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.
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.
There are also optimizations for the clear arrangement of your results. To better display the results, you can reduce the displayed columns and rows with the new Result Table Manager.
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
Have you created the entire structure in RFEM? Very well, now you can assign the individual structural components and load cases to the corresponding construction stages. In each construction stage, you can modify release definitions of members and supports, for example.
You can thus model structural modifications, such as those that occur when bridge girders are successively grouted or when columns are settled. Then, assign the load cases created in RFEM to the construction stages as permanent or non-permanent loads.
Did you know that The combinatorics allows you to superimpose the permanent and non-permanent loads in load combinations. In this way, it is possible for you to determine the maximum internal forces of different crane positions or to consider temporary mounting loads available in one construction stage only.
If you are working with nonlinearities, this feature is suited very well to support you. For example, you can specify nonlinearities of member end releases (yielding, tearing, slippage, and so on) and supports (including friction). Furthermore, you can use special dialog boxes to determine the spring stiffnesses of columns and walls based on the geometry specifications.
After starting the module, the joint group (rigid joints) is selected first, followed by joint category and joint type (rigid end plate connection or rigid splice plate connection). The nodes to be designed are then selected from the RFEM/RSTAB model. RF-/JOINTS Steel - Rigid automatically recognizes the joint members and determines from its location whether they are columns or beams. The user can intervene here.
If certain members are to be excluded from the calculation, they can be deactivated. Structurally similar connections can be designed for several nodes at the same time. Loads require selection of the governing load cases, load combinations, or result combinations. Alternatively, you can enter the cross‑section and load data manually. In the last input window, the connection is configured step by step.
Beam to Column joint category: connection possible as joint of the beam to the column flange as well as joint of the column to the girder flange
Beam to Beam joint category: design of beam joints as both moment-resisting end plate connections and rigid splice connections possible
Automatic export of model and load data possible from RFEM or RSTAB
Bolt sizes from M12 to M36 with strength grades 4.6, 4.8, 5.6, 5.8, 6.8, 8.8, and 10.9 as long as the strength grades are available in the selected National Annex
Almost any bolt spacing and edge distances (a check of the allowable distances is performed)
Beam strengthening with tapers or stiffeners on the top and bottom surfaces
End plate connection with and without overlap
Connection with pure bending stress, pure normal force load (tension joint), or combination of normal force and bending possible
Calculation of connection stiffnesses and check if a hinged, semi-rigid, or rigid connection exists
End plate connection in a beam-column setup
Joint beams or columns can be stiffened with tapers on one side or with stiffeners to one or both sides
Wide range of possible stiffeners of the connection (for example, complete or incomplete web stiffeners)
Up to ten horizontal and four vertical bolts possible
Connected object possible as constant or tapered I-section
Designs:
Ultimate limit state of the connected beam (such as shear or tension resistance of the web plate)
Ultimate limit state of the end plate at the beam (for example, T-stub under tensile stress)
Ultimate limit state of the welds at the end plate
Ultimate limit state of the column in the area of the connection (for example, column flange under bending – T-stub)
All designs are performed according to EN 1993-1-8 and EN 1993-1-1
Moment-resisting end plate joint
Two or four vertical and up to 10 horizontal bolt rows
Joint beams can be stiffened with tapers on one side or with stiffeners to one or both sides
Connected objects are possible as constant or tapered I-sections
Designs:
Ultimate limit state of the connected beams (such as shear or tension resistance of the web plates)
Ultimate limit state of the end plates at the beam (for example, T-stub under tensile stress)
Ultimate limit state of the welds at the end plates
Ultimate limit state of the bolts in the end plate (combination of tension and shear)
Rigid splice plate connection
For the flange plate connection, up to ten bolt rows one behind the other possible
For the web plate connection, up to ten bolt rows possible each in vertical and horizontal directions
Material of the cleat can be different from the one of the beams
Designs:
Ultimate limit state of the joint beams (for example, net cross-section in the tension area)
Ultimate limit state of the cleat plates (for example, net cross-section under tensile stress)
Ultimate limit state of the single bolts and the bolt groups (for example, shear resistance design of the single bolt)
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:
DIN EN 1992-1-1/NA/A1:2015-12 (Germany)
ÖNORM B 1992-1-1:2018-01 (Austria)
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)
BDS EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2011 (Bulgaria)
EN 1992-1-1 DK NA:2013 (Denmark)
NF EN 1992-1-1/NA:2016-03 (France)
SFS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2007-10 (Finland)
UNI EN 1992-1-1/NA:2007-07 (Italy)
LVS EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2014 (Latvia)
LST EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2011 (Lithuania)
MS EN 1992-1-1:2010 (Malaysia)
NEN-EN 1992-1-1+C2:2011/NB:2016 (Netherlands)
NS EN 1992-1 -1:2004-NA:2008 (Norway)
PN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2010 (Poland)
NP EN 1992-1-1/NA:2010-02 (Portugal)
SR EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2008 (Romania)
SS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008 (Sweden)
SS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008-06 (Singapore)
STN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008-06 (Slovakia)
SIST EN 1992-1-1:2005/A101:2006 (Slovenia)
UNE EN 1992-1-1/NA:2013 (Spain)
CSN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2016-05 (Czech Republic)
BS EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2005 (United Kingdom)
TKP EN 1992-1-1:2009 (Belarus)
CYS EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2009 (Cyprus)
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
After opening the add-on module, it is necessary to select the joint group (Pinned Joints), then the joint category and joint type (web cleat, fin plate, short end plate, end plate with cleat). Then, you can select the nodes for design in the RFEM/RSTAB model. RF-/JOINTS Steel - Pinned automatically recognizes the joint members and determines from its location whether they are columns or beams.
It is possible to exclude particular members from the calculation, if required. Structurally similar connections can be designed for several nodes at the same time. Loads require selection of the governing load cases, load combinations, or result combinations. Alternatively, you can enter the cross‑section and load data manually. In the last input window, the connection is configured step by step.
The punching load can be determined from a single load (from column/loading/nodal support) and the smoothed or unsmoothed shear force distribution along the control perimeter, or it can be defined by the user.
Since the module is fully integrated in RFEM, all nodes of punching shear on the reference surface are known. Therefore, you can check for collision of the determined perimeters with those of the neighboring columns.
Import of relevant information and results from RFEM
Integrated, editable material and section library
The module extension EC2 for RFEM enables the design of reinforced concrete members according to EN 1992‑1‑1:2004 (Eurocode 2) and the following National Annexes:
DIN EN 1992-1-1/NA/A1:2015-12 (Germany)
ÖNORM B 1992-1-1:2018-01 (Austria)
NBN EN 1992-1-1 ANB:2010 (Belgium)
BDS EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2011 (Bulgaria)
EN 1992-1-1 DK NA:2013 (Denmark)
NF EN 1992-1-1/NA:2016-03 (France)
SFS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2007-10 (Finland)
UNI EN 1992-1-1/NA:2007-07 (Italy)
LVS EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2014 (Latvia)
LST EN 1992-1-1:2005/NA:2011 (Lithuania)
MS EN 1992-1-1:2010 (Malaysia)
NEN-EN 1992-1-1+C2:2011/NB:2016 (Netherlands)
NS EN 1992-1 -1:2004-NA:2008 (Norway)
PN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2010 (Poland)
NP EN 1992-1-1/NA:2010-02 (Portugal)
SR EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2008 (Romania)
SS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008 (Sweden)
SS EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008-06 (Singapore)
STN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2008-06 (Slovakia)
SIST EN 1992-1-1:2005/A101:2006 (Slovenia)
UNE EN 1992-1-1/NA:2013 (Spain)
CSN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2016-05 (Czech Republic)
BS EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2005 (United Kingdom)
TKP EN 1992-1-1:2009 (Belarus)
CYS EN 1992-1-1:2004/NA:2009 (Cyprus)
In addition to the National Annexes (NA) listed above, you can define a specific NA, applying user‑defined limit values and parameters.
Sensible and complete presetting of input parameters
Punching design on columns, wall ends, and wall corners
Optional arrangement of an enlarged column head
Automatic recognition of the position of the punching node from the RFEM model
Detection of curves or splines as boundary of the control perimeter
Automatic consideration of all slab openings defined in the RFEM model
Structure and graphical display of the control perimeter before calculation starts
Qualitative determination of punching shear reinforcement
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 user‑defined specification
Integration of design software by Halfen, a producer of shear rails
Numerical and graphical display of results (3D, 2D, and in sections)
Punching shear design with or without punching shear reinforcement
Optional consideration of minimum moments according to EN 1992‑1‑1 when determining longitudinal reinforcement
Design or analysis of longitudinal reinforcement
Complete integration of results in the RFEM printout report
For the bending failure design, the governing locations of the column are analyzed for axial force and moments. In addition, locations with extreme values of shear forces are considered for the shear resistance design. During the calculation, it is determined whether a standard design is sufficient or whether the column with the moments has to be designed according to the second-order theory. These moments are then determined based on the previously entered specifications. The calculation has four parts:
Load-independent calculation steps
Iterative determination of governing loading taking into account a varying required reinforcement
Determination of the designed reinforcement for governing internal forces
Safety determination of all acting internal forces, including the designed reinforcement
In this way, RF-/CONCRETE Columns provides a complete solution of an optimized reinforcement concept and the resulting load actions.
The geometry is entered by means of templates, as in all other programs of the RX‑TIMBER family. By selecting the roof structure, you define the base geometry, which can be adjusted by user-defined settings. The relevant timber grade of the material can be selected from the material library. All material grades for glulam, hardwood, poplar and softwood timber specified in EN 1995-1-1 are available. Furthermore, it is possible to generate a strength class with user-defined material properties in order to extend the library.
Since the stiffening bracing includes the steel cross-sections, current steel grades are integrated in the library as well. Therefore, rolled and welded cross-sections are also available. Stiffening of coupling elements can be considered in Table 1.5 Connections as translational and rotational spring stiffnesses. The program handles these stiffnesses with a stiffness divided by the partial safety factor for the design of the bearing capacity and with the mean values of the stiffness for the serviceability limit state design. The loading can be entered directly as a lateral load (equivalent lateral load) resulting from a truss girder design.
The wind load is applied automatically to all four sides of the structure. Additionally, you can specify user-defined loads; for example, concentrated loads from columns (buckling load). According to the generated loads, the program automatically creates combinations for the ultimate and serviceability limit states as well as for fire resistance design in the background. The generated combinations can be considered or adjusted by user-defined specifications.
When determining internal forces, you can choose between calculation method 1 (uncracked over entire beam length) and calculation method 2 (crack formation over internal columns).
In both cases, it is possible to consider a constant effective width of the concrete slab over the entire span according to ENV 1994-1-1, 4.2.2.1 (1) and a redistribution of the moments. Internal forces for the design of shear connectors can only be determined by the elastic calculation of internal forces using the RSTAB analysis core (no RSTAB license is required).
The calculation performs fully automatic determination of the effective cross-section properties at the respective points of time, considering creep and shrinkage. In the RSTAB user interface, the structural models are created as a member structure, including all boundary conditions and loading. This way, reliable calculation of the internal forces with the effective cross-section properties is ensured.
It is possible to specify nonlinearities of member end releases (yielding, tearing, slippage, and so on) and supports (including friction). There are special dialog boxes available for determining the spring stiffnesses of columns and walls based on the geometry specifications.
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.
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.
The members to be designed are directly imported from RFEM/RSTAB. Load cases, load combinations, and result combinations are assigned, which result in the linear-elastically determined internal forces on the selected members. When considering creeping, the creep-producing load must also be defined. The RFEM/RSTAB materials are preset but can be adjusted in RF-/CONCRETE Columns. The material properties listed in the respective standard are included in the material library.
You can easily define constructional properties of columns as well as other details for determining the required longitudinal and shear reinforcement. The effective length factor ß is to be defined manually, determined automatically by the module, or imported from the RF-STABILITY/RSBUCK add-on module.
The fire resistance design according to EN 1992-1-2 requires various specifications; for example, determination of cross-section sides where burn-off occurs.
After creating the entire structure in RFEM/RSTAB, the individual structural components as well as load cases and combinations are assigned to the corresponding construction stages. For each construction stage, you can modify for example release definitions of members and supports.
Thus, it is possible to model structural modifications, such as those that occur when bridge girders are successively grouted or when columns are settled. The load cases and load combinations already created in RFEM/RSTAB are divided into "Permanent Loading" and "Temporary Loading" in the add-on module.
The defined temporary loads are superimposed by permanent loads. This way, it is possible to determine the maximum internal forces of different crane positions or to consider temporary mounting loads available only in one construction stage.