Input

You can define the parameters of multilayer surfaces for thicknesses on one hand and for materials on the other.

Thicknesses

If you define an input in the Model - Base Data dialog box, you can also select the Layers and Beams thickness type for the thicknesses of surfaces.

Selecting Thickness Type "Layers"

Layers

When the thickness type 'Layers' is set, the Layers tab becomes available. Here you can define the structures of any layers.

Defining Layers

Selecting Layer Structure in Library

Use the you have access to a library with layer structures that various manufacturers of cross-laminated timber offer in the program.

Selecting Layer Structure in Library

You can use the filter options known from other libraries as well as the search functions to select the appropriate type.

Save layer structures

Manually created layer sets can be saved in a database. To do this, use the button . Then, enter a name for the template.

Saving Layer Structure as Template

Layer structures, including stiffness reductions, are saved locally on the computer. In the standard installation, you can find this file with the name thickness_layers.bin in the directory C:\Users\"username"\AppData\Local\Dlubal\RFEM6_6.xx\configs. You can copy the file to other computers. In this way, you only need to create the user‑defined layer structures once.

In addition, the layer structures are also saved in the GUI settings, where they can be exported accordingly. This is described in Chapter Adjusting Color and Display Type of Objects of the RFEM manual.

Exporting GUI Settings (Thickness)

Stiffness Reduction

The stiffness reduction option is especially important when calculating cross-laminated timber. In FAQ 004119, this is explained for the torsional and shear stiffnesses. The Stiffness Reduction tab becomes available when you select the 'Stiffness Reduction' check box in the 'Main' tab (see 'Options' section in Thickness Type 'Layers). ').

Defining Stiffness Reduction

materials

You can select the materials as usual in the Material Library. There, special materials are available for the calculation of cross-laminated timber plates.

Selecting Cross-Laminated Timber Material in Library

The material values for cross-laminated timber include the strengths that are applied, in particular, to the extended shear stress analyses.

Material Properties

The strengths and stresses are described in the Stresses chapter.