Using the "Damper" member type, you can define a damping coefficient, a spring constant, and a mass. This member type extends the possibilities within the Time History Analysis.
With regard to viscoelasticity, the "Damper" member type is similar to the Kelvin-Voigt model, which consists of the damping element and an elastic spring (both connected in parallel).
The Dlubal structural analysis software does a lot of work for you. The input parameters, which are relevant for the selected standards, are suggested by the program in accordance with the rules. Furthermore, you can enter response spectra manually.
Load cases of the type Response Spectrum Analysis define the direction in which response spectra act and which eigenvalues of the structure are relevant for the analysis. In the spectral analysis settings, you can define details for the combination rules, damping (if applicable), and zero-period acceleration (ZPA).
Footfall Analysis links with RFEM, using the model geometry from there, thus the user is not required to create a second model specifically for footfall analysis
Allows the user to analyze any type of structure for footfall analysis, irrespective of the shape, material, or use
Quick and accurate predictions of resonant and impulsive (transient) responses
Cumulative measurement of vibration levels – VDV analysis
Intuitive output enabling the engineer to advise improvements of critical areas in a cost-effective way
Pass/fail limit check in accordance with BS 6472 and ISO 10137
Selection of excitation forces: CCIP-016, SCI P354, AISC DG11 for floors and stairs
Frequency weighting curves (BS 6841)
Quick investigation for full model or specific areas
Vibration Dose Analysis (VDV)
Adjusting the minimum and maximum walking frequencies as well as the walker’s weight
User input damping values
Varying the number of footfalls for resonant response, user input or software calculated
Environmental response limit based on BS 6472 and ISO 10137
Calculation with consideration of a damping ratio (or Lehr's damping) is not possible in the direct time step integrations. Instead, the Rayleigh damping coefficients must be specified by the user.
In technical literature, the given damping ratio for specific construction forms is, in many cases, only a rough approximation of the real damping ratios. In RF-/DYNAM Pro - Forced Vibrations, it is possible to use the value of the damping ratio to determine the Rayleigh damping. This may occur at one or two natural angular frequencies defined by the user.
The member type 'Dashpot' can be used for time history analyzes in RFEM/RSTAB with the add-on modules RF-/DYNAM Pro - Forced Vibrations and RF-/DYNAM Pro - Nonlinear Time History. This linear viscous damping element considers forces dependent on velocity.
With regard to viscoelasticity, the member type 'Dashpot' is similar to the Kelvin-Voigt model, which consists of the damping element and an elastic spring (both connected in parallel).
RF-/DYNAM Pro - Nonlinear Time History is integrated in the structure of RF‑/DYNAM Pro - Forced Vibrations and extended by two nonlinear analysis methods (one nonlinear analysis in RSTAB).
Force-time diagrams can be entered as transient, periodic, or as a function of time. Dynamic load cases combine the time diagrams with the static load cases, which provides high flexibility. Furthermore, it is possible to define time steps for the calculation, structural damping, and export options in the dynamic load cases.
User-defined time diagrams as a function of time, in tabular form, or as harmonic loads
Combination of the time diagrams with RFEM/RSTAB load cases or combinations (enables definition of nodal, member, and surface loads, as well as free and generated loads varying over time)
Combination of several independent excitation functions
Nonlinear time history analysis with the implicit Newmark analysis (RFEM only) or the explicit analysis
Structural damping using Rayleigh damping coefficients or Lehr's damping
Direct import of initial deformations from a load case or combination (RFEM only)
Stiffness modifications as initial conditions; for example, axial force effect, deactivated members (RSTAB only)
Graphical display of results in a time history diagram
Export of results in user-defined time steps or as an envelope
The nonlinear calculation is activated by selecting the design method of the serviceability limit state. You can individually select the analyses to be performed as well as the stress-strain diagrams for concrete and reinforcing steel. The iteration process can be influenced by these control parameters: convergence accuracy, maximum number of iterations, arrangement of layers over cross-section depth, and damping factor.
You can set the limit values in the serviceability limit state individually for each surface or surface group. Allowable limit values are defined by the maximum deformation, the maximum stresses, or the maximum crack widths. The definition of the maximum deformation requires additional specification as to whether the non-deformed or the deformed system should be used for the design.
RF-CONCRETE Members
The nonlinear calculation can be applied to the ultimate and the serviceability limit state designs. In addition, you can specify the concrete tensile strength or the tension stiffening between the cracks. The iteration process can be influenced by these control parameters: convergence accuracy, maximum number of iterations, and damping factor.
Combination of user-defined time diagrams with load cases or load combinations (nodal, member, and surface loads, as well as free and generated loads, can be combined with time-variable functions)
Combination of several independent excitation functions
Extensive library of seismic events (accelerograms)
Linear implicit Newmark analysis or modal analysis in time history
Structural damping using Rayleigh damping coefficients or Lehr's damping
Direct import of initial deformations from a load case or combination
Graphical display of results in a time history diagram
Export of results in user-defined time steps or as an envelope