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Paul Sivolgin, M.Sc.
2024-09-30

Data Exchange Between RFEM 6 and Advance Steel

How can I transfer my RFEM 6 model to Advance Steel?

Answer:

For the data exchange between RFEM 6 and Advance Steel, the SDNF interface can be used. This allows data such as materials, sections, members, and surfaces to be imported and exported.

Export to Advance Steel

Via the menu bar File, you can export your RFEM 6 model in the SDNF (Steel Detailing Neutral File) file format:

Exporting SDNF from RFEM 6 
Exporting SDNF from RFEM 6

This file can then be read into Advance Steel:

Importing SDNF Advance Steel
Importing SDNF Advance Steel

Import to RFEM 6

Analogous to the described procedure for export to Advance Steel, a structure from Advance Steel can also be imported into RFEM 6 via the SDNF format.

Author

Mr. Sivolgin supports product development in the area of interfaces.

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Definition of support conditions in member sets according to EN 1993-1-1
In RF-/STEEL EC3, sets of members are calculated according to the General Method (EN 1993-1-1, Cl. 6.3.4) together with the stability analysis. To do this, it is necessary to determine the correct support conditions for the equivalent structure with four degrees of freedom. In most 3D models today, you can quickly lose track of the location of a set of members in the system.
Limit Value of Torsional Shear Stresses for Cross-Section Design
Very small torsional moments in the members to be designed often prevent certain design formats. In order to neglect them and still perform the designs, you can define a limit value in RF‑/STEEL EC3 from which torsional shear stresses are taken into account.
Activating Weld Design in RF-/STEEL EC3
The RF‑/STEEL EC3 add-on module can perform the design of fillet welds for all parametric, welded cross-sections of the cross-section library. For this, the option must be activated in the detail settings of the module. As an alternative, you can also use a surface model for the design.
Manual Selection of Cross-Section Class
In the default setting, the cross-section class for each member and load case is determined automatically in the design modules. In the input window of the cross sections, however, the user can also specify the cross-section class manually; for example, if local buckling is excluded by the design.
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Product Features
Feature 002916 | Joint-Structure Interaction for Steel Joints

Want to automatically consider steel joint stiffness in your global RFEM model? Utilize the Steel Joints add-on!

Activate joint-structure interaction in the stiffness analysis of your steel joints. Hinges with springs are then automatically generated in the global model and included in subsequent calculations.

Feature 002820 | Limit Plastic Strain for Welds

In the ultimate configuration of the steel joint design, you have the option to modify the limit plastic strain for welds.

Component "Base Plate"

The "Base Plate" component allows you to design base plate connections with cast-in anchors. In this case, plates, welds, anchorages, and steel-concrete interaction are analyzed.

Feature 002807 | 3D Display of FSM Results

In the "Edit Section" dialog box, you can display the buckling shapes of the Finite Strip Method (FSM) as a 3D graphic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I am designing a set of members using the equivalent member method in RF‑/STEEL EC3, but the calculation fails. The system is unstable, delivering the message "Non-designable - ER055) Zero value of the critical moment on the segment".
What could be the reason?
The design ratio of the cross-section check is different for the RF‑/STEEL and RF‑/STEEL EC3 add-on modules. What can be the cause?
What is the meaning of the warning message ER061) Minimum amplifier of design loads?
I want to define lateral supports along the structural component axis, which sometimes act on the upper flange and sometimes on the lower flange. However, it is only possible to select one item for each member. How can I create the entry?
In the RF‑/STEEL EC3 add-on module, I have selected two bracings with the same size as the shear panel type in the "Parameters" window for a beam to be designed. Thus, the beam should be supported laterally in the middle. Why is the eigenvector arbitrary, anyway?
Why are the equivalent member design checks grayed out in the Stability tab when activating the plastic design using the partial internal force method (RF‑/STEEL Plasticity)?
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