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Stefan Hoffmann, M.Sc.
2025-03-11

Optimizing Parametric Cross-Sections

Can I optimize parametric cross-sections?

Answer:

Yes, you can optimize cross-sections in the design add-ons (for example, steel design, timber design, and so on).

Optimization can be carried out, for example, for standardized cross-sections of a series or, for parametric cross-sections, for the width, height, and so on.

Select “Steel Design” and “Input Data” in the RFEM table window. Then, in the “Sections” tab, in the “Use Other Section for Design” column, select the “Optimize | Current Series...” option and define the parameters to be optimized:

Screenshot showing the optimization of parametric cross-sections in structural engineering programs. Focus on parameter selection and customization settings.
Parametric Cross-Section Optimization Options
Author

Mr. Hoffmann provides technical support to Dlubal Software customers and is responsible for the coordination of all technical inquiries and activities.

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RFEM Model with Permanent and Variable Loads
This article deals with rectilinear elements of which the cross-section is subjected to axial compressive force. The purpose of this article is to show how very many parameters defined in the Eurocodes for concrete column calculation are considered in the RFEM 5 structural analysis software.
Design of Shear Joint
RF-CONCRETE Members also includes the design of a shear joint. In order to perform this design, you should select the "Shear joint available" check box in Window 1.6, Shear Joint tab.
Fire Resistance Design with CONCRETE and RF-CONCRETE Members
The reinforced concrete design for fire situations is carried out according to the simplified method based on EN 1992-1-2, Clause 4.2. The "zone method" described in Annex B.2 is used: The cross-section is subdivided into a number of parallel zones of equal thickness, and their temperature-dependent compressive strength is determined. The reduced load-bearing capacity in the event of fire exposure is thus represented by a reduced structural component's cross-section with reduced strengths.
Minimum Reinforcement Reduction of Slow-Curing Concrete
In the case of using slow‑curing concrete (usually for thick components), you can reduce the calculated minimum reinforcement by a factor of 0.85 to apply the load due to restraint, according to EN 1992‑1‑1, Section 7.3.2. However, a precondition for reduction is that the characteristic value of the strength development r = fcm2 / fcm28 does not exceed 0.3. Other key requirements for the application of this reinforcement reduction are specified explicitly in the final planning documents.
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Product Features
Transfer of Reinforcement from RFEM/RSTAB (Top) to Revit (Bottom)

The reinforcement proposal from RF-/CONCRETE Members can be exported to Revit. The rectangular and circular cross-sections are currently supported.

The reinforcement bars can be modified retroactively in Revit.

Material model Anisotropic | Damage, nonlinear behavior, concrete and reinforced concrete

The "Nonlinear Material Behavior" add-on includes the Anistropic | Damage material model for concrete structural components. This material model allows you to consider concrete damage for members, surfaces, and solids.

You can define an individual stress-strain diagram via a table, use the parametric input to generate the stress-strain diagram, or use the predefined parameters from the standards. Furthermore, it is possible to consider the tension stiffening effect.

For the reinforcement, both nonlinear material models "Isotropic | Plastic (Members)" and "Isotropic | Nonlinear Elastic (Members)" are available.

It is possible to consider the long-term effects due to creep and shrinkage using the "Static Analysis | Creep & Shrinkage (Linear)" analysis type that has been recently released. Creep is taken into account by stretching the stress-strain diagram of the concrete using the factor (1+phi), and shrinkage is taken into account as the pre-strain of the concrete. More detailed time step analyses are possible using the "Time-Dependent Analysis (TDA)" add-on.

Feature 002918 | Determination of Required Longitudinal Reinforcement for Direct Crack Analysis

In the Concrete Design add-on, you can determine the required longitudinal reinforcement for the direct crack width analysis (w k).

Feature 002920 | Automatic Function of Longitudinal Reinforcement for Members

For the design of reinforced concrete members, there is the option to automatically determine the number or diameter of rebars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum number of reinforcement groups that can be created in a design case in RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces?
In RF-CONCRETE Surfaces, I get a high amount of reinforcement in connection with a lever arm that is almost zero. How does such a small lever arm of internal forces come about?
When switching from the manual definition of the reinforcement areas to the automatic arrangement of the reinforcement according to window 1.4, the result of the deformation calculation changes, although the basic reinforcement has not been changed. What makes this change?
Why do I get a discontinuous area in the distribution of internal forces? In the area of the supported line, the shear force VEd shows a jump, which does not seem plausible.
Is it possible to perform design without an additional reinforcement in RF‑CONCRETE Surfaces?
I obtain different results when comparing the deformation analysis in the RF‑CONCRETE add-on modules and another calculation program. What could be the reason for this?
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