Hello, everyone.
I have started using RFEM 6 recently to help model steel structures using cold formed sections destined to suport photovoltaic panels (an example of the structure is shown on the image below).
Is it possible to model the fixation of the panel to the structure?
I want to simulate a restriction on the movements caused by the connection of the panels to the horizontal beams where they are bolted. I have tried to simulate the conection using the 4 degrees of freedom under Design Type (see image below).
I have the model here if it helps:
teste_estrutura_6.rf6 (1.3 MB)
Thank you and have a nice day.
Hi Pedro,
Thanks for reaching out! 
It seems like there might be some confusion regarding your issue, but no worries, I'm happy to help clear things up.
If you’re looking to apply restrictions for your stability verification according to the general method of the Eurocode, you’ve already found the correct settings! 
You can check out more detailed information on this in our online manual.
However, if you’re aiming to integrate member rotational restraints caused by the sheeting, I’d recommend checking out this section of our online manual: here.
I hope this helps! Feel free to reach out if you need more clarification.
Best regards,
Matthias
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Hello Matthias.
Thank you for the reply! I will check if I can apply this to my model and see if it solves the problem.
Best regards,
Pedro
Hello again, Matthias.
I have tried the first method you described (apply restrictions for stability verification), but I have a problem.
In the model I used a omega section designed using RSection, that had to be rotated 90Âş due to the solver not working when the z axis is major (see the image bellow).
Because of the rotation, the restrictions for stability verification seem to be swapped. If I say that a node should be locked in the y axis, it locks in a different axis (see the image bellow)
Due to this swap, I believe I should apply a restraint in the z direccion with an eccentricity in the y direccion.
What I want to ask is if I can correct this using the restrictions for stability verification or should I use the member rotational restraints to apply the restraint correctly.
I will send the model I am working with:
teste_estrutura_6_painéis.rf6 (1.3 MB)
I will also send the Rsection section:
Ă“mega_55_115_1.5_final.rsc (844.8 KB)
Best regards,
Pedro
Hello @matthias.meyer
Do you think you can help me with this question?
Best regards,
Pedro
Hi Pedro,
The restraint settings for movement are based on the local y-axis of the member. To ensure proper functionality, it's important that the rotation around the z-axis corresponds to the weak axis of your member.
I rotated your cross-section in RSECTION by 90° and didn’t encounter any solver issues. I've attached my RSECTION file for reference. 
The choice of the correct method ultimately depends on your panel structure, which I don’t have full details on. So, unfortunately, I can't provide further advice on this matter.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Best regards
Matthias
Ă“mega_55_115_1.5_final_rotated.rsc (790.9 KB)
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Hello @matthias.meyer
Fist of all, I want to thank you for dedicating your time to trying to solve this problem.
I tried to apply the section you rotated and this is the error message that appeared:
It seems it might have to do with the settings I used.
In any case, thank you for your time.
Best regards,
Pedro
Hi Pedro,
You’re absolutely right—the z-axis is indeed the major one. My apologies for the confusion earlier. 
It looks like you already had the correct settings in place, just as you mentioned. 
Let me know if you need further assistance!
Best regards,
Matthias
1 Like
