Answer:
In RFEM 5, the modeling option for couplings was implemented in the menu "Insert – Model Data – 1.31 Nodal Constraints" (Image 01) to allow the modeling of elements that have a very large in-plane stiffness. Such cases mainly occur in buildings, where massive horizontal elements allow this assumption to be made.
Since the “diaphragm” assumption is used almost exclusively in buildings, it has been added to the “Building Model” add-on in RFEM 6. Four options for considering stiffness (Image 02) allow the user to select the assumptions that best represent the structure being modeled.
Each story modeling has a specific configuration of available results. The “Rigid Diaphragm” and “Semi-Rigid Diaphragm” options allow the integration of the 2D analysis of plates into a single model, where the nodal support modeling (columns) and line support modeling (walls) can also be taken into account. The “Load Transfer Only” option simplifies the calculation by considering the floors solely for load distribution.
Mit dem Gebäudemodell wird eine Alternative zur separaten Modellierung der Decken und zur Lastübertragung mit dem Tool "Lagerreaktionen als Last übernehmen" angeboten. An initial analysis can be performed with the “Load Transfer Only” option to check global indicators, such as reactions, stability, and the pre-dimensioning of primary vertical elements.
Anschließend können die Optionen des Add-Ons, wie Geschossmodellierung, Deckensätze, Wandscheiben und wandartige Träger aktiviert werden, um eine detailliertere Analyse durchzuführen, die auch die Bemessung der entsprechenden Materialien umfasst (Bild 04). Of course, this second model requires considerably more time to process and edit. This is another reason to only consider the “Load Transfer Only” option in the first iteration of the analysis. This way, all structural components of a project can be integrated into a single model.
