Did you know? In the Design Supports, you can now define fully threaded screws as transversal compression stiffening elements for the "Compression Perpendicular to Grain" design. In this case, the pressing-in and buckling of the bolts is analyzed.
Moreover, the design shear resistance is checked in the plane of the screw tip. The angle of dispersal can be considered as linear under 45° or nonlinear (according to Bejtka, I. (2005). Verstärkung von Bauteilen aus holz mit vollgewindeschrauben. KIT Scientific Publishing.).
- 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)
- Arbitrary definition of the charring time
- Option to calculate with or without adhesion of the layer for surface structures (cross-laminated timber)
- Free user-defined specification of the fire parameters
- Consideration of Different Effective Lengths in Fire Resistance Design
- Optional design "Compression perpendicular to grain"
- Graphical result display integrated in RFEM/RSTAB, such as a design ratio
- Complete integration of the results into the RFEM/RSTAB printout report
Did you know? In contrast to other material models, the stress-strain diagram for this material model is not antimetric to the origin. You can use this material model to simulate the behavior of steel fiber-reinforced concrete, for example. Find detailed information about modeling steel fiber-reinforced concrete in the technical article about Determining the material properties of steel-fiber-reinforced concrete.
In this material model, the isotropic stiffness is reduced with a scalar damage parameter. This damage parameter is determined from the stress curve defined in the Diagram. The direction of the principal stresses is not taken into account. Rather, the damage occurs in the direction of the equivalent strain, which also covers the third direction perpendicular to the plane. The tension and compression area of the stress tensor is treated separately. In this case, different damage parameters apply.
The "Reference element size" controls how the strain in the crack area is scaled to the length of the element. With the default value zero, no scaling is performed. Thus, the material behavior of the steel fiber concrete is modeled realistically.
Find more information about the theoretical background of the "Isotropic Damage" material model in the technical article describing the Nonlinear Material Model Damage.
Compared to the RF‑/TIMBER Pro add-on module (RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8), the following new features have been added to the Timber Design add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9:
- In addition to Eurocode 5, other international standards are integrated (SIA 265, ANSI/AWC NDS, CSA O86, GB 50005)
- Design of compression perpendicular to grain (support pressure)
- Implementation of eigenvalue solver for determining the critical moment for lateral-torsional buckling (EC 5 only)
- Definition of different effective lengths for design at normal temperature and fire resistance design
- Evaluation of stresses via unit stresses (FEA)
- Optimized stability analyses for tapered members
- Unification of the materials for all national annexes (only one "EN" standard is now available in the material library for a better overview)
- Display of cross-section weakenings directly in the rendering
- Output of the used design check formulas (including a reference to the used equation from the standard)
- 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 standards already specify the approximation methods (for example, deformation calculation according to EN 1992‑1‑1, 7.4.3, or ACI 318‑19, 24.3.2.5) that you need for your deformation calculation. In this case, the so-called effective stiffnesses are calculated in the finite elements in accordance with the existing limit state with / without cracks. You can then use these effective stiffnesses to determine the deformations by means of another FEM calculation.
Consider a reinforced concrete cross-section for the calculation of the effective stiffnesses of the finite elements. Based on the internal forces determined for the serviceability limit state in RFEM, you can classify the reinforced concrete cross-section as "cracked" or "uncracked". Do you consider the effect of the concrete between the cracks? In this case, this is done by means of a distribution coefficient (for example, according to EN 1992‑1‑1, Eq. 7.19, or ACI 318‑19, 24.3.2.5). You can assume the material behavior for the concrete to be linear-elastic in the compression and tension zone until reaching the concrete tensile strength. This procedure is sufficiently precise for the serviceability limit state.
When determining the effective stiffnesses, you can take into accout the creep and shrinkage at the "cross-section level." You don't need to consider the influence of shrinkage and creep in statically indeterminate systems in this approximation method (for example, tensile forces from shrinkage strain in systems restrained on all sides are not determined and have to be considered separately). In summary, the deformation calculation is carried out in two steps:
- Calculation of effective stiffnesses of the reinforced concrete cross-section assuming linear-elastic conditions
- Calculation of the deformation using the effective stiffnesses with FEM
- 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
- Free definition of two reinforcement layers
- Design alternatives to avoid compression or shear reinforcement
- Design of surfaces as deep beams (theory of membranes)
- Option to define basic reinforcements for top and bottom reinforcement layers
- Free definition of provided surface reinforcement
- Result output in points of any selected grid
- Design with design moments at column edges
- 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, Chapter 6.8 (see this Product Feature)
- Design of a shear joint between the web and flange of ribs
- Optional pure slab or wall design of surfaces for a 2D model type
- Precise breakdown of reasons for failed design
- Design details of all design locations for better traceability of reinforcement determination
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- Stability analyses for flexural buckling, torsional buckling, and flexural-torsional buckling under compression
- Lateral-torsional buckling analysis of the structural components subjected to moment loading
- 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
- 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 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)
For the combination of actions, you have come to the right place. If you use them in the ultimate and the serviceability limit state, you can select various design situations according to the standard (for example, ULS (STR/GEO) - permanent/transient, SLS - quasi-permanent, and others). Optionally, you can also integrate imperfections in the combination and determine load cases that should not be combined with other load cases (for example, construction load for roof not combined with snow load).
Do you want to combine actions? Then use this feature. Here, the actions are automatically superimposed in accordance with combination expressions and then displayed as "action combinations". You can define which action combinations will eventually be used for the generation of load or result combinations. Based on the created action combinations, you can estimate how the combination expressions affect the number of combinations.
RFEM 6 offers you a wide range of helpful and efficient functions for working with load combinations. You can add the load cases included in load combinations together and then calculate them in consideration of the corresponding factors (partial safety and combination factors, coefficients regarding consequence classes, and so on). Generate the load combinations automatically in compliance with the combination expressions of the standard. You can perform the calculation according to the linear static analysis, second-order analysis, or large deformation analysis, as well as for post-critical analysis. Optionally, you can define whether the internal forces should be related to the deformed or non-deformed structure.
In the "Load Cases & Combinations" dialog box, you have an option to automatically generate load and result combinations as soon as you have selected the corresponding combination expressions. For example, you can also copy or add load cases in a clearly arranged window.
Furthermore, you can manage the load cases and combinations in the tables.
The member hinge nonlinearities "Scaffolding - N phiy / phiz" and "Scaffolding Diagram" enable the mechanical simulation of a tube joint with an inner stub between two member elements.
The equivalent model transfers the bending moment via the overpressed outer pipe and after positive locking additionally via the inner stub, depending on the compression state at the member end.
In SHAPE-THIN 8, the effective cross-section of stiffened buckling panels can be calculated according to EN 1993-1-5, Cl. 4.5.
The critical buckling stress is calculated according to EN 1993-1-5, Annex A.1 for buckling panels with at least 3 longitudinal stiffeners, or according to EN 1993-1-5, Annex A.2 for buckling panels with one or two stiffeners in the compression zone. The design for torsional buckling safety is also performed.
- Nonlinear member types, such as tension and compression members or cables
- Member nonlinearities, such as failure, tearing, yielding under tension or compression
- Support nonlinearities, such as failure, friction, diagram, and partial activity
- Release nonlinearities, such as friction, partial activity, diagram, and fixed if positive or negative internal forces
Utilize all the options of the 'Edit Load Cases and Combinations' dialog box to facilitate your work. Here you can automatically create load and result combinations after selecting the corresponding combination expressions. In this clearly arranged dialog box, you can also e.g. to copy, add, or renumber load cases.
Additionally, control the load cases and combinations in Tables 2.1 – 2.6.
- Full integration in RFEM/RSTAB with import of geometry and load case data
- Automatic selection of members for design according to specified criteria (e.g. only vertical members)
- In connection with the extension EC2 for RFEM/RSTAB, you can perform the design of reinforced concrete compression elements according to the method based on nominal curvature in compliance with EN 1992 -1‑1:2004 (Eurocode 2) and the following National Annexes:
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DIN EN 1992-1-1/NA/A1:2015-12 (Germany)
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ÖNORM B 1992-1-1:2018-01 (Austria)
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Belgium NBN EN 1992-1-1 ANB:2010 for design at normal temperature, and NBN EN 1992-1-2 ANB:2010 for fire resistance design (Belgium)
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BDS EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2011 (Bulgaria)
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EN 1992-1-1 DK NA:2013 (Denmark)
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NF EN 1992-1-1/NA:2016-03 (France)
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SFS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2007-10 (Finland)
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UNI EN 1992-1-1/NA:2007-07 (Italy)
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LVS EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2014 (Latvia)
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LST EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2011 (Lithuania)
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MS EN 1992-1-1:2010 (Malaysia)
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NEN-EN 1992-1-1+C2:2011/NB:2016 (Netherlands)
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NS EN 1992-1 -1:2004-NA:2008 (Norway)
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PN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2010 (Poland)
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NP EN 1992-1-1/NA:2010-02 (Portugal)
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SR EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2008 (Romania)
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SS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008 (Sweden)
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SS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008-06 (Singapore)
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STN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008-06 (Slovakia)
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SIST EN 1992-1-1:2005/A101:2006 (Slovenia)
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UNE EN 1992-1-1/NA:2013 (Spain)
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CSN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2016-05 (Czech Republic)
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BS EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2005 (United Kingdom)
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TKP EN 1992-1-1:2009 (Belarus)
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CYS EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2009 (Cyprus)
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- In addition to the National Annexes (NA) listed above, you can define a specific NA, applying user-defined limit values and parameters.
- Optional consideration of creep
- Diagram-based determination of buckling lengths and slenderness from the restraint ratios of columns
- Automatic determination of ordinary and unintentional eccentricity from additionally available eccentricity according to the second-order analysis
- Design of monolithic structures and precast elements
- Analysis with regard to the standard reinforced concrete design
- Determination of internal forces according to the linear static analysis and the second-order analysis
- Analysis of governing design locations along the column due to existing loading
- Output of required longitudinal and stirrup reinforcement
- Fire resistance design according to the simplified method (zone method) according to EN 1992-1-2 allowing the fire resistance design of brackets.
- Fire resistance design with optional longitudinal reinforcement design according to DIN 4102-22:2004 or DIN 4102-4:2004, Table 31
- Longitudinal and link reinforcement proposal with graphic display in 3D rendering
- Summary of design ratios, including all design details
- Graphical representation of relevant design details in RFEM/RSTAB work window
- Form-finding of:
- tension-loaded membrane and cable structures
- compression-loaded shell and beam structures
- mixed tension- and compression-loaded structures
- Consideration of gas chambers between surfaces
- Interaction with supporting structure (substructure design according to various standards)
- Surfaces as a 2D and members as a 1D element
- Definition of different prestress conditions for surfaces (membranes and shells)
- Definition of forces or geometrical requirements for members (cables and beams)
- Consideration of individual loads (self‑weight, inner pressure, and so on) in the form‑finding process
- Temporary support definitions for the form-finding process
- Automatic preliminary form-finding of membrane surfaces (more information...)
- Definition of isotropic or orthotropic material for structural analysis
- Optional definition of free polygon loads
- Transformation of form‑found shape elements into NURBS surface elements
- Possibility of combined form-finding by integration of preliminary form-finding
- Graphical evaluation of the new form using colored coordinates and inclination plots
- Complete documentation of the calculation including user-defined adaptive evaluation figures
- Optional export of the FE mesh as a DXF or Excel file
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.
- 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
- Parts list with weight and solid specifications
- Seamless integration in RFEM/RSTAB
- Metric and imperial units
- Design of members and sets of members for tension, compression, bending, shear, torsion, and combined internal forces
- Stability analysis of buckling and lateral-torsional buckling
- Automatic determination of effective radius of gyration by special integrated FEA software (eigenvalue analysis) for general loading and support conditions
- Alternative analytical calculation of effective radius of gyration for standard situations
- Optional application of discrete lateral supports to beams
- Definition of nodal supports for sets of members
- 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, and many others.
- 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 and result combination
- Result table of member slenderness and governing internal forces
- Metric and imperial units
- Full integration in the RF-/STEEL EC3 add‑on module
- Design of cross-sections for tension, compression, bending, torsion, shear, and combined internal forces
- Plastic design of members according to the second‑order analysis with 7 degrees of freedom, including warping torsion (requires module extension RF‑/STEEL Warping Torsion).
- Design of tension, compression, bending, shear, and combined internal forces
- Stability analysis for flexural 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
- Optional application of discrete lateral supports to beams
- Automatic cross-section classification
- Deformation analysis (serviceability)
- Cross-section optimization
- Wide range of cross-sections available, such as rolled I-sections, C-sections, rectangular hollow sections, angles, double angles (arrangement flange on flange), T-sections. Welded sections: I-shaped (symmetrical and asymmetrical about major axis), channel sections (symmetrical about major axis), rectangular hollow sections (symmetrical and asymmetrical about major axis), angles, round pipes, and round bars
- Clearly arranged result tables
- 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, x-location, or by load case, load and result combination
- Result table of member slenderness and governing internal forces
- Parts list with weight and solid specifications
- Seamless integration in RFEM/RSTAB
- Design of tension, compression, bending, shear, and combined internal forces
- Stability analysis for flexural 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
- Optional application of discrete lateral supports to beams
- Automatic cross-section classification
- Deformation analysis (serviceability)
- Cross-section optimization
- Wide range of cross-sections available, such as rolled I-sections, C-sections, rectangular hollow sections, angles, double angles (arrangement flange on flange), T-sections. Welded sections: I-shaped (symmetrical and asymmetrical about major axis), channel sections (symmetrical about major axis), rectangular hollow sections (symmetrical and asymmetrical about major axis), angles, round pipes, and round bars
- Clearly arranged result tables
- 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, x-location, or by load case, load and result combination
- Result table of member slenderness and governing internal forces
- Parts list with weight and solid specifications
- Seamless integration in RFEM/RSTAB
- Metric and imperial units