As soon as the program has completed the calculation, the summary of the results is listed. All result windows are integrated in the main program RFEM/RSTAB. You will find all the results arranged in tables; they can be displayed for each individual time step or as an envelope, and you also have the option of displaying the results graphically as well as animating them.
The results from the time history analysis can be displayed in the calculation diagrams. All the results are shown as a function of time. You can export the numeric values to MS Excel.
All result tables and graphics are part of the RFEM/RSTAB printout report. In this way, you can ensure clearly arranged documentation. You can also export the tables to MS Excel.
Have you ever wondered if you can render without a graphics card? We have the answer! Software rendering for alternative image synthesis without the support of a graphics card is possible. You can easily control this solution with the Windows command scripts:
Enable Software Renderer.cmd (switch on)
Disable Software Renderer.cmd (switch off)
in the program folder C:\Program Files\Dlubal\RFEM 6.02\bin.
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.
In the "Deflection and Design Support" tab under "Edit Member", the members can be clearly segmented using optimized input windows. Depending on the supports, the deformation limits for cantilever beams or single-span beams are used automatically.
By defining the design support in the corresponding direction at the member start, member end, and intermediate nodes, the program automatically recognizes the segments and segment lengths to which the allowable deformation is related. It also automatically detects whether it is a beam or a cantilever due to the defined design supports. The manual assignment, as in the previous versions (RFEM 5), is no longer necessary.
The "User-Defined Lengths" option allows you to modify the reference lengths in the table. The corresponding segment length is always used by default. If the reference length deviates from the segment length (for example, in the case of curved members), it can be adjusted.
As soon as the program has completed the calculation, the eigenvalues, natural frequencies and periods are listed. These result windows are integrated in the main program RFEM/RSTAB. You can find all mode shapes of the structure in tables and also have an option to display them graphically and to animate them.
All result tables and graphics are part of the RFEM/RSTAB printout report. In this way, you can ensure clearly arranged documentation. You can also export the tables to MS Excel.
The design results are displayed in RF-/STEEL EC3 in the usual way.
Among other results, the corresponding result windows include the effective cross-section properties due to axial force N, bending moment My, bending moment Mz, internal forces, and design summary.
The RF-MOVE/RSMOVE add-on module does not display any result windows: You can check the created load cases, including loads, in RFEM/RSTAB. Descriptions of the individual moving loads are created on the basis of the respective load increment number.
However, it is possible to modify the descriptions in RFEM/RSTAB. You can export all data in tables to MS Excel.
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.
Import of materials, cross-sections, and internal forces from RFEM/RSTAB
Steel design of thin‑walled cross‑sections according to EN 1993‑1‑1:2005 and EN 1993‑1‑5:2006
Automatic classification of cross-sections according to EN 1993-1-1:2005 + AC:2009, Cl. 5.5.2, and EN 1993-1-5:2006, Cl. 4.4 (cross-section class 4), with optional determination of effective widths according to Annex E for stresses under fy
Integration of parameters for the following National Annexes:
DIN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2015-08 (Germany)
ÖNORM B 1993-1-1:2007-02 (Austria)
NBN EN 1993-1-1/ANB:2010-12 (Belgium)
BDS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2008 (Bulgaria)
DS/EN 1993-1-1 DK NA:2015 (Denmark)
SFS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2005 (Finland)
NF EN 1993-1-1/NA:2007-05 (France)
ELOT EN 1993-1-1 (Greece)
UNI EN 1993-1-1/NA:2008 (Italy)
LST EN 1993-1-1/NA:2009-04 (Lithuania)
UNI EN 1993-1-1/NA:2011-02 (Italy)
MS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2010 (Malaysia)
NEN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2011-12 (Netherlands)
NS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2008-02 (Norway)
PN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2006-06 (Poland)
NP EN 1993-1-1/NA:2010-03 (Portugal)
SR EN 1993-1-1/NB:2008-04 (Romania)
SS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2011-04 (Sweden)
SS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2010 (Singapore)
STN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2007-12 (Slovakia)
SIST EN 1993-1-1/A101:2006-03 (Slovenia)
UNE EN 1993-1-1/NA:2013-02 (Spain)
CSN EN 1993-1-1/NA:2007-05 (Czech Republic)
BS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2008-12 (the United Kingdom)
CYS EN 1993-1-1/NA:2009-03 (Cyprus)
In addition to the National Annexes (NA) listed above, you can also define a specific NA, applying user‑defined limit values and parameters.
Automatic calculation of all required factors for the design value of flexural buckling resistance Nb,Rd
Automatic determination of the ideal elastic critical moment Mcr for each member or set of members on every x-location according to the Eigenvalue Method or by comparing moment diagrams. You only have to define the lateral intermediate supports.
Design of tapered members, unsymmetric sections or sets of members according to the General Method as described in EN 1993-1-1, Cl. 6.3.4
In the case of the General Method according to Cl. 6.3.4, optional application of "European lateral-torsional buckling curve" according to Naumes, Strohmann, Ungermann, Sedlacek (Stahlbau 77 [2008], pp. 748‑761)
Rotational restraints can be taken into account (trapezoidal sheeting and purlins)
Optional consideration of shear panels (for example, trapezoidal sheeting and bracing)
RF-/STEEL Warping Torsion module extension (license required) for stability analysis according to the second-order analysis as stress analysis including consideration of the 7th degree of freedom (warping)
Module extension RF-/STEEL Plasticity (license required) for plastic analysis of cross‑sections according to Partial Internal Forces Method (PIFM) and Simplex Method for general cross‑sections (in connection with the RF‑/STEEL Warping Torsion module extension, it is possible to perform the plastic design according to the second‑order analysis)
Module extension RF-/STEEL Cold-Formed Sections (license required) for ultimate and serviceability limit state designs for cold-formed steel members according to the EN 1993-1-3 and EN 1993-1-5 standards
ULS design: Selection of fundamental or accidental design situations for each load case, load combination, or result combination
SLS design: Selection of characteristic, frequent, or quasi-permanent design situations for each load case, load combination, or result combination
Tension analysis with definable net cross-section areas for member start and end
Weld designs of welded cross-sections
Optional calculation of warp spring for nodal support on sets of members
Graphic of design ratios on cross-section and in RFEM/RSTAB model
Determination of governing internal forces
Filter options for graphical results in RFEM/RSTAB
Representation of design ratios and cross‑section classes in the rendered view
Color scales in result windows
Automatic cross-section optimization
Transfer of optimized cross-sections to RFEM/RSTAB
Parts lists and quantity surveying
Direct data export to MS Excel
Verifiable printout report
Possibility to include the temperature curve in the report
When performing the design of tension, compression, bending, and shear loading, the module compares the design values of the maximum load capacity to the design values of the actions.
If the components are subjected to both bending and compression, the program performs an interaction. In RF-/STEEL EC3, you can determine the factors according to Method 1 (Annex A) or Method 2 (Annex B).
The flexural buckling design requires neither the slenderness nor the elastic critical buckling load of the governing buckling case. The module automatically calculates all required factors for the bending stress design value. RF-/STEEL EC3 determines the elastic critical moment for lateral-torsional buckling for each member on every x-location of the cross-section. If required, you only need to specify lateral intermediate supports of the individual members/sets of members, definable in one of the input windows.
If members are selected for the fire resistance design in RF-/STEEL EC3, there is another input window available where you can enter additional parameters, such as: a coating or cladding type. Global settings cover the required time of fire resistance, temperature curve, and other coefficients. The printout report lists all intermediate results and the final result of the fire resistance design. Furthermore, it is possible to print the temperature curve in the report.
The results sorted by load case, cross-section, member, set of members, or x-location are displayed in clearly arranged result windows. By selecting the corresponding table row, detailed information about the performed design is displayed.
The results include a comprehensible list of all material and cross-section properties, design internal forces, and design factors. Furthermore, it is possible to display the distribution of internal forces of each x-location in a separate graphic window.
Parts lists by members/sets of members for the individual cross-section types complete the detailed and structured display of results. To print input data and results, you can use the global printout report in RFEM/RSTAB.
For further processing of various data, it is possible to export all tables to MS Excel.
The first result window shows the maximum design ratios with the corresponding design of each designed load case, load combination, or result combination.
The other result windows list all detailed results sorted by specific subject in extendable tree menus. All intermediate results along the members can be displayed at any location. In this way, you can easily retrace how the module has performed the individual designs.
The complete module data are part of the RFEM/RSTAB printout report. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual designs.
Design of members and sets of members for tension, compression, bending, shear, combined internal forces, and torsion
Stability analysis of buckling and lateral-torsional buckling
Automatic determination of critical buckling loads and critical buckling moments for general load applications and support conditions by means of a special FEA program (eigenvalue analysis) integrated in the module
Alternative analytical calculation of the critical buckling moment for standard situations
Optional application of discrete lateral supports to beams and continuous members
Automatic cross-section classification (compact, noncompact, and slender)
Serviceability limit state design (deflection)
Cross-section optimization
A wide range of available cross-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; double angles
Clearly arranged input and result windows
Detailed result documentation including references to design equations of the used standard
Various filter and sorting options of results, including result lists by member, cross-sections, and x-location, or by load case, load combination, and result combination
Result table of member slenderness and governing internal forces
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.
The first results window shows the maximum design ratios with the corresponding design of each designed load case, load combination, or result combination.
The other result windows list all detailed results sorted by specific subject in extendable tree menus. All intermediate results along a member can be displayed at any location. In this way, you can easily retrace how the module has performed the individual designs.
The complete data from the module are part of the RFEM/RSTAB printout report.
Design of members and sets of members for tension, compression, bending, shear, combined internal forces, and torsion
Stability analysis of buckling and lateral-torsional buckling
Automatic determination of critical buckling loads and critical buckling moments for general load applications and support conditions by means of a special FEA program (eigenvalue analysis) integrated in the module
Alternative analytical calculation of the critical buckling moment for standard situations
Optional application of discrete lateral supports to beams and continuous members
Automatic cross-section classification (compact, noncompact, and slender)
Serviceability limit state design (deflection)
Cross-section optimization
A wide range of available cross-sections, such as rolled I-sections, channel sections, T-sections, angles, rectangular and circular hollow sections, round bars, symmetrical, asymmetrical, parameterized I-, T-, and angle sections, as well as user-defined SHAPE‑THIN sections
Clearly arranged input and result windows
Detailed result documentation including references to design equations of the used standard
Various filter and sorting options of results including result lists by member, cross-section, x-location, or by load cases, load and result combinations
Result table of member slenderness and governing internal forces
After modeling piping systems in RFEM using RF‑PIPING and defining loads as well as load and result combinations, you can carry out pipe stress analysis in the RF‑PIPING Design add‑on module.
You can select all or only some pipelines and loads, load or result combinations for piping design. The material library provides various materials according to EN 13480‑3, ASME B31.1‑2012, and ASME B31.3‑2012 standards.
After the calculation, the results are displayed in clearly arranged windows; for example, by cross‑section, by pipeline, or by members. You can also display the design ratio graphically on the entire model in RFEM. This way, you can quickly recognize critical or oversized areas of the cross-section.
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. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual designs.
The results of warping torsion analysis are displayed in RF-/STEEL AISC and RF-/STEEL EC3 in the usual way. Among other results, the corresponding result windows include the critical warping and torsional values, internal forces, and design summary.
The graphical display of mode shapes (incl. warping) enables a realistic assessment of buckling behavior.
The first window shows the maximum design ratios including the corresponding design of each designed load case, load combination, or result combination.
The other result windows list all detailed results sorted by specific subject in extendable tree menus. All intermediate results along the members can be displayed at any location. In this way, you can easily retrace how the module has performed the individual designs.
The complete module data are part of the RFEM/RSTAB printout report. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual designs.
It is necessary to enter material, load, and combination data in RFEM/RSTAB in compliance with the design concept specified by the Code of Practice for the Structural Use of Steel 2011 (Buildings Department – Hong Kong).
The RF-/STEEL HK add-on module requires members and sets of members as well as load cases, load combinations, and result combinations to be designed. In the subsequent input windows, you can adjust preset definitions of lateral intermediate supports and effective lengths.
In the case of continuous members, it is possible to define individual support conditions and eccentricities of each intermediate node of single members. A special FEA tool then determines the critical loads and moments required for the stability analysis in these situations.
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.
All results are arranged in result windows sorted by different topics. The design values are illustrated in the corresponding cross-section graphic. The design details cover all intermediate values.
General Stress Analysis
CRANEWAY performs the general stress analysis of a craneway girder by calculating the existing stresses and comparing them with the limit normal, limit shear, and limit equivalent stresses. Welds are also subjected to the general stress analysis with regard to parallel and vertical shear stresses and their superposition.
Fatigue Design
Fatigue design is performed for up to three cranes operating at the same time, based on the nominal stress concept according to EN 1993-1-9. In the case of fatigue design according to DIN 4132, a stress curve of crane passages is recorded for each stress point and evaluated according to the Rainflow method.
Buckling Analysis
Buckling analysis considers the local introduction of wheel loads according to the EN 1993-6 or DIN 18800-3 standards.
Deformation,
Deformation analysis is performed separately for the vertical and horizontal directions. The available related displacements are compared to the allowable values. You can specify the allowable deformation ratios individually in the calculation parameters.
Lateral-torsional buckling analysis
The lateral-torsional buckling analysis is performed in accordance with the second-order analysis for torsional buckling considering imperfections. The general stress analysis has to be fulfilled with the critical load factor greater than 1.00. As a result, CRANEWAY displays the corresponding critical load factor for all load combinations of the stress analysis.
Support forces
The program determines all support forces on the basis of the characteristic loads, including dynamic factors.
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).
You can create various load cases with a single mouse click. After the generation, the numbers of created load cases and result combinations are displayed.
The RF-MOVE Surfaces add-on module does not have any result windows. You can check the created load cases including loads in RFEM.
Descriptions of the individual moving loads are created on the basis of the respective load step number. However, it is possible to edit the descriptions in RFEM.
The first results presented are the critical load factors. This allows for an evaluation of stability risks. For member models, the effective lengths and critical loads of the members are output in tabular form.
In the next result windows, you can check the normalized eigenvalues sorted by node, member, and surface. The eigenvalue graphic allows for evaluation of the buckling behavior. The graphical display makes it easier to take countermeasures.
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 first window shows the maximum design ratios including the corresponding design of each designed load case, load combination, or result combination.
The other result windows list all detailed results sorted by specific subject in extendable tree menus. All intermediate results along the members can be displayed at any location. In this way, you can easily retrace how the module has performed the individual designs.
The complete module data are part of the RFEM/RSTAB printout report. You can select the report contents and extent specifically for the individual designs.
It is necessary to enter material, load, and combination data in RFEM/RSTAB in compliance with the design concept specified by Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 8800:2008. The RFEM/RSTAB material library already contains the relevant materials.
The RF-/STEEL NBR add-on module requires members and sets of members as well as load cases, load combinations, and result combinations to be designed.
In the subsequent input windows, you can adjust preset definitions of lateral intermediate supports and effective lengths.
After the design, the results are displayed in different windows sorted by cross-sections, members, sets of members, or x-locations. The corresponding cross-section graphic is always displayed with the result values in tables. In RFEM/RSTAB, they are highlighted by different colors in the structural model. Critical or oversized components can be identified at a glance. You can modify the colors and values assigned.
Result diagrams of a member or a set of members ensure targeted evaluation. It is also possible to represent all intermediate values.
The masses determined during the design are displayed in parts lists for both members and sets of members.
Furthermore, you can export all result tables to MS Excel or in a CSV file. A special transfer menu defines all specifications required for the export.
After the calculation, the eigenvalues, natural frequencies, and natural periods are listed. These result windows are integrated in the main program RFEM/RSTAB. The mode shapes of the structure are included in tables and can be displayed graphically or as an animation.
All result tables and graphics are part of the RFEM/RSTAB printout report. This way, clearly arranged documentation is ensured. Furthermore, it is possible to export the tables to MS Excel.