Detailing, 3D Concrete Modeling, and Reinforcement in RFEM

Product Support
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Subject: Comprehensive Inquiry — Detailing, 3D Concrete Modeling, and Reinforcement in RFEM

Dear Dlubal Support Team,

I hope you are doing well.

I would like to ask several technical questions regarding RFEM’s capabilities for concrete and steel structures.

1. Detailing Software and Shop Drawings

After completing structural analysis and design in RFEM, does Dlubal provide any dedicated detailing software that can generate full shop drawings, including:

  • Reinforcement detailing for concrete elements
  • Fabrication drawings for steel members
  • Connection details
  • Material lists and schedules
  • Automated dimensioning and annotations

If such a tool exists, could you please provide:

  • A summary of its main features and workflow
  • A short introductory video demonstrating how it works with RFEM models
  • Any documentation or sample projects showing the detailing process from RFEM to shop drawings

2. 3D Solid Concrete Modeling

Can RFEM model concrete sections as full 3D solid elements (not just shell or surface elements)?
If yes, please clarify:

  • Which element types are recommended for solid concrete modeling
  • Recommended practices for multi-story or irregular concrete geometries
  • Possibility of applying nonlinear material behavior to 3D solid concrete elements

3. Defining Reinforcement Inside Solid Elements

Is it possible to insert steel reinforcement inside a 3D solid concrete element in RFEM? Specifically:

  • Can rebar be modeled explicitly as embedded bars (1D elements inside the solid)?
  • Is there an “embedded reinforcement” feature similar to other FEM packages?
  • Can RFEM check stresses in both concrete and reinforcement in such a model?

If this workflow is supported, I would greatly appreciate any:

  • Step-by-step tutorials
  • Example files
  • Videos demonstrating how steel reinforcement is defined inside 3D concrete solids

Thank you very much for your assistance and guidance.

Best regards,
Prof. Dr. Ibrahim M. Metwally, Ph.D., P.E.

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Dear Prof. Metwally,

Thank you very much for your detailed inquiry and your interest in RFEM. Please find our consolidated answers to your questions below.

1. Detailing Software and Shop Drawings

RFEM is primarily focused on structural analysis and design, but RFEM 6 now includes integrated CAD-oriented drawing and layout tools that allow users to prepare plan views, sections, annotations, and organized documentation directly within the program.

With the new “Layout and CAD” features, users can:

  • create drawings using layers,

  • add annotations, dimensions, and graphical elements,

  • prepare layout sheets,

  • Export drawings and the full model in DXF/DWG format for further detailing in external CAD tools.

Relevant resources:

Video: Working with Layers in RFEM 6 (requires Layout/CAD functionality)
https://www.dlubal.com/de/support-und-schulungen/schulungen/videos/005467

Video: Exporting RFEM Models as DXF Drawings
https://www.dlubal.com/en/support-and-learning/learning/videos/005489

CAD / AutoCAD Import–Export Interface Overview
https://www.dlubal.com/de/support-und-schulungen/support/knowledge-base/001939

These tools allow you to prepare clean model-based drawings and transfer them into dedicated detailing software such as Tekla, Allplan, or Revit if full shop-drawing automation is required.

RFEM does not yet include a complete automated detailing module (e.g., full rebar shop drawings or steel fabrication drawings). Still, the integrated CAD tools and the IFC/DXF/SAF workflow provide a smooth transition to external detailing environments.

:wrench: Note on the current development status

Our integrated CAD solution in RFEM is still in active development and currently in an early stage. At the moment, we are working on enabling users to generate drawings directly from RFEM model sections — a feature that is actively being expanded. Therefore, for fully automated shop drawings, external CAD programs are still required at this time.

We would be very happy to receive feedback or specific wishes regarding CAD/drawing functionality. Customer input is always taken into account during development, as our goal is to make these tools as practical and efficient as possible for real workflows.

2. 3D Concrete Modeling in RFEM

RFEM 6 fully supports the modeling of concrete using 3D solid elements.
This enables a realistic analysis of:

  • complex spatial concrete components,

  • nonlinear or highly stressed regions,

  • corbels, nodes, and irregular geometries.

Solid elements can be analyzed with material and geometric nonlinearity and can be combined seamlessly with surfaces and members.
This allows for detailed investigation of local stresses and interactions.

3. Reinforcement in Connection with 3D Elements

Reinforcement design and documentation in RFEM is currently available for surface elements (plates, walls, shells).
These reinforced surfaces can be directly coupled with 3D solids, enabling realistic modeling of transitions and support zones.

Extended options for reinforcement within 3D solid elements are under ongoing development.

Documentation and Examples

For your reference, here are the most relevant links related to the topics you mentioned:

Please feel free to contact us if there are more questions or if I forgot anything in my answer.

Best regards,
Ann-Kathrin Dannwerth

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