This model of a rigid beam connection with a contact solid can be opened and analyzed using the finite element analysis software RFEM. It is presented in the free webinar “The Most Common User Errors in RFEM and RSTAB,” which was held on February 4, 2021 (in English) and on January 28, 2021 (in German). The model presented in the webinar vividly demonstrates the use of solids and contacts in the context of structural engineering.
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Rigid Beam Connection with Contact Solid
Number of Nodes | 82 |
Number of Lines | 83 |
Number of Members | 8 |
Number of Surfaces | 30 |
Number of Solids | 1 |
Number of Load Cases | 1 |
Total Weight | 0,078 t |
Dimensions (Metric) | 0.117 x 4.142 x 0.220 m |
Dimensions (Imperial) | 0.38 x 13.59 x 0.72 feet |
Program Version | 5.24.02 |
You can download this structural model to use it for training purposes or for your projects. However, we do not assume any guarantee or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the model.





For design objects, you can optionally display sags or extreme results.

The results of solid stresses can be displayed as colored 3D points in the finite elements.
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The number of degrees of freedom in a node is no longer a global calculation parameter in RFEM (6 degrees of freedom for each mesh node in 3D models, 7 degrees of freedom for the warping torsion analysis). Thus, each node is generally considered with a different number of degrees of freedom, which leads to a variable number of equations in the calculation.
This modification speeds up the calculation, especially for models where a significant reduction of the system could be achieved (for example, trusses and membrane structures).

Display extended strains of members, surfaces, and solids (for example, the important principal strains, equivalent total strains, and so on) in the Project Navigator - Results in RFEM as well as in Table 4.0.
For example, you can display governing plastic strains when performing the plastic design of connections with surface elements.
Where can I find the update reports for RFEM 5, RSTAB 8, SHAPE-THIN, SHAPE-MASSIVE, RX-TIMBER, CRANEWAY, PLATE-BUCKLING, COMPOSITE-BEAM?
For my NVIDIA graphics card, I need to select between a driver from the "Production Branch" and a "New Feature Branch." Which driver is best suited for RFEM/RSTAB?