is there an optimization feature for concrete design module to optimize the rebars?
Hey,
There is some good info here: Surface Reinforcements | Types for concrete design | Design Specifications | RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9 | Concrete design and Automatic Design Process of Surface Reinforcement
The articles explain in a lot more detail, but in summary:
Under surface reinforcement, you can set the diameter and rebar spacing to Auto (along with setting min and max values) which means that RFEM6 will optimize it (ie get the minimum you need for your design).
I believe you set one and it optimises the other, but thats probably worth testing (or a more experienced user will know). Personally, I use Auto for diameter, and have a set spacing for rebar and stirrups (I set stirrups spacing as double rebar spacing so I put them every 2nd bar).
Samuel
3 Likes
Thank you @Samuel 
1 Like
The optimizer doesn't seem to work properly for members. It keeps giving minimum rebar area in tension area, despite having been set to auto.
Hey,
Without actually seeing the model it’s hard to know exactly what is going on. If you attach the model in this thread a Dubal employee will probably be able to give some guidance specific to your design (or private message them it).
Depending on your member and actions, the minimum reinforcement in the tension area will either be for strength or detailing.
My recommendation for now is to go into the results for Concrete Design - Governing Results so you can see exactly which clause is governing the minimum rebar for your design situation. IE you can see if the minimum rebar it recommends is for detailing or ULS (strength)
If you double click on one it will give a full detailed calc.
The below screenshot is for a concrete footing I had. I set spacing for rebar at 200mm and let it auto calculate the diameter as 40mm in one direction and 32mm in the other.
This was to satisfy detailing of members, as that has the highest design check ration.
