7.1.2 Model Check

Model Check

In addition to the general plausibility check, you can use the model check to specifically search for discrepancies produced during the modeling. Go to the menu and select

• Tools → Model Check

where you can select one of several check options.

RFEM filters all nodes with identical coordinates. They are combined into groups and shown in a dialog box.

In the What is to happen with identical nodes? dialog section, you can decide how double nodes are treated. In the Apply action to dialog section, you can define whether your selection applies to all groups listed above or only to the selected row.

In the Tolerance dialog section, a fine tuning is available to define the zone where coordinates are evaluated as being identical. This feature is especially useful for models imported from CAD programs. In such a case, lines are often short because of nodes that lie closely together. If such nodes are filtered with a suitable tolerance and then unified, it is possible to avoid numerical problems due to short members or lines.

Use this option to filter all members that overlap partially or entirely in their lengths.

If overlapping members are detected, they are shown in a dialog box where they are sorted by groups. In the work window, the current group is indicated by an arrow. After clicking [OK], you can fix the problem.

The check searches for members that cross each other but do not have a common node at the point of intersection.

The check's results are shown in the Groups of Crossing Not Connected Members dialog section. The crossing members are listed in groups. The group that is currently selected is indicated by an arrow in the graphic.

In the What is to happen with dialog section, you decide what you want to do with the crossing members. The Connect members option is useful for actual ways to transfer internal forces, but not for ordinary diagonal crossings with ties, for example.

Use this option to filter all lines that overlap partially or entirely in their lengths.

If overlapping lines are detected, they are shown in a dialog box where they are sorted by groups. In the work window, the current group is indicated by an arrow. After clicking [OK], you can fix the problem.

Use this option to search for lines that cross each other without sharing a common node at the point of intersection. As with members, the result is shown in the Groups of Crossing Not Connected Lines dialog section (see Figure 7.5). The crossing lines are listed in groups; the currently selected group is indicated by an arrow in the graphic.

The What is to happen with dialog section allows you to decide how to handle the crossing lines.

Use this option to filter all partially or entirely overlapping surfaces.

If overlapping surfaces are detected, they are shown in a dialog box where they are sorted by groups. In the work window, the current group is indicated by its selection color. After clicking [OK], you can fix the problem.

With this control option, you can search for surfaces that have a minor plane deviation.

If surfaces with minor curvatures are detected, they are shown in a dialog box where they are sorted by groups. In the work window, the current group's node that deviates from the plane is indicated by an arrow.

The What is to happen with dialog section provides specific control options for handling such surfaces. The Apply action to dialog section allows you to decide whether your settings apply to all groups listed above or only to the selected surface.

In the Tolerance dialog section, a fine tuning of the plane definition is available. In case of modifications, it is possible to Check again with other tolerance on curved surfaces.

The buttons in the dialog boxes of the model check have the following functions:

Table 7.1 Buttons in dialog boxes of model check

	Applies changes of What is to happen with dialog section.
	Jumps to RFEM work window to adjust the view.
	Exports listed objects to Excel table.
	Creates a new partial view for each object group.