RFEM model of the laboratory building in Garching near Munich, Germany © Schrentewein & Partner
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Laboratory Building in Garching near Munich, Germany
Number of Nodes | 1161 |
Number of Lines | 1640 |
Number of Members | 689 |
Number of Surfaces | 86 |
Number of Solids | 0 |
Number of Load Cases | 5 |
Number of Load Combinations | 98 |
Number of Result Combinations | 0 |
Total Weight | 1141.188 tons |
Dimensions (Metric) | 27.800 x 20.380 x 38.000 m |
Dimensions (Imperial) | 91.21 x 66.86 x 124.67 feet |
![Basic Shapes of Membrane Structures [1]](/en/webimage/009595/2419502/01-en-png-png.png?mw=512&hash=6ca63b32e8ca5da057de21c4f204d41103e6fe20)



With the activated option 'Topology on Form-Finding Form' in Project Navigator - Display, the model display is optimized based on the form-finding geometry. For example, the loads are displayed in relation to the deformed system.

In RFEM, there is an option to couple surfaces with the stiffness types "Membrane" and "Membrane Orthotropic" with the material models "Isotropic Nonlinear Elastic 2D/3D" and "Isotropic Plastic 2D/3D" (add-on module RF-MAT NL Add-on Module for RFEM 5 erforderlich).
This functionality enables simulation of the nonlinear strain behavior of ETFE foils, for example.

The "Orthotropic | Fabric | Nonlinear Elastic (Surfaces)" material model allows you to define prestressed fabric membranes using the representative microstructure-solid element model – RVE.
By considering the fabric geometry in the microstructure model, the corresponding transversal strain effect can now be considered for all force conditions in the membrane.

The Ponding load type allows you to simulate rain actions on multi-curved surfaces, taking into account the displacements according to the large deformation analysis.
This numerical rainfall process examines the assigned surface geometry and determines which rainfall portions drain away and which rainfall portions accumulate in puddles (water pockets) on the surface. The puddle size then results in a corresponding vertical load for the structural analysis.
For example, you can use this feature in the analysis of approximately horizontal membrane roof geometries subjected to rain loading.
Go to Explanatory Video