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.
In the Steel Joints add-on, you can classify the joint stiffness.
In addition to the initial stiffness, the table also shows the limit values for hinged and rigid connections for the selected internal forces N, My, and/or Mz. The resulting classification is then displayed in tables as "hinged", "semi-rigid", or "rigid".
Have you activated the Building Model add-on? Very good! This allows you to display the center of rigidity in tabular and graphical form. Use it for your dynamic analysis, for example.
Design of a frame connection with taper and stiffened members. A stress analysis and a buckling stability analysis were carried out for the connection. To display the buckling results, the connection was converted into a separate model.
Graphical display of the connection geometry that is updated in parallel with the input
The Steel Joints Template included in the Add-on allows you to select from several connection types and, when selected, is applied to your model
In the Template, there are connections from 3 general categories: Rigid, Pinned, Truss
Automatic adaptation of the connection geometry, even if the members are subsequently edited, due to the relative relation of the components to each other
Are you afraid that your project will end in the digital tower of Babel? The Building Model add-on for RFEM supports you in your work on a construction project with several stories. It allows you to define a building by means of stories at specified elevations. You can adjust the stories in many ways afterwards and also select the story slab stiffness. Information about the stories and the entire model (center of gravity, center of rigidity) is displayed for you in tables and graphics.
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.
There are many options available for simple input and modeling. Your model is entered as a 1D, 2D, or 3D model. Member types such as beams, trusses, or tension members make it easier for you to define member properties. In order to model surfaces, RFEM provides you with various types, such as Standard, Without Thickness, Rigid, Membrane, and Load Distribution. Furthermore, RFEM covers various material models, such as Isotropic | Linear Elastic, Orthotropic | Linear Elastic (Surfaces, Solids), or Isotropic | Timber | Linear Elastic (Members).
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)
You can define built-up timber cross-sections, for example, channel, T, I, and box girders. Single elements are connected by rigid or semi‑rigid connections. Furthermore, hybrid cross-sections are available. In this case, a submenu provides an option to assign different materials to the individual cross‑section parts.
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).
After opening the add-on module, it is necessary to select the members/sets of members, load cases, load or result combinations for the ultimate limit state, serviceability limit state, and fire resistance design. The materials from RFEM/RSTAB are preset and can be adjusted in RF-/TIMBER Pro. Material properties listed in the respective standard are included in the material library.
After the cross-section check, the module determines the load duration classes (LDC) and the service classes (SECL). It is possible to assign them to the selected load cases and members.
Combined cross-sections may consist of various materials. The RF-/TIMBER Pro add-on module performs designs considering the shifted neutral axis (in the case of semi-rigid cross-sections). The deformation analysis requires the reference lengths of the relevant members and sets of members. Furthermore, you can define a specific direction of deflection, precamber and the beam type.
Structures are entered as 1D, 2D, or 3D models. Member types such as beams, trusses, or tension members facilitate the definition of member properties. For modeling surfaces, RFEM provides For example, the types Standard, Orthotropic, Glass, Laminate, Rigid, Membrane, and so on, are available.
Furthermore, RFEM can select among the material models Isotropic Linear Elastic, Isotropic Plastic 1D/2D/3D, Isotropic Nonlinear Elastic 1D/2D/3D, Orthotropic Elastic 2D/3D, Orthotropic Plastic 2D/3D (Tsai-Wu 2D/3D), and Isotropic Thermal -elastic, Isotropic Masonry 2D, and Isotropic Damage 2D/3D.