Screw connections in aluminum structures and steel connections in RFEM

Product Support
, ,
1

Good morning,

I am working on a design project for an aluminum structure (tent hall) based on the PN-EN 1999 (Eurocode 9) standard. I have a few doubts regarding the methodology for designing connections in the RFEM 6 environment and the selection of appropriate standards.

I would like to ask about the correct procedure in the following matters:

  1. Connector material: In structures where aluminum is the main material, should bolted connections be made using aluminum bolts, or is it acceptable/recommended to use steel bolts (e.g., class 8.8)?
  2. Choice of design standard: When designing such connections, should I base the calculations on formulas from Eurocode 3 (steel structures), or entirely on Eurocode 9?
  3. RFEM 6 - Steel Joints: In the program, I see an available add-on "Steel Joints" (assigned to EC3). Is this module suitable for designing connections of elements defined as Aluminum? Will the program automatically account for the specifics of aluminum (e.g., different compressive strength according to EC9), or will it enforce calculations as for steel?

I would appreciate clarification on the standard procedure in the program for this type of structure, and whether I can possibly adjust something in the program for my design.

Best regards

4

Hello and welcome to the Dlubal Community! :blush:

As the name of the add-on suggests, it is designed to verify steel connections. Currently, aluminum connections according to EC9 are not supported.

Regarding your questions:

  1. In EN 1999-1-1 Table 3.4, steel screws are also permitted.
  2. The rules of EC9 must be considered. There may also be references to EC3.
  3. No, as mentioned above, this is not possible for aluminum connections at the moment.

If you have any further questions or need more clarification, feel free to ask! We’re happy to help. :slightly_smiling_face: