As for the calculation, the loading is entered with 6 degrees of freedom in the user interface of RFEM and RSTAB. You can manage the loads from various actions using load cases and combine them with load combinations. The following chapters of the RFEM manual and their sub-chapters provide an overview of the essential functions:
Unless otherwise stated in this manual, the functions for loading described in the RFEM 6 manual also apply when using the Warping Torsion add-on (7 degrees of freedom). All load types and load wizards available in RFEM and RSTAB can also be used in combination with the add-on without restriction. Additional load types, such as bimoments, are currently not planned.
In the subchapter Load Application Point you will find information on the load eccentricity and the load application point for the various load types.
Behavior of the load in a geometrically nonlinear calculation
In the case of a geometrically nonlinear calculation (second-order theory or third-order theory), the rotation of the FE network points is taken into account when applying the load. A twisting of the member can result in an additional eccentricity for the load.
The effective direction of the load is generally retained when calculating with RSTAB. This is also referred to as a conservative load approach . For example, a member load defined in 'locally z' also acts when the local coordinate system is rotated in the original direction.
In RFEM, a distinction is made according to the defined direction: Loads with reference to a global coordinate system continue to act in the direction of this unchanged global coordinate system (conservative load approach). Loads related to a local coordinate system act in the updated direction of the local coordinate system (following load).