Deactivating Self-Weight of Member

In general, RFEM 6 or RSTAB 9 automatically considers the self-weight of the members based on the cross-section, material, and geometry parameters. Thus, you do not need to determine the dead loads manually.

However, if you want to inactivate the self-weight of particular members, you have two options.

Cross-Section with Weightless Material

Define a new material and set the specific weight to zero. The text box for γ becomes accessible once you select the User-defined material option.

Creating Weightless Material as Copy

Define a new cross-section and assign the weightless material. You can use the button here as well to copy the cross-section.

Creating Cross-Section as Copy with Weightless Material

Now, double-click the member and assign this cross-section.

Assigning Cross-Section

Structure Modification with Member Stiffness Modification

Define a member stiffness modification of the "Multiplier factors of partial stiffnesses, weights, and masses" type. Set the factor k_W for the weight to zero.

Creating Member Stiffness Modification with Zero Weight Factor

Create a structure modification. Select the "Members" option, then switch to the second tab.

Creating Structure Modification for Members

In the list, select the member modification that you have just defined. In the "Members" column, enter the number of the weightless member.

Selecting Member Modification and Assigning Member

In the "Load Cases and Combinations" dialog box, select the relevant load cases or combinations. Then, select the "Structure Modification" check box and your structure modification, if it is not set automatically.

Defining Load Combinations and Assigning them to Structure Modification