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001078
2016-06-20

Candlewood Suites on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, USA

The New Candlewood Suites on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, is the first cross‑laminated timber (CLT) hotel constructed in the US.

A total of 1.782 m³ (62,930.7 ft³) of cross-laminated timber and 366 m³ (12,925.1 ft³) of glued-laminated timber were used for the four-story hotel with 92 rooms.

Candlewood Suites at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, USA
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Cross-Laminated Timber Hotel at Redstone Arsenal

Modeling and Calculation

The building has the approximate dimensions of W x L x H = 89 m x 26 m x 18 m (291 ft x 85 ft x 59 ft). The structure was originally modeled in the 3D CAD software cadwork. The individual levels were then imported into RFEM as DXF background layers. These layers formed the basis for modeling the members and surfaces.

The Nordic cross‑laminated panel properties were defined with the use of the RF‑LAMINATE add‑on module. The calculation of the internal forces of the whole structure (taking into account the plate stiffnesses calculated in RF‑LAMINATE) was then performed in RFEM. The design of the structural components was carried out separately.

Structural Engineering Nordic Structures
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
www.nordic.ca
and
Schaefer
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
www.schaefer-inc.com
Architecture Benham - formerly known as Leidos
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
www.benham.com
Investor Lendlease
New York, New York, USA
www.lendlease.com

Project Specifications

Model Data

Number of Nodes 1324
Number of Lines 1741
Number of Members 90
Number of Surfaces 374
Number of Load Cases 6
Number of Load Combinations 7
Number of Result Combinations 5
Total Weight 1851,115 t
Dimensions (Metric) 88.536 x 25.730 x 18.380 m
Dimensions (Imperial) 290.47 x 84.42 x 60.3 feet
Program Version 5.06.11

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Events
Videos
Models to Download
Knowledge Base Articles
Construction Stages in RFEM 6
The calculation of complex structures by means of finite element analysis software is generally performed on the entire model. However, the construction of such structures is a process carried out in multiple stages where the final state of the building is achieved by combining the separate structural parts. To avoid errors in the calculation of overall models, the influence of the construction process must be considered. In RFEM 6, this is possible using the Construction Stages Analysis (CSA) add-on.
Illustration of a method for performing stability analysis according to DIN EN 1992-1-1 in RFEM 6
For reinforced concrete components and structures whose structural behavior is significantly influenced by the second-order effects, Eurocode 2 provides the general method based on a nonlinear determination of internal forces according to the second-order analysis (5.8.6), as well as an approximation method based on the nominal curvature (5.8.8).

The aim of this technical article is to perform a design according to the general design method of Eurocode 2, using the example of a slender reinforced concrete column.
Modell eines Stahlbetonbalkens, der durch Kriechen und Schwinden beeinflusst wird
This technical article addresses the direct deformation analysis of reinforced concrete beams considering the long-term effects of creep and shrinkage. The direct calculation according to Eurocode 2 (EN 1992-1-1, Section 7.4.3) is explained using a single-span beam. Particular emphasis is placed on tension stiffening, behavior in the cracked state based on the distribution factor (damage parameter), and consideration of shrinkage and creep behavior.
Illustration of equivalent lateral force method for seismic analysis in structural engineering
This article provides a comprehensive overview of essential seismic analysis methods, explaining their principles and applications, as well as the scenarios in which they are most effective
Screenshots
Product Features
Material model Anisotropic | Damage, nonlinear behavior, concrete and reinforced concrete

The "Nonlinear Material Behavior" add-on includes the Anistropic | Damage material model for concrete structural components. This material model allows you to consider concrete damage for members, surfaces, and solids.

You can define an individual stress-strain diagram via a table, use the parametric input to generate the stress-strain diagram, or use the predefined parameters from the standards. Furthermore, it is possible to consider the tension stiffening effect.

For the reinforcement, both nonlinear material models "Isotropic | Plastic (Members)" and "Isotropic | Nonlinear Elastic (Members)" are available.

It is possible to consider the long-term effects due to creep and shrinkage using the "Static Analysis | Creep & Shrinkage (Linear)" analysis type that has been recently released. Creep is taken into account by stretching the stress-strain diagram of the concrete using the factor (1+phi), and shrinkage is taken into account as the pre-strain of the concrete. More detailed time step analyses are possible using the "Time-Dependent Analysis (TDA)" add-on.

Feature 002918 | Determination of Required Longitudinal Reinforcement for Direct Crack Analysis

In the Concrete Design add-on, you can determine the required longitudinal reinforcement for the direct crack width analysis (w k).

Feature 002920 | Automatic Function of Longitudinal Reinforcement for Members

For the design of reinforced concrete members, there is the option to automatically determine the number or diameter of rebars.

Feature 002906 | Load Case Combinatorics According to EN 1991-2:2003 Based on DIN EN 1990 for Road Bridges

For the combination wizards and the load case classification of road bridges, the standard EN 1991-2:2003 based on the standard EN 1990 is implemented in RFEM and RSTAB.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is the effective depth different with the effective depth used in shear checks?

How can I check the determination of the required reinforcement?
I have created a model in which the ceiling slab is lined with ribs. When I assign a Rib member type to the boundary line of the surface and align it to the bottom edge of the surface, the boundary line is automatically pulled towards the center of gravity of the rib, that is, downwards under the slab. Is there a way to change this so that my lines still appear at the edge of the surface?
Is it possible to view the tangential and radial analysis results and reinforcement requirements rather than orthogonal for a circular slab?
How can I perform member design by case for different settings in the design configuration?
Why do I only obtain the total reinforcement in the Results navigator under "Required Reinforcement", and no result for the top and bottom reinforcements separately?
Customer Projects