The Steel Joints add-on provides you with the option to connect circular hollow sections using welds.
It is possible to connect the circular sections to each other or to planar structural components. The fillets of standard and thin-walled sections can also be connected with a weld.
When designing connections, you can now also insert a new member as a component directly in the Steel Joints add-on. This will only be considered for the connection design. You can use the Weld and Fasteners components to connect to other members.
Furthermore, it is possible to use the Member Section and Member Editor components and arrange reinforcement elements on the inserted member, such as stiffeners and tapers.
Here, the weld design becomes child's play. Using the specially developed material model "Orthotropic | Plastic | Weld (Surfaces)", you can calculate all stress components plastically. The stress τperpendicular is also considered plastically.
Using this material model you can design welds closer to reality and more efficiently.
If a weld seam connects two plates with different materials, it is possible to select from a combo box in the Steel Joints add-on which one of both materials should be used for the weld seam.
In the case of rectangular cross-sections, you can usually achieve a direct connection by using welds. However, you can also connect them to other cross-sections in the same way. Furthermore, other components such as end plates help you to connect the rectangular cross-sections to other structural components.
In addition to other predefined components in the design add-on for steel connections, the universal base component "General Weld" can be used to enter complex connection situations.
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
Compared to the RF‑/STEEL add-on module (RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8), the following new features have been added to the Stress-Strain Analysis add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9:
Treatment of members, surfaces, solids, welds (line welded joints between two and three surfaces with subsequent stress design)
Output of stresses, stress ratios, stress ranges, and strains
Limit stress depending on the assigned material or a user-defined input
Individual specification of the results to be calculated through freely assignable setting types
Non-modal result details with prepared formula display and additional result display on the cross-section level of members
No manual editing of the FE model required by the user, the essential calculation settings can be changed via the configuration settings
Automatic adaptation of the connection geometry, even if the members are subsequently edited, due to the relative relation of the components to each other
Parallel to the input, a plausibility check is carried out by the program to quickly detect missing input or collisions, for example
Graphical display of the connection geometry that is updated in parallel with the input
The program can also help you here. It determines the bolt forces on the basis of the calculation on the FE model and evaluates them automatically. You can perform the design checks of the bolt resistance for the failure cases tension, shear, hole bearing, and punching shear according to the standard. The program takes care of everything else in this step. It determines all the necessary coefficients and displays them clearly.
Do you want to perform weld design? The required stresses are also determined on the FE model in that case. Then, the Weld element is modeled as elastic-plastic shell element, where every FE element is checked for its internal forces. (Plasticity criteria is set to reflect failure acc. to AISC J2-4 and J2-5 (weld resistance check) and also J2-2 (base metal capacity check). The design can also be carried out with the partial safety factors according to the selected National Annex.
You can perform the plate design plasticall by comparing the existing plastic strain to the allowable plastic strain. By default this is set to 5% for the AISC 360 but can be specified through user-definition 5% according to EN 1993-1-5, Annex C, or again, user-defined specification.
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)
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
RF-CUTTING-PATTERN is activated by selecting the respective option in the Options tab in General Data of any RFEM model. After activating the add‑on module, a new object, "Cutting Patterns", is displayed under Model Data. If the membrane surface distribution for cutting in the basic position is too large, you can divide the surface by cutting lines (line types "Cut via Two Lines" or "Cut via Section") in the corresponding partial strips.
Then you can define the individual entries for each cutting pattern using the "Cutting Pattern" object. Here you can set boundary lines, compensations, and allowances.
Steps of the working sequence:
Creation of cutting lines
Creation of the pattern by selecting its boundary lines or using a semi‑automatic generator
Free selection of warp and weft orientation by entering an angle
Application of compensation values
Optional definition of different compensations for boundary lines
Different allowances (welding, boundary line)
Preliminary representation of the cutting pattern in the graphic window at the side without starting the main nonlinear calculation
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.
SHAPE-THIN includes an extensive library of rolled and parameterized cross-sections. They can be composed or supplemented by new elements. It is possible to model a section consisting of different materials.
Graphical tools and functions allow for modeling complex section shapes in the usual way common for CAD programs. The graphical entry provides the option of setting point elements, fillet welds, arcs, parameterized rectangular and circular sections, ellipses, elliptical arcs, parabolas, hyperbolas, spline, and NURBS. Alternatively, it is possible to import a DXF file that is used as the basis for further modeling. You can also use guidelines for modeling.
Furthermore, parameterized input allows you to enter model and load data in a specific way so they depend on certain variables.
Elements can be divided or attached to other objects graphically. SHAPE-THIN automatically divides the elements and provides for an uninterrupted shear flow by introducing dummy elements. In the case of dummy elements, you can define a specific thickness to control the shear transfer.
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
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
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 (Class 1 to 3)
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
Design of moment resistant and simple joints of I-shaped rolled cross-sections according to Eurocode 3:
Moment-resisting end plate connections (type IH/IM)
Moment resistant purlin splices (PM type)
Simple joints with angle cleat and long angles (IW and IG types)
Simple joints with header end plates mounted either on web only or on web and flange (IS type)
Check of coped connections (IK) in combination with pinned end plates (IS) and angle connections (IW)
Automatic design of required joint with bolt sizes (all types)
Check of required thickness of load-bearing members for shear connections
Results of all required structural details such as appliances, hole arrangements, necessary extensions, a number of bolts, end plate dimensions, and welds
Results including stiffnesses Sj,ini of bending-resistant connections
Documentation of available loading and comparison with resistances
Results of design ratio for each individual joint
Automatic determination of governing internal forces for several load cases and connection nodes
The RF-/FRAME-JOINT Pro add-on module designs connections of structures calculated in RFEM/RSTAB. If there is no RFEM/RSTAB structure available, you can define the geometry and loading manually; for example, when checking external calculations, for example.
Designed nodes are usually imported from RFEM/RSTAB. The module recognizes all connected members automatically and assigns a connection type to them. Depending on the connection type, you can define further details of ribs, backing plates, web plates, bolts, welds, and hole spacing. As loads, you can select any load case, load combination or result combination in RFEM/RSTAB.
In the case of the "preliminary design" calculation mode, RF-/FRAME-JOINT Pro performs the first calculation step to suggest applicable layouts. After you select the relevant layout, the module displays all designs in detailed result tables and various graphics.