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.
You can now insert a cap plate in steel joints with only a few clicks. You can enter the data using the known definition types "Offsets" or "Dimensions and Position". By specifying a reference member and the cutting plane, it is also possible to omit the Member Section component.
This component allows you to easily model cap plates on column ends, for example.
The Concrete Design add-on provides you with the option to perform the simplified fire resistance design according to EN 1992‑1‑2 for columns (Section 5.3.2) and beams (Section 5.6).
The following design checks are available for the simplified fire resistance design:
Columns: Minimum cross-sectional dimensions for rectangular and circular sections according to Table 5.2a as well as Equation 5.7 for calculating time of fire exposure
Beams: Minimum dimensions and center distances according to Table 5.5 and Table 5.6
You can determine the internal forces for the fire resistance design according to two methods.
1 Here, the internal forces of the accidental design situation are included directly into the design.
2 The internal forces of the design at normal temperature are reduced by the factor Eta,fi (ηfi), then used in the fire resistance design.
Furthermore, it is possible to modify the axis distance according to Eq. 5.5.
Using the "Connecting Plate" component, you can additionally and automatically create a new gusset plate in the Steel Joints add-on. This saves you separate components, and the other elements, such as a cap plate and a slide plate, are thus automatically taken into account with their dimensions.
Do you already know the editor for mesh refinement control? It is a great help for your work! Why? It's easy – it gives you the following options:
Graphic visualization of the areas with mesh refinements
Mesh refinement of zones
Deactivating the standard 3D solid mesh refinement with transversion into the corresponding manual 3D mesh refinements.
These options help you to formulate a suitable rule for meshing the entire model, even for the models with unusual dimensions. Use the editor to efficiently define small model details on large buildings or detailed meshing areas in the coating area of the model. You will be amazed!
Do you work with the structural components consisting of slabs? In that case, you have to perform the shear force design with the requirements of punching shear design, for example, according to 6.4, EN 1992‑1‑1. In addition to floor slabs, you can also design foundation slabs in this way.
In the Ultimate Configuration for concrete design, you can define the punching design parameters for the selected nodes.
Compared to the RF‑/DYNAM Pro - Natural Vibrations add-on module (RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8), the following new features have been added to the Modal Analysis add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9:
Preset combination coefficients for various standards (EC 8, ASCE, and so on)
Optional neglect of masses (for example, mass of foundations)
Methods for determining the number of mode shapes (user-defined, automatic - to reach effective modal mass factors, automatic - to reach the maximum natural frequency)
Output of modal masses, effective modal masses, modal mass factors, and participation factors
Masses in mesh points displayed in tables and graphics
Various scaling options for mode shapes in the Result navigator
Automatic consideration of masses from self-weight
Direct import of masses from load cases or load combinations
Optional definition of additional masses (nodal, linear, or surface masses, as well as inertia masses) directly in the load cases
Optional neglect of masses (for example, mass of foundations)
Combination of masses in different load cases and load combinations
Preset combination coefficients for various standards (EC 8, SIA 261, ASCE 7,...)
Optional import of initial states (for example, to consider prestress and imperfection)
Structure Modification
Consideration of failed supports or members/surfaces/solids
Definition of several modal analyses (for example, to analyze different masses or stiffness modifications)
Selection of mass matrix type (diagonal matrix, consistent matrix, unit matrix), including user-defined specification of translational and rotational degrees of freedom
Methods for determining the number of mode shapes (user-defined, automatic - to reach effective modal mass factors, automatic - to reach the maximum natural frequency - only available in RSTAB)
Determination of mode shapes and masses in nodes or FE mesh points
Results of eigenvalue, angular frequency, natural frequency, and period
Output of modal masses, effective modal masses, modal mass factors, and participation factors
Masses in mesh points displayed in tables and graphics
Visualization and animation of mode shapes
Various scaling options for mode shapes
Documentation of numerical and graphical results in 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.
Planning with members is also facilitated in the programs due to specific features. You can arrange members eccentrically, support them by elastic foundations, or define them as rigid links. Member sets allow you to easily apply the load on several members. In RFEM, you can also define eccentricities of surfaces. Here, you can transform nodal and linear loads into surface loads. If necessary, divide surfaces into surface components and members into surfaces.
At first, the governing joint designs are arranged in groups and displayed with the basic geometry of the joint in the first result window. In the other result windows, you can see all fundamental design details.
Dimensions, material properties, and welds important for the connection construction are displayed immediately and can be printed directly. Similarly, export to DXF-file is enabled. The connections can be visualized in the RF-/JOINTS Timber - Timber to Timber module as well as in RFEM/RSTAB.
All graphics can be included in the RFEM/RSTAB printout report or printed directly. Due to the scaled output, an optimal visual check is possible as early as in the design phase.
The result windows list all results of the calculation in detail. In addition, 3D graphics are created, where individual components as well as dimension lines and, for example, This allows you, for example, to display or hide the weld data. The summary shows if the individual designs have been fulfilled: The design ratio is additionally visualized with a green data bar, which turns red when the design is not fulfilled. Furthermore, the node number and the governing LC/CO/RC are displayed.
When selecting a design, the module shows the detailed intermediate results including the actions and the additional internal forces from the connection geometry. There is the option to display the results by load case and by node. The connections are represented in a realistic 3D rendering possible to scale. In addition to the main views, it is possible to show the graphics from any perspective.
You can add the graphics with dimensions and labels to the RFEM/RSTAB printout or export them as DXF. The printout report includes all input and result data prepared for test engineers. It is possible to export all tables to MS Excel or in a CSV file. A special transfer menu defines all specifications required for the export.
Design of moment resistant and simple joints of I-shaped rolled cross-sections according to Eurocode 3:
Moment-resisting end plate connections (type IH/IM)
Moment resistant purlin splices (PM type)
Simple joints with angle cleat and long angles (IW and IG types)
Simple joints with header end plates mounted either on web only or on web and flange (IS type)
Check of coped connections (IK) in combination with pinned end plates (IS) and angle connections (IW)
Automatic design of required joint with bolt sizes (all types)
Check of required thickness of load-bearing members for shear connections
Results of all required structural details such as appliances, hole arrangements, necessary extensions, a number of bolts, end plate dimensions, and welds
Results including stiffnesses Sj,ini of bending-resistant connections
Documentation of available loading and comparison with resistances
Results of design ratio for each individual joint
Automatic determination of governing internal forces for several load cases and connection nodes
First, it is necessary to select the joint type, design standard, and steel plate and dowel material. For design according to EN 1995-1-1, you can select the SFS intec dowel system WS‑T. In this case, the corresponding material is preset in accordance with the technical approval of the manufacturer.
The connected members are imported from the RFEM/RSTAB model. The add-on module automatically checks if all geometry conditions are fulfilled. Alternatively, you can define the connection manually.
The loading is also imported from RFEM/RSTAB or, in the case of manual joint definition, loads are entered. The Geometry window includes steel plate dimensions and fastener layouts.
The project manager can also manage subprojects. The manager displays the relevant information of each model; for example, the date of creation and latest modification of a structure, as well as the related user name. In addition, you can see the dimensions and weight of each structure. It is possible to restore accidentally deleted projects from the integrated recycle bin.
Members can be arranged eccentrically, supported by elastic foundations, or defined as rigid links. Member sets facilitate the load application on several members.
In RFEM, you can also define eccentricities of surfaces. Here, it is possible to transform nodal and linear loads into surface loads. You can divide surfaces into surface components and members into surfaces.
Geometry, material, cross-section, action, and imperfection data are entered in clearly arranged input windows:
Geometry
Quick and convenient data input
Definition of support conditions based on various support types (hinged, hinged movable, rigid, and user-defined, as well as lateral on upper or bottom flange)
Optional specification of warping restraint
Variable arrangement of rigid and deformable support stiffeners
Possibility to insert hinges
CRANEWAY Cross-Sections
I-shaped rolled cross-sections (I, IPE, IPEa, IPEo, IPEv, HE-B, HE-A, HE-AA, HL, HE-M, HE, HD, HP, IPB-S, IPB-SB, W, UB, UC, and other cross-sections according to AISC, ARBED, British Steel, Gost, TU, JIS, YB, GB, and others) combinable with section stiffener on the upper flange (angles or channels) as well as rail (SA, SF) or splice with user-defined dimensions
Unsymmetrical I-sections (type IU) also combinable with stiffeners on the upper flange as well as with rail or splice
Actions
It is possible to consider the actions of up to three simultaneously operated cranes. You can simply select a standard crane from the library. You can also enter data manually:
Number of cranes and crane axles (maximum of 20 axles per crane), center distances, position of crane buffers
Classification in damage classes with editable dynamic factors according to EN 1993-6, and in lifting classes and exposure categories according to DIN 4132
Vertical and horizontal wheel loads from self-weight, hoist load, mass forces from drive, as well as loads from skewing
Axial loading in driving direction as well as buffer forces with user-defined eccentricities
Permanent and variable secondary loads with user-defined eccentricities
Imperfections
The imperfection load applies in compliance with the first natural vibration mode - either identically for all load combinations to be designed, or individually for each load combination, as mode shapes may vary depending on the load.
Convenient tools available for scaling the mode shapes (rise determination of inclination and precamber).
RX- TIMBER Column designs hinged columns (optionally with elastic head or footing restraint) and brackets (optionally with elastic foundation of the footing column).
For this, circular and rectangular cross‑sections are available in the program.
Design of knee joints, T-joints, cross joints, and continuous column connections with I-shaped sections
Import of geometry and load data from RFEM/RSTAB or manual specification of the connection (for example, for recalculation without an existing RFEM/RSTAB model)
Flush top connections or connections with bolt row in extension
Design of positive and negative frame joint moments
Various inclinations of right and left horizontal beams as well as application to frames of duopitch and monopitch roofs
Consideration of additional flanges in a horizontal beam, for example for tapered sections
Symmetrical and asymmetrical T-joints or cross joints
Two-sided connection with different cross-section depth on the right and left
Automatic preliminary design of bolt layout and required stiffening
Optional design mode with possibility to specify all bolt spacing, welds, and sheet thicknesses
Screwability check with adjustable dimensions of used wrenches
Connection classification by stiffness and calculation of the spring stiffness of connections considered in the internal forces determination
Check up to 45 individual designs (components) of the connection
Automatic determination of governing internal forces for each individual design
Controllable connection graphics in rendering mode with specifications of material, sheet thickness, welds, bolt spacing, and all dimensions for construction
Integrated and flexibly extensible settings of National Annexes according to EN 1993-1-8 standard
Automatic conversion of internal forces from structural analysis into respective sections, also for eccentric member connections
Automatic determination of initial stiffness Sj,ini of the connection
Detailed plausibility check of all dimensions, including specifications of input limits (for example, for edge distances and hole spacing)
Optional application of compression forces to a column through contact
Possibility to update the cross-section depth of horizontal beams in case of tapered connections after connection geometry optimization in RF-/FRAME-JOINT Pro
At first, the governing joint designs are arranged in groups and displayed with the basic geometry of the joint in the first result window. In the other result tables, you can see all fundamental design details such as the bearing resistance, shearing, sliding, and others.
Dimensions, material properties, and welds important for the connection construction are displayed immediately and can be printed directly. It is possible to visualize the connections in RF-/JOINTS Steel - Tower or in the RFEM/RSTAB model.
All graphics can be included in the RFEM/RSTAB printout report or printed directly. Due to the scaled output, an optimal visual check is possible as early as in the design phase.
Several methods are available for the eigenvalue analysis:
Direct Methods
The direct methods (Lanczos, roots of characteristic polynomial, subspace iteration method) are suitable for small to medium-sized models. These fast methods for equation solvers benefit from a lot of the computer memory (RAM). 64-bit systems use more memory so that even bigger structural systems can be calculated quickly.
This method requires only a small amount of memory. Eigenvalues are determined one after the other. It can be used to calculate large structural systems with few eigenvalues.
The RF-STABILITY add-on module can also perform the non-linear stability analysis. Also for nonlinear structures, results close to reality are provided. The critical load factor is determined by gradually increasing the loads of the underlying load case until the instability is reached. The load increment takes into account nonlinearities such as failing members, supports and foundations, and material nonlinearities.
You can select several methods that are available for the eigenvalue analysis:
Direct Methods
The direct methods (Lanczos [RFEM], roots of characteristic polynomial [RFEM], subspace iteration method [RFEM/RSTAB], and shifted inverse iteration [RSTAB]) are suitable for small to medium-sized models. You should only use these fast solver methods if your computer has a larger amount of memory (RAM).
In contrast, this method only requires a small amount of memory. Eigenvalues are determined one after the other. It can be used to calculate large structural systems with few eigenvalues.
Use the Structure Stability add-on to perform a nonlinear stability analysis using the incremental method. This analysis delivers close-to-reality results also for nonlinear structures. The critical load factor is determined by gradually increasing the loads of the underlying load case until the instability is reached. The load increment takes into account nonlinearities such as failing members, supports and foundations, and material nonlinearities. After increasing the load, you can optionally perform a linear stability analysis on the last stable state in order to determine the stability mode.
Comprehensive and easy options in the individual input windows facilitate the representation of the structural system:
Nodal Supports
The support type of each node is editable.
It is possible to define a warp stiffening on each node. The resulting warp spring is determined automatically using the input parameters.
Elastic member foundation
In the case of elastic member foundations, you can manually enter spring constants.
Alternatively, you can use the various options to define the rotational and translational springs from a shear panel.
Member End Springs
RF-/FE-LTB calculates the individual spring constants automatically. You can use the dialog boxes and detailed pictures to represent a translational spring by connecting component, a rotational spring by a connecting column, or a warping stiffener (available types: end plate, channel section, angle, connecting column, cantilevered portion).
Member Hinges
If there are no member hinges defined in RFEM/RSTAB for the set of members, you can define them directly in the RF-/FE-LTB add-on module.
Load Data
The nodal and member loads of the selected load cases and combinations are displayed in separate windows. There you can edit, delete, or add them individually.
Imperfections
RF-/FE-LTB automatically applies the imperfections by scaling the lowest eigenvector.
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
After the calculation, the results are displayed in clearly arranged tables. Each intermediate value is listed, making the design checks transparent.
The module creates a reinforcement concept for the longitudinal and the shear reinforcement considering all constructional specifications. The reinforcement is represented by a 3D drawing, including dimensions. You can adjust the reinforcement concept to your individual requirements. A 3D graphic shows the exact distribution of strain and stress across the cross-section.
If any of the fire resistance designs is not fulfilled, RF-/CONCRETE Columns increases the required reinforcement until either all designs are performed successfully or no reinforcement layout can be found. You can visualize the columns and their reinforcement in the 3D rendering as well as in the work window of RFEM/RSTAB. In addition to the input and result data including design details displayed in tables, you can add all graphics into the printout report. This way, comprehensible and clearly arranged documentation is guaranteed.
First, the module combines governing designs of the column and the horizontal beam and displays the connection geometry in a result table. The other result tables include all important design details such as flow line lengths, load-bearing capacity of screws, weld stresses, or connection stiffnesses. All connections are visualized in a 3D rendering graphic.
Dimensions, material specifications, and welds that are important for the construction of the connection are visible immediately and can be printed out. It is possible to visualize the connections in RF-/FRAME-JOINT Pro or directly in the RFEM/RSTAB model. All graphics can be included in the RFEM/RSTAB printout report or printed directly. Due to the scaled output, an optimal visual check is possible as early as in the design phase.