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2015-04-29

RF-CONCRETE Deflect | Features

  • Deformation analyses of reinforced concrete surfaces without or with cracks (state II) by applying the approximation method (for example, deformation analysis according to EN 1992-1-1, Cl. 7.4.3 )
  • Tension stiffening of concrete applied between cracks
  • Optional consideration of creep and shrinkage
  • Graphical representation of results integrated in RFEM; for example, deformation or sag of a flat slab
  • Numerical results clearly arranged in tables and graphical display of the results in the model
  • Complete integration of results in the RFEM printout report
Serviceability Limit State Design Point by Point
Serviceability Limit State Design Point by Point
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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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Graphical Display of Mode Shape of Set of Members

When performing the design of tension, compression, bending, and shear loading, the module compares the design values of the maximum load capacity to the design values of the actions.

If the components are subjected to both bending and compression, the program performs an interaction. In RF-/STEEL EC3, you can determine the factors according to Method 1 (Annex A) or Method 2 (Annex B).

The flexural buckling design requires neither the slenderness nor the elastic critical buckling load of the governing buckling case. The module automatically calculates all required factors for the bending stress design value. RF-/STEEL EC3 determines the elastic critical moment for lateral-torsional buckling for each member on every x-location of the cross-section. If required, you only need to specify lateral intermediate supports of the individual members/sets of members, definable in one of the input windows.

If members are selected for the fire resistance design in RF-/STEEL EC3, there is another input window available where you can enter additional parameters, such as: a coating or cladding type. Global settings cover the required time of fire resistance, temperature curve, and other coefficients. The printout report lists all intermediate results and the final result of the fire resistance design. Furthermore, it is possible to print the temperature curve in the report.

Graphical Results Evaluation

The results sorted by load case, cross-section, member, set of members, or x-location are displayed in clearly arranged result windows. By selecting the corresponding table row, detailed information about the performed design is displayed.

The results include a comprehensible list of all material and cross-section properties, design internal forces, and design factors. Furthermore, it is possible to display the distribution of internal forces of each x-location in a separate graphic window.

Parts lists by members/sets of members for the individual cross-section types complete the detailed and structured display of results. To print input data and results, you can use the global printout report in RFEM/RSTAB.

For further processing of various data, it is possible to export all tables to MS Excel.

Select Cross-Section for Design

RF-/STEEL EC3 automatically imports the cross-sections defined in RFEM/RSTAB. It is possible to design all thin-walled cross-sections. The program automatically selects the most efficient method according to standards.

The ultimate limit state design takes into account several loads and you can select the interaction designs available in the standard.

The classification of designed cross-sections into Classes 1 to 4 is an essential part of the analysis according to Eurocode 3. This way, you can check the limitation of the design and rotational capacity by means of the local buckling of cross-section parts. RF-/STEEL EC3 determines the c/t-ratios of the cross-section parts subjected to compression stress and performs the classification automatically.

For the stability analysis, you can specify for each member or set of members whether flexural buckling occurs in the y- and/or the z-direction. You can also define additional lateral restraints in order to represent the model close to reality. The slenderness ratio and elastic critical load are determined automatically on the basis of the boundary conditions of RF-/STEEL EC3. The elastic critical moment for lateral-torsional buckling required for the lateral-torsional buckling analysis can be determined automatically or specified manually. The load application point of transverse loads, which has an influence on the torsional resistance, can also be taken into account via the setting in the details. In addition, you can take into account rotational restraints (for example trapezoidal sheeting and purlins) and shear panels (for example trapeziodal sheeting and bracing).

In modern construction, where cross-sections are increasingly slender, the serviceability limit state is an important factor in structural analysis. RF-/STEEL EC3 assigns load cases, load combinations, and result combinations to different design situations. The respective limit deformations are preset in the National Annex and can be adjusted, if necessary. In addition, it is possible to define reference lengths and precambers for the design.

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.

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 some load cases displayed in red in RF-STEEL EC3?
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