Rotate are at your disposal when entering the surface reinforcement.
Within a member, you can define the integration width and effective slab width of T-beams (ribs) with different widths. The member is divided into segments. You can either grade or specify the transition between the different flange widths as linearly variable. Furthermore, the program allows you to consider the defined surface reinforcement as a flange reinforcement for the reinforced concrete design of a rib.
The Concrete Design add-on combines all CONCRETE add-on modules from RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8. Compared to these add-on modules, the following new features have been added to the Concrete Design add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9:
Input of design-relevant specifications (effective lengths, durability, reinforcement directions, surface reinforcement) directly in the RFEM or RSTAB model
Extensive input options for longitudinal and transverse reinforcement of members
Detailed intermediate results for the design with specification of the equations of the applied standard for better traceability of the calculation
New interaction diagram with interactive graphic for N, M, and M + N from cross-section design incl. output of the secant and tangent stiffness
Design of the defined reinforcement in the ultimate limit state and serviceability limit state incl. graphical output of the design ratio for the respective component
Automatic check of the defined reinforcement with regard to the construction or general reinforcement rules for reinforced member and surface components
Cross-section design optionally with net values of the concrete section
Design according to the Russian standard SP 63.13330
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.
Is the design completed? Then you can lean back. The design ratios of the individual design checks (for example, ultimate limit state, serviceability limit state, or compliance with the construction rules) are displayed for you in a table. You can also find the required reinforcement listed in clearly arranged output tables. The program shows you all intermediate values in a comprehensible manner.
You can display the results of members as result diagrams on the respective member. Furthermore, you have the option to document the inserted reinforcement for longitudinal and stirrup reinforcement, including sketches, in accordance with current practice.
Select whether you want to display the results of surfaces as isolines, isosurfaces, or numerical values. In addition to the design check ratios, you can display the longitudinal reinforcement according to required, provided, and not covered reinforcement.
The program does a lot of work for you. The members to be designed are directly imported from RFEM/RSTAB.
You can easily define constructional properties of columns as well as other details for determining the required longitudinal and shear reinforcement. In this case, you can manually define the effective length factor ß or import it from the Structure Stability add-on.
Do you want to perform the bending failure design? To do this, analyze the governing locations of the column for axial forces and moments. For the shear resistance design, you can also consider the locations with extreme values of shear forces. During the calculation, you determine whether a standard design is sufficient or whether the column with the moments has to be designed according to the second-order theory. You can then determine these moments using the previously entered specifications. The calculation is divided into three parts:
Load-independent calculation steps
Iterative determination of governing loading taking into account a varying required reinforcement
Safety determination of all acting internal forces, including the designed reinforcement
After a successful calculation, the results are displayed in clearly arranged tables. Each intermediate value is absolutely traceable, making the design checks transparent.
Import of relevant information and results from RFEM
Integrated, editable material and section library
Sensible and complete presetting of input parameters
Punching design on columns (all section shapes), wall ends, and wall corners
Automatic recognition of the punching node position from an RFEM model
Detection of curves or splines as a boundary of the control perimeter
Automatic consideration of all slab openings defined in the RFEM model
Construction and graphical display of the control perimeter
Optional design with unsmoothed shear stress along the control perimeter that corresponds to the actual shear stress distribution in the FE model
Determination of the load increment factor β via full-plastic shear distribution as constant factors according to EN 1992‑1‑1, Sect. 6.4.3 (3), based on EN 1992‑1‑1, Fig. 6.21N, or by a user‑defined specification
Numerical and graphical display of results (3D, 2D, and in sections)
Punching design of the slab without punching reinforcement
Qualitative determination of the required punching reinforcement
Design and analysis of the longitudinal reinforcement
Complete integration of results in an RFEM printout report
You have two options in RFEM. On the one hand, you can determine the punching load from a single load (from column/loading/nodal support) and the smoothed or unsmoothed shear force distribution along the control perimeter. On the other hand, you can specify them as user-defined.
Calculate the design ratio of the punching shear resistance without punching reinforcement as a design criterion and the program will deliver you the corresponding result. In the case of exceeding the punching shear resistance without punching reinforcement, the program determines the required punching reinforcement as well as the required longitudinal reinforcement for you.
Is the design completed? Then sit back. Because the punching checks are presented for you clearly and with all result details. This allows you to precisely follow each result. The program shows you the provided and allowable shear stresses for the shear resistance of the slab in detail.
RFEM has even more to offer in this add-on. In the next result window, it lists the required longitudinal or punching reinforcement of each analyzed node. You can also find an explanatory graphic there. RFEM shows you the design results clearly displayed with values in the work window. You can integrate all result tables and graphics into the global printout report of RFEM. Thus, you can be sure of a clear documentation.
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