Building Information Modeling (BIM) | Tekla Structures
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Building Information Modeling (BIM) | Tekla Structures

Due to the numerous interfaces in the structural analysis programs RFEM and RSTAB, you can easily and conveniently exchange data with the common industry software (such as CAD programs). When planning buildings and facilities, different and independent models are often used for CAD and structural analysis.

These represent not only a possible source of planning and transfer errors, but also mean double effort. The integrated interfaces between RFEM 6 and Tekla Structures avoid such problems. Due to the direct coupling between CAD and structural analysis, you can design efficiently and reliably.

Our Solution for You:

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What is BIM?
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Tekla Structures
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Autodesk Revit
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Autodesk AutoCAD
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Nemetschek Allplan
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Rhino & Grasshopper
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Bentley ISM
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SCIA Engineer
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Other (Programs)
Feature 001679 | Bidirectional Interface

Bidirectional Interface

Transfer of Physical Model from Tekla Structures to RFEM

Structural Analysis Model in Tekla Structures

When designing a model in Tekla Structures, a structural analysis model is created automatically. You can export this model to RFEM at the push of a button. Information about structural supports and hinges that may be included in the Tekla model is also transferred. After the export, the structural system is calculated in the familiar RFEM environment. The structural analysis model does not differ from a model created manually in RFEM.

Intelligent Design Objects

The intelligence of objects is not lost during the data exchange: This means that you get another equivalent object in Revit or RFEM/RSTAB for a column or beam, not just a collection of lines.

Events
Videos
Models to Download
Knowledge Base Articles
KB 001895 | Origin of Formula for Stability Failure of Individual Members Subjected to Compression
Every day, thousands of structural engineers design structural components using design check formulas that include the critical buckling load. But where do these old formulas come from, that Leonard Euler established over 200 years ago and that form the basis of all three structural steel design concepts?
Basic Shapes of Membrane Structures [1]
This paper is focused on the specific aspects of designing membrane structures that have specific requirements, such as form-finding and cutting pattern generation. An integral part of the design of these structures is the process of finding suitable prestressed shapes and generating cutting patterns. The text briefly describes two basic processes in the design of membrane structures. The physical principles are explained and the individual theses illustrated by examples.
Wind Simulation on Modern City Using RWIND
Compliance with building codes, such as Eurocode, is essential to ensure the safety, structural integrity, and sustainability of buildings and structures. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) plays a vital role in this process by simulating fluid behavior, optimizing designs, and helping architects and engineers meet Eurocode requirements related to wind load analysis, natural ventilation, fire safety, and energy efficiency. By integrating CFD into the design process, professionals can create safer, more efficient, and compliant buildings that meet the highest standards of construction and design in Europe.
Sample of Porous Surface with Different Porosities (different porosity photo at top from © www.weathersolve.com)
In computational fluid dynamics (CFD), complex surfaces that are not completely solid can be modeled using porous or permeability media. In the actual world, examples of such things include windbreak fabric structures, wire meshes, perforated facades and claddings, louvers, tube banks (stacks of horizontal cylinders), and so on.
Screenshots
Product Features
Feature 002905 | RVE Material Model for Fabric Materials

The "Orthotropic | Fabric | Nonlinear Elastic (Surfaces)" material model allows you to define prestressed fabric membranes using the representative microstructure-solid element model – RVE.

By considering the fabric geometry in the microstructure model, the corresponding transversal strain effect can now be considered for all force conditions in the membrane.

Feature 002666 | Ponding Load Type

The Ponding load type allows you to simulate rain actions on multi-curved surfaces, taking into account the displacements according to the large deformation analysis.

This numerical rainfall process examines the assigned surface geometry and determines which rainfall portions drain away and which rainfall portions accumulate in puddles (water pockets) on the surface. The puddle size then results in a corresponding vertical load for the structural analysis.

For example, you can use this feature in the analysis of approximately horizontal membrane roof geometries subjected to rain loading.

Go to Explanatory Video
Considering Initial State

Compared to the RF-FORM-FINDING add-on module (RFEM 5), the following new features have been added to the Form-Finding add-on for RFEM 6:

  • Specification of all form-finding load boundary conditions in one load case
  • Storage of form-finding results as initial state for further model analysis
  • Automatic assignment of the form-finding initial state via combination wizards to all load situations of a design situation
  • Additional form-finding geometry boundary conditions for members (unstressed length, maximum vertical sag, low-point vertical sag)
  • Additional form-finding load boundary conditions for members (maximum force in member, minimum force in member, horizontal tension component, tension at i-end, tension at j-end, minimum tension at i-end, minimum tension at j-end)
  • Material types "Fabric" and "Foil" in material library
  • Parallel form-findings in one model
  • Simulation of sequentially building form-finding states in connection with the Construction Stages Analysis (CSA) add-on
Surface Load

Once you activate the Form-Finding add-on in the Base Data, a form-finding effect is assigned to the load cases with the load case category "Prestress" in conjunction with the form-finding loads from the member, surface, and solid load catalog. This is a prestress load case. It thus mutates into a form-finding analysis for the entire model with all member, surface, and solid elements defined in it. You reach the form-finding of the relevant member and membrane elements amid the overall model by using special form-finding loads and regular load definitions. These form-finding loads describe the expected state of deformation or force after the form-finding in the elements. The regular loads describe the external loading of the entire system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I export the deformed mesh shape to a .dxf file in RFEM 6 for my fabric membrane structure?

How can I determine the appropriate total simulation time for a transient analysis in RWIND?
How do I correctly model the load flow when a beam acts as a support?
When importing a model to RWIND, I get a message about overlapping triangles. What should I pay attention to?
I would like to analyze temporary structures. Which programs do you recommend?
Which Dlubal programs do I need for tensile membrane structures?
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