How to efficiently compare models?

General Discussion
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In statically indeterminate, complex systems, the topic of sensitivity analysis eventually arises. What happens, for example, to the system if I increase the stiffness of the ceiling slab or reduce the stiffness at the joint of a connection? Which components then attract more or less load?

How can the results of these two models be efficiently compared? With smaller models, the results can still be relatively easily compared visually. With large models containing several hundred bars/surfaces, this becomes very time-consuming. How do you compare models?

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Hello @Sebastian, :waving_hand:

Welcome to the community! :tada:

I like working with initial states and structural modifications. A good way to investigate different stiffnesses is to create structural modifications without changing the model itself. You can simply create multiple variants of the same load combination with different structural modifications.

If you base these variants on the original load combination as the initial state, you can display the results as a difference to this initial state. This usually provides a clear representation of the influences. :+1:

For comparison, you can create new windows in RFEM/RSTAB where you display the model under different structural modifications.

Here you can find further information on the topics:

I hope these tips help you! If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist you. :blush:

Best regards,
Fabian

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Hi Sebastian,

Hello and welcome to the community! :waving_hand:

I would like to add a helpful tip to the answer of my predecessor:

:right_arrow: You can conveniently compare load cases and load combinations directly with calculation diagrams.

The following diagram type in RFEM 6 is especially helpful for this:

:pushpin: 2D | Group
The diagram can display the results of multiple load cases or load combinations – provided they are on the same objects and refer to the same result type.

:open_book: Here you can find the corresponding documentation:
:link: RFEM 6 Online Manual – Calculation Diagrams

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Good luck with the application!
If you have any further questions, feel free to get back to me. :blush:

Best regards
Stefan Hoffmann

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@fabian.felber and @stefan.hoffmann Thank you both for the inputs. :smiley: I will gladly try that out.

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