Answer:
There are two ways to enter cross-sections that are not included in the cross-section library into RFEM 5 and RSTAB 8.
1. Cross-Section Programs SHAPE‑THIN and SHAPE‑MASSIVE
User-defined cross-sections can be created by means of the cross-section programs SHAPE‑THIN and SHAPE‑MASSIVE. The SHAPE‑THIN and SHAPE‑MASSIVE cross-sections can be imported using the cross-section library. To do this, click the "Import Cross-Section from Program SHAPE‑THIN" or "Import Cross-Section from Program SHAPE‑MASSIVE" in the "New Cross-Section" dialog box (Image 01). In this dialog box, it is possible to select and import any cross-section. Please note that the cross-sections must be calculated and saved in SHAPE‑THIN or SHAPE‑MASSIVE before importing the cross-section properties. It is only possible to import each cross-section individually.
2. User-defined cross-section in RFEM 5 or RSTAB 8
If the cross-section properties of the manufacturer are known, they can be created in the cross-section library of RFEM 5 or RSTAB 8 using the option "Create New User-Defined Cross-Section" (Image 02). In contrast to the cross-sections created with SHAPE‑THIN or SHAPE‑MASSIVE, it is not possible to design these user-defined cross-sections in the add-on modules, such as RF‑/STEEL EC3, because the data necessary for the design, such as c/t-parts, is missing.
To access the user-defined cross-sections, click the "Load Saved User-Defined Cross-Sections" button in the cross-section library (Image 03).
The user-defined cross-sections from all models are saved in the EigProf.dat file. Even in the case of a version upgrade (for example, from X.19.XXXX to X.20.XXXX), these cross-sections will be imported. The storage location of the user-defined cross-section library can be determined using the program options (Image 04). It is possible to copy a user-defined cross-section library created on one workstation and paste it into the respective directory of the other workstation. The user-defined cross-sections are thus also available on the other workstation without having to import them again.
