Do you work with steel connections? The Steel Joints add-on for RFEM supports you when analyzing steel connections by using an FE model. In this case, the modeling runs fully automatically in the background. Nevertheless, you can control this process via the simple and familiar input of components. You can then use the loads determined on the FE model for your design of the components according to EN 1993‑1‑8 (including National Annexes).
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![Steel Connection Rigidity and Its Influence on Structural Design](/en/webimage/051432/3972404/Rigidity-caseA.png?mw=512&hash=3be64e68ab2956fd2b92f0afa1559b3a8c72b468)
Understanding steel connection rigidity is crucial in structural design. Often, connections are treated as strictly pinned or rigid, but this can lead to uneconomical or even dangerous designs. Explore how Dlubal Software's RFEM and Steel Joints add-on help verify connection stiffness and moment resistance, ensuring safer and more economical designs.
![KB 001853 | Initial Stiffness Analysis in Steel Joints](/en/webimage/042196/3554460/01-en.png?mw=512&hash=65e98cfe859ce35a3e3e9da47a0ef9335401520e)
This article explains how the calculation in the initial stiffness analysis in Steel Joints works.
![Supporting Structure](/en/webimage/040038/3505659/1_Tragkonstruktion.jpg?mw=512&hash=b2147bfe692511de7b1da8159becc11136d10522)
In this article, a lap joint of a ZL purlin on a monopitch roof is modeled and designed using the Steel Joints add-on, and compared with the load-bearing capacity table of the manufacturer.
![Running Steel Joint Design](/en/webimage/030019/3272843/7_calculaiton.png?mw=512&hash=d4da9e78f2ced1add1ae39c3756578cd5568ddcd)
The advantage of the RFEM 6 Steel Joints add-on is that you can analyze steel connections using an FE model for which the modeling runs fully automatically in the background. The input of the steel joint components that control the modeling can be done by defining the components manually, or by using the available templates in the library. The latter method is included in a previous Knowledge Base article titled “Defining Steel Joint Components Using the Library". The definition of parameters for the design of steel joints is the topic of the Knowledge Base article “Designing Steel Joints in RFEM 6".
![Add-on "Steel Joints for RFEM 6" | Component Library](/en/webimage/043097/3898884/steel_joints_components.png?mw=512&hash=e4f835906155863fc7019d5043b22e553dc766f9)
- Numerous component types, such as base and end plates, web angles, fin plates, gusset plates, stiffeners, tapers, or ribs for easy input of typical connection situations
- Universally applicable basic components (such as plates, welds, bolts, auxiliary planes) for modeling complex connection situations
- Graphical display of the connection geometry with dynamic updating during the input
- Wide range of cross-section shapes: I-sections, U-sections, angles, T-sections, hollow sections, built-up cross-sections and thin-walled sections
- Library in the Dlubal Center with a large number of program-side template connections, including user-defined templates
- Automatic adaptation of the connection geometry based on the relative arrangement of the components to each other – even in case of subsequent editing of the structural components
![Feature 002841 | Component "Stub"](/en/webimage/051229/3952563/Stummel.png?mw=512&hash=2b87f781933bb351e063b4ad912f355ec4c57a02)
The "Stub" component is available to you in the Steel Joints add-on. It allows you to extend a member using a purlin joint with another member (stub) and to connect it to a reference component.
![Feature 002831 | Rib Pattern](/en/webimage/050989/3931834/1.png?mw=512&hash=9d7f6c198b6d4ae6ee8f2fa8bca75f85579e14c9)
In the Steel Joint add-on, you can define several ribs at the same time on one member or plate. The distribution can be carried out according to an orthogonal and a polar pattern.
![Feature 002820 | Limit Plastic Strain for Welds](/en/webimage/050344/3881226/1.png?mw=512&hash=9d7f6c198b6d4ae6ee8f2fa8bca75f85579e14c9)
In the ultimate configuration of the steel joint design, you have the option to modify the limit plastic strain for welds.