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Response Spectrum Analysis for RFEM 6

Response Spectrum Analysis for RFEM 6

Forces of nature are a natural enemy of every structural engineer. You can perform your calculations in advance in the event of an earthquake. The Response Spectrum Analysis add-on will help you with this. It performs seismic analyses using the multi-modal response spectrum method. You can create the response spectra required for this in compliance with the standards or user-defined. The program uses them to generate the equivalent static forces.

Response Spectrum Analysis | Features

  • Response spectra of the following standards are implemented:
    • European Union | Flag EN 1998-1:2010 + A1:2013 (European Union)
    • DE | Flag DIN 4149:2005-04 (Germany)
    • Switzerland | Flag SIA 261:2020-08 (Switzerland)
    • Switzerland | Flag SIA 261:2014-07 (Switzerland)
    • EN-US | Flag ASCE 7 | 2022 - IBC | 2024 (USA)
    • EN-US | Flag ASCE 7 | 2016 - IBC | 2018/21 (USA)
    • EN-US | Flag ASCE 7 | 2010 - IBC | 2012/15 (USA)
    • EN-US | Flag ASCE 7 | 2005 - IBC | 2009 (USA)
    • EN-US | Flag IBC 2000 (USA)
    • Mexico Flag CFE Sismo:2015-07 (Mexico)
    • Argentina CIRSOC 103:2013-07 (Argentina)
    • People's Republic of China | Flag GB 50011-2010-12 (China)
    • India | Flag IS 1893:2016-12 (India)
    • Canada | Flag NBC 2020 (Canada)
    • Canada | Flag NBC 2015 (Canada)
    • Spain Flag NCSE 02:2009 (Spain)
    • Flag of the Netherlands NPR 9998:2020-12 (Netherlands)
    • Italy Flag NTC 2018-01 (Italy)
    • Romania Flag P 100-1:2013-08 (Romania)
    • South Africa Flag SANS 10160-4:2017 (South Africa)
    • Saudi Arabia SBC 103:2018 (Saudi Arabia)
    • Turkey TBEC:2018 (Türkiye)
  • The following National Annexes according to EN 1998‑1 are available:
    • DE | Flag DIN EN 1998-1/NA:2023-11 (Germany)
    • Austria | Flag ÖNORM EN 1998-1/NA:2017-07 (Austria)
    • Switzerland | Flag SN 1998-1/NA:2019-12 (Switzerland)
    • European Union | Flag 1998-1/NA:2013-05 (European Union)
    • Bosnia and Herzegovina BAS EN 1998-1/NA:2018 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
    • Bulgaria | Flag BDS 1998-1/NA:2012-03 (Bulgaria)
    • EN-GB | Flag BS EN 1998-1/NA:2008-08 (United Kingdom)
    • CS | Flag CSN EN 1998-1/NA:2016-09 (Czech Republic)
    • Cyprus Flag CYS EN 1998-1/NA:2009-03 (Cyprus)
    • Greek Flag ELOT EN 1998-1/NA:2015-04 (Greece)
    • Croatia Flag HRN EN 1998-1/NA:2011-06 (Croatia)
    • Lithuania Flag LST EN 1998-1/NA:2010-12 (Lithuania)
    • Luxemburg Flag ILNAS EN 1998-1/NA:2011-09 (Luxembourg)
    • Latvia Flag LVS EN 1998-1/NA:2015-01 (Latvia)
    • Malaysia Flag MS EN 1998-1/NA:2017-01 (Malaysia)
    • Hungary Flag MSZ EN 1998-1/NA:2013-07 (Hungary)
    • Belgium Flag NBN EN 1998-1/NA:2011-10 (Belgium)
    • France Flag NF EN 1998-1/NA:2013-12 (France)
    • Portugal Flag NP EN 1998-1/NA:2010-03 (Portugal)
    • Norway Flag NS EN 1998-1/NA:2021-06 (Norway)
    • Slovenia Flag SIST EN 1998-1/NA:2009-01 (Slovenia)
    • Romania Flag SR EN 1998-1/NA:2008-11 (Romania)
    • Serbia SRPS EN 1998-1/NA:2018-12 (Serbia)
    • Singapore Flag SS EN 1998-1/NA:2013-02 (Singapore)
    • Slovakia Flag STN EN 1998-1/NA:2009-04 (Slovakia)
    • Spain Flag UNE EN 1998-1/NA:2020-01 (Spain)
    • Italy Flag UNI EN 1998-1/NA:2013-03 (Italy)
  • User-defined response spectra or those generated from accelerograms
  • Direction-relative response spectrum approach
  • Manual or automatic selection of the relevant mode shapes of response spectra (5% rule of EC 8 applicable)
  • Result combinations by modal superimposition (SRSS or CQC rule) and by direction superimposition (SRSS or 100% / 30% rule)
  • Accidental torsional actions can be taken into account automatically
  • Signed results based on the dominant mode shape can be displayed

Response Spectrum Analysis | Input

The Dlubal structural analysis software does a lot of work for you. The input parameters, which are relevant for the selected standards, are suggested by the program in accordance with the rules. Furthermore, you can enter response spectra manually.

Load cases of the type Response Spectrum Analysis define the direction in which response spectra act and which eigenvalues of the structure are relevant for the analysis. In the spectral analysis settings, you can define details for the combination rules, damping (if applicable), and zero-period acceleration (ZPA).

Response Spectrum Analysis | Calculation

Did you know that Equivalent static loads are generated separately for each relevant eigenvalue and excitation direction. These loads are saved in a load case of the Response Spectrum Analysis type and RFEM/RSTAB performs a linear static analysis.

Response Spectrum Analysis | Results

The load cases of the type Response Spectrum Analysis contain the generated equivalent loads. First, the modal contributions have to be superimposed with the SRSS or CQC rule. In this case, you can use the signed results based on the dominant mode shape.

Afterwards, the directional components of earthquake actions are combined with the SRSS or the 100% / 30% rule.

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1,560.00 USD
+0.00 USD
Response Spectrum Analysis
Total Amount 1,560.00 USD

The price is valid for United States.

Getting Started with RFEM 6

You have not yet worked with RSECTION, or not often? Then you will find helpful hints and tips here to help you get started with the Dlubal programs.

More Info
First steps in the RFEM 6 user interface with clearly recognizable menus and toolbars Screenshot showing the initial RFEM 6 user interface with setup options.

Structural Analysis Models to Download

Browse a wide range of structural analysis models for RFEM, RSTAB, RSECTION, and RWIND. Perfect for tutorials or project inspiration.

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Downloadable technical model templates for precise engineering analysis. Mobile view displaying downloadable structural analysis models with visible thumbnails and labels.
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Models to Download
Knowledge Base Articles
KB 001885 | Assessment of Story Drift Under Seismic Loads According to ASCE 7-22 and Building Model
The evaluation of story drift in a building is crucial to ensure acceptable structural performance by limiting the drift amount. Excessive drift has the potential to induce system instability and may cause damage to nonstructural components such as partitions. This article outlines the procedure for establishing interstory drift according to ASCE 7-22 and the Building Model add-on in RFEM 6.
KB 001877 | ASCE 7-22 and NBC 2020 Seismic P-Delta Considerations in RFEM 6
The ASCE 7-22 Standard [1], Sect. 12.9.1.6 specifies when P-delta effects should be considered when running a modal response spectrum analysis for seismic design. In the NBC 2020 [2], Sent. 4.1.8.3.8.c gives only a short requirement that sway effects due to the interaction of gravity loads with the deformed structure should be considered. Therefore, there may be situations where second-order effects, also known as P-delta, must be considered when carrying out a seismic analysis.
KB 001860 | NBC 2020 Modal Response Spectrum Analysis and Base Shear Considerations in RFEM 6
The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020 Article 4.1.8.7 provides a clear procedure for earthquake methods of analysis. The more advanced method, the Dynamic Analysis Procedure in Article 4.1.8.12, should be used for all structure types except those that meet the criteria set forth in 4.1.8.7. The more simplistic method, the Equivalent Static Force Procedure (ESFP) in Article 4.1.8.11, can be used for all other structures.
Building Overview (KB1866)
To evaluate whether it is also necessary to consider the second-order analysis in a dynamic calculation, the sensitivity coefficient of interstory drift θ is provided in EN 1998‑1, Sections 2.2.2 and 4.4.2.2. It can be calculated and analyzed using RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9.
Screenshots
Product Features
Feature 002722 | Sensitivity Coefficient

For a response spectrum analysis of building models, you can display the sensitivity coefficients for the horizontal directions by story.

These key figures allow you to interpret the sensitivity to stability effects.

Feature 002671 | Seismic Design of Reinforced Concrete Members According to EC 8

The Concrete Design add-on allows you to perform the seismic design of reinforced concrete members according to EC 8. This includes, among other things, the following functionalities:

  • Seismic design configurations
  • Differentiation of the ductility classes DCL, DCM, DCH
  • Option to transfer the behavior factor from a dynamic analysis
  • Check of the limit value for the behavior factor
  • Capacity design checks of "Strong column - weak beam"
  • Detailing and particular rules for curvature ductility factor
  • Detailing and particular rules for local ductility
Scaled Sums Envelope

Compared to the RF-/DYNAM Pro - Equivalent Loads add-on module (RFEM 5 / RSTAB 8), the following new features have been added to the Response Spectrum Analysis add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9:

  • Response spectra of numerous standards (EN 1998, DIN 4149, IBC 2018, and so on)
  • User-defined response spectra or those generated from accelerograms
  • Direction-relative response spectrum approach
  • Results are stored centrally in a load case with underlying levels to ensure clarity
  • Accidental torsional actions can be taken into account automatically
  • Automatic combinations of seismic loads with the other load cases for use in an accidental design situation
Spectral Analysis Settings

The Dlubal structural analysis software does a lot of work for you. The input parameters, which are relevant for the selected standards, are suggested by the program in accordance with the rules. Furthermore, you can enter response spectra manually.

Load cases of the type Response Spectrum Analysis define the direction in which response spectra act and which eigenvalues of the structure are relevant for the analysis. In the spectral analysis settings, you can define details for the combination rules, damping (if applicable), and zero-period acceleration (ZPA).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it always necessary to consider tension member nonlinearities in response spectrum analysis?
How can I create a response spectrum according to ASCE 7‑22?
Can I export a response spectrum from RFEM 6 and use it in RFEM 5, for example?
How can I neglect masses in my modal analysis in RFEM 6/RSTAB 9?
How can I perform an earthquake analysis in RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9?
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