Add-on Module for RFEM 5
RF-FRAME-JOINT Pro

• Design of knee joints, T-joints, cross joints, and continuous column connections with I-shaped sections
• Import of geometry and load data from RFEM/RSTAB or manual specification of the connection (for example, for recalculation without an existing RFEM/RSTAB model)
• Flush top connections or connections with bolt row in extension
• Design of positive and negative frame joint moments
• Various inclinations of right and left horizontal beams as well as application to frames of duopitch and monopitch roofs
• Consideration of additional flanges in a horizontal beam, for example for tapered sections
• Symmetrical and asymmetrical T-joints or cross joints
• Two-sided connection with different cross-section depth on the right and left
• Automatic preliminary design of bolt layout and required stiffening
• Optional design mode with possibility to specify all bolt spacing, welds, and sheet thicknesses
• Screwability check with adjustable dimensions of used wrenches
• Connection classification by stiffness and calculation of the spring stiffness of connections considered in the internal forces determination
• Check up to 45 individual designs (components) of the connection
• Automatic determination of governing internal forces for each individual design
• Controllable connection graphics in rendering mode with specifications of material, sheet thickness, welds, bolt spacing, and all dimensions for construction
• Integrated and flexibly extensible settings of National Annexes according to EN 1993-1-8 standard
• Automatic conversion of internal forces from structural analysis into respective sections, also for eccentric member connections
• Automatic determination of initial stiffness S_j,ini of the connection
• Detailed plausibility check of all dimensions, including specifications of input limits (for example, for edge distances and hole spacing)
• Optional application of compression forces to a column through contact
• Possibility to update the cross-section depth of horizontal beams in case of tapered connections after connection geometry optimization in RF-/FRAME-JOINT Pro

The RF-/FRAME-JOINT Pro add-on module performs the following designs according to the standards EN 1993-1-8 or DIN 18800:

• Beam end plate and column flange according to the plastic hinge theory
• Tension of bolts (including contact forces)
• Shearing of bolts
• Tension force introduction in column web and beam web
• Buckling analysis of gusset plate
• Shear design of gusset plate
• Compression force introduction in column web and buckling design of web plate
• If required:
  • Design of diagonal stiffeners
  • Web stiffener
  • Supplementary web plates
• Compression force introduction in horizontal beam
• Design of welds