Cross-Section Library

Many cross-sections are stored in a database.

Open Library

You can access the library in the "Name" section using the button (see the image New Section ).

Cross-Section Library with Cross-Section Types

The library is divided into sections, including various cross-section types. Find the category of the relevant cross-section and click the button with the corresponding symbol.

Standardized Cross-Sections

For cross-sections of the "Standardized" category, another dialog box opens where you can select the cross-section.

Selecting Hot-Rolled Rectangular Hollow Section

You can do the following for selecting a cross-section:

• Reduce the selection using suitable criteria in the "Filter" section on the left.
• Use the full text search in the "Search" text box at the bottom.

If you want to select a different cross-section type, you can return to the overview with the button.

Filter

The Filter section offers various selection options. You can filter the cross-sections using certain criteria, thus reducing the selection (see the image Selecting Rectangular Hollow Section).

Section Series to Select

In the middle section, you define the cross-section series in which the material is filed. The series are sorted by standard, manufacturer, region, and manufacturing type. You can control the sorting order by clicking the column headings.

Use the button at the bottom of the section to check the properties of the selected cross-section.

Section to Select

In the right section, you can select the Section to be used in the model.

Click OK or use the Enter key to transfer the selected cross-section to the "New Section" dialog box.

Built-up Sections

This section allows you to combine standardized cross-sections using parameters. You return to the "New Section" dialog box, which now shows an additional tab.

Defining Built-up Cross-Section

In the "Combination Types" section, you define how the cross-sections are arranged (1). Then, in the "Sections" dialog section, you can select the relevant cross-sections in the library one by one using the button (2) (3).

Thin-Walled and Massive Cross-Sections

If you select a thin-walled or massive cross-section type in the library, you can define its geometry parameters in the "New Section" dialog box. An additional tab is available for the definition.

Defining Parametric Cross-Section

Favorite Sections

It is possible to save frequently used cross-sections as Main Favorites. They are then available as preferred cross-sections ("favorites") in other projects.

To save the current cross-section as a favorite, click the button at the bottom of the library after defining the cross-section or the definition parameters. This way, the cross-section is stored in the "My Sections | Main" category.

Saving Standard Section as Preferred Cross-Section

Saving Parametric Section as Preferred Cross-Section

Use the button to check your preferred cross-sections. The cross-sections saved as favorites are listed and sorted by section type in the "Edit Favorite List" dialog box.

Dialog Box "Edit My Sections"

Use the button to create a new category in the list of preferred cross-sections.

To import a preferred cross-section from the library, click the button in the '"From Favorite List" section.

Opening Preferred Cross-Sections in Library

RSECTION Cross-Sections

You can also import user-defined cross-sections in RFEM that you created in the RSECTION program. Click the button in the "From RSECTION" section. A note to "Select section in Dlubal Center" appears; the Dlubal Center opens. In Dlubal Center, select the RSECTION cross-section.

Selecting RSECTION Section in Dlubal Center

In order to import the cross-section, certain license conditions must be met. In the RSECTION cross-section, information is stored about the licenses that were available in RSECTION when the cross-section was saved. The following rules apply:

• You do not need to save the RSECTION cross-section, including results, to use it in RFEM.
• If an RSECTION license user creates a cross-section and saves it in RSECTION, other users can import this cross-section in RFEM, run structural analyses, and design it in a design add-on like Steel Design or Aluminum Design even if they do not have a license for RSECTION.
• RSECTION cross-sections whose design in the Steel Design or Aluminum Design add-ons requires the consideration of the effective cross-section must also be saved in RSECTION with an active license for Effective Sections.