Question:
Is it possible to model a slab made of trapezoidal sheet metals?
Answer:
There are two options to do this:
1. Modeling as a folded plate structure (see Image 01)
2. Modeling as an orthotropic surface (see Image 02 and Image 03)
The first option is only useful if the stresses in the trapezoidal sheeting are of interest. The individual corrugation is to be modeled using surfaces. The modeling and calculation effort is very high. You can facilitate the modeling slightly: The cross-section library of RFEM contains all common trapezoidal sections. Create a member with a trapezoidal cross-section. Then, generate surfaces from the member using the corresponding shortcut menu option. You can then modify or copy the created surfaces with trapezoidal sheeting.
If the stiffness of the trapezoidal sheeting is only relevant to the analysis, modeling as an orthotropic surface is reasonable. When defining the surface, select the "Orthotropic" stiffness type. Click the [Edit Parameters] button next to the list box to define the orthotropic properties. The stiffnesses can be described by equivalent thicknesses or directly by the coefficients of the stiffness matrix (see the manual). For the orthotropy direction, you can specify any angle that is related to the local surface axis system. This angle can also be controlled graphically (Display-Navigator "Model → Surfaces → Orthotropy Directions").
Trapezoidal Sheeting
Number of Nodes | 62 |
Number of Lines | 85 |
Number of Members | 2 |
Number of Surfaces | 27 |
Total Weight | 0.113 tons |
Dimensions (Metric) | 5.000 x 1.500 x 0.035 m |
Dimensions (Imperial) | 16.4 x 4.92 x 0.11 feet |
Program Version | 5.23.01 |
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.
![Saving and Importing Diagrams for Member Hinges](/en/webimage/010427/2984202/01-EN.png?mw=512&hash=17127434c06258f349409b3e8f047f6d0e8c4ea7)
![Model](/en/webimage/011774/2600584/01-de.png?mw=512&hash=9f2525444a7414dfb1c05a73e375e9c4fe4f47b1)
![Model of Tensile Test Object](/en/webimage/011748/3066435/01-en.png?mw=512&hash=65e98cfe859ce35a3e3e9da47a0ef9335401520e)
![Problem Background](/en/webimage/008957/575821/01-de.png?mw=512&hash=9f2525444a7414dfb1c05a73e375e9c4fe4f47b1)
![Add-on "Steel Joints for RFEM 6" | Component Library](/en/webimage/043097/3898884/steel_joints_components.png?mw=512&hash=e4f835906155863fc7019d5043b22e553dc766f9)
- Numerous component types, such as base and end plates, web angles, fin plates, gusset plates, stiffeners, tapers, or ribs for easy input of typical connection situations
- Universally applicable basic components (such as plates, welds, bolts, auxiliary planes) for modeling complex connection situations
- Graphical display of the connection geometry with dynamic updating during the input
- Wide range of cross-section shapes: I-sections, U-sections, angles, T-sections, hollow sections, built-up cross-sections and thin-walled sections
- Library in the Dlubal Center with a large number of program-side template connections, including user-defined templates
- Automatic adaptation of the connection geometry based on the relative arrangement of the components to each other – even in case of subsequent editing of the structural components
![Feature 002820 | Limit Plastic Strain for Welds](/en/webimage/050344/3881226/1.png?mw=512&hash=9d7f6c198b6d4ae6ee8f2fa8bca75f85579e14c9)
In the ultimate configuration of the steel joint design, you have the option to modify the limit plastic strain for welds.
![Component "Base Plate"](/en/webimage/050345/3936120/50345.png?mw=512&hash=3bd641cb1a2445804b338855e4debfc40c6563e9)
The "Base Plate" component allows you to design base plate connections with cast-in anchors. In this case, plates, welds, anchorages, and steel-concrete interaction are analyzed.
![Feature 002807 | 3D Display of FSM Results](/en/webimage/049281/3861162/2024-05-01_10-32-55.png?mw=512&hash=2377d291bc20ac3d78d617b50c131614e99ac6f7)
In the "Edit Section" dialog box, you can display the buckling shapes of the Finite Strip Method (FSM) as a 3D graphic.