Version

May 2017

Add-on Modules

RF-FORM-FINDING
RF-CUTTING-PATTERN
Form-Finding and Cutting Patterns of
Membrane and Cable Structures

Program Description

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tronically, or by any other means, including photocopying – with-
out written permission of DLUBAL SOFTWARE GMBH.

© Dlubal Software GmbH 2017

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Contents

Contents
Contents Page

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1 Add-on Module RF-FORM-FINDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Essential Form-Finding Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Key Features of Form-Finding Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4 Calculation Methods in RF-FORM-FINDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4.1 Projection Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4.2 Tension Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5 Form-Finding for Combined Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.6 Add-on Module RF-CUTTING-PATTERN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. RF-FORM-FINDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1 Open Add-on Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Dialog Boxes of Add-on Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2.1 Calculation Parameters for Form-Finding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2.2 Dialog Box for Membranes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2.3 Dialog Box for Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.4 Temporary Form-Finding Supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 Start Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.4 Results Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3. Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1 Point-Supported Membrane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2 Arch-Supported Membrane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.3 Pneumatically Supported Membrane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.4 Conical Membrane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4. General Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.1 Check of Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.2 Triangle Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.3 Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5. RF-CUTTING-PATTERN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.1 Open Add-on Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.2 Cutting lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
5.3 Cutting Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5.4 Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.4.1 Calculation Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.4.2 Preliminary and Final Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
5.5 Results and Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
A. Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

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1 Introduction 1
1 Introduction
Membrane structures represent an attractive alternative for the roofing of small and large objects:
They are lightweight, elegant, and effective at the same time. However, designing membrane
structures requires a specific procedure because normally the used materials have practically
no bending stiffness. They can be subjected to tension only. Therefore, it is a key task of the
design to determine the initial equilibrium state. The shape of the membrane structures is not
freely selectable but has to be found on the basis of boundary conditions, loading prestresses and
overpressures, if applicable.
When planning membrane structures, it is not possible to separate the shape determination from
the prestress design like it is with bending-resistant structures. The shape must be generated.
However, it does not limit your creativity when designing, but provides you with a new dimension.
A variety of different shapes can be achieved by adjusting the boundary conditions or the prestress.
The optimum prestress distribution is always individual and results from the structure's demands.
The first chapter of the manual provides an introduction to the topic of form-finding, explaining the
key features of the calculation methods implemented in RF-FORM-FINDING. The second chapter
describes the individual dialog boxes and functions. The third chapter presents some examples
for learning how to work with the program. Another chapter with important remarks is followed
by the description of the add-on module RF-CUTTING-PATTERN.

1.1 Add-on Module RF-FORM-FINDING

The add-on module RF-FORM-FINDING for the main program RFEM helps you to find prestressed
initial shapes of membrane and cable structures. These prestressed shapes can then be analyzed
in RFEM.

1.2 Essential Form-Finding Process

Practically, the materials used for membrane structures are subjected only to tensile strength.
All loads are transferred solely by tension. In order to ensure a sufficient resistance and shape
consistency for membrane structures, it is necessary to provide the adequate prestress.
Due to the zero stiffness of the materials, it is not possible to separate the shape layout from the
prestress design because the shape is defined by the prestress. Each spatial equilibrium system
of forces (that is the equilibrium of prestressing forces) clearly determines the spatial shape of a
membrane structure. By defining boundary conditions and prestress forces in the equilibrium state,
the actual shape of the membrane structure is specified. Searching for the shape of a membrane
structure as a function of the defined prestress is called form-finding.
There are two different approaches to the form-finding process:
1. Definition of boundary conditions and loading prestress
A relevant equilibrium shape is sought.
2. Definition of boundary conditions and shape (deformation) of membrane
An equilibrium prestress is sought.
Both methods are valid and have their advantages. However, the interaction between shape
and loading prestress must never be neglected. By using the second approach, you can affect
the final shape more easily, while the first one facilitates the design of the final prestress. As
the loading prestress is governing for the bearing resistance and endurance of the structures,
RF-FORM-FINDING provides this method for form-finding as well.

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1.3 Key Features of Form-Finding Process
There is a direct correlation between the loading prestress and the shape of membrane structures.
The properties of the used textiles are irrelevant. The form-finding process is independent of the
material.
In addition to boundary conditions and loading prestresses, the shape of a membrane structure
can be affected also by loads. Thus, for pneumatically prestressed membranes, the program seeks
the equilibrium shape for the defined prestress and interior pressure.
The load due to self-weight may also affect the form-finding process. It is possible to search for a
shape that corresponds to the specified prestress, self-weight and interior pressure, if applicable.
Generally, however, the self-weight applied in the form-finding process barely has an effect on the
final shape and prestress because the textile's self-weight is too small.

1.4 Calculation Methods in RF-FORM-FINDING

The shape of a membrane structure is clearly defined by the boundary conditions and the equilib-
rium prestress, or by the equilibrium between prestress and load (interior pressure, self-weight).
However, the definition of the equilibrium prestress presents a bit of a problem, that is, the spatial
equilibrium system of forces.
When designing a membrane structure, isotropic prestress is usually the only equilibrium prestress
that you can define in advance. But such a prestress is not always suitable – in terms of both the
actual shape and a nonlinear analysis performed subsequently. Moreover, it may occur that a
shape that conforms to the isotropic prestress is physically not possible due to specific boundary
conditions.
Hence, it is necessary to specify an orthotropic prestress in the form-finding process. A constant
orthotropic prestress in the equilibrium state is only possible if the Gaussian curve of the respective
surface is equal to zero (for example, in the case of plane or cylindrical surfaces). Double-curved
membrane structures are not characterized by this property. It would be necessary to provide
these membrane structures with a general spatial orthotropic prestress. However, this is unrealistic
and would require a tool that is able to find, in addition to the equilibrium shape, the equilibrium
prestress by specifying the prestresses in two directions (warp and weft directions).
In RF-FORM-FINDING, two calculation methods are implemented that you can use to find equilib-
rium shapes and prestresses: the Projection and the Tension method. Both methods are based on
the known form-finding method Updated Reference Strategy (URS) published by K.U. BLETZINGER
and E. RAMM in 1999. Generally, the projection method is advantageous for high conical shapes,
while the tension method is more appropriate for membranes supported by points and arches or
for pneumatically stabilized membranes.

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1.4.1 Projection Method
As already mentioned, it is virtually impossible to define a general equilibrium prestress in space.
But it is possible in a plane where a constant orthotropic prestress (orthogonally aligned prestress)
may be available in addition to an isotropic prestress. Furthermore, when defining a loading
prestress in the radial direction, it is also possible to determine the prestresses in the tangential
direction for all adjacent points on the basis of a certain equilibrium condition. Thus, it is possible
to clearly define an equilibrium system of forces in a plane.
These conditions are used by the Projection method that is based on the “projection” of the pre-
stress defined in the global XY plane into the actual position of the membrane structure. If the
membrane's inclination against the global XY plane is equal to zero, the prestress in the mem-
brane corresponds to the specified values. If the inclination of the membrane against the global
XY plane is unequal to zero, the prestress in the fall line direction increases while the prestress
in the contour line direction decreases. If the membrane inclination against the global XY plane
is almost perpendicular, the prestress in the fall line direction increases significantly while the
prestress in the contour line direction is close to zero.
This method allows the prestress equilibrium to be preserved in the directions of the global
axes X and Y. In the form-finding process, the program then seeks the layout of the membrane
structure in space that provides for an equilibrium prestress also in the direction of the global axis
Z. The Projection method, where the equilibrium prestress is determined in the projection, leads
to the definition of the equilibrium prestress in space, and thus to finding a clear spatial shape of
the membrane structure.
For finding the equilibrium state, the Updated Reference Strategy method is used. Therefore, the
form-finding process represents a nonlinear problem.

1.4.2 Tension Method

The Tension method is very different from the Projection method: The specified prestress is not
modified (stabilized). When determining the equilibrium shape, the Tension method applies the
two specified values that were previously defined for the prestress in the warp and weft direction.
Usually, a prestress that is physically out of equilibrium (except isotropic prestress) is specified.
Therefore, when applying an orthotropic prestress, for example, of 2.0 kN in the warp and 1.0 kN in
the weft direction, it is unlikely that a shape of the membrane structure is reached with a loading
prestress that exactly corresponds to these requirements. Since the requirement for a constant
orthotropic prestress usually reflects no adequate solution, the shape would not converge to the
equilibrium position when using this prestress repeatedly in the iteration process. For this reason,
the selected prestress in the membrane structure is applied only in a certain number of iterations.
After this, a stabilization is used.
The Tension method uses the fact that, when defining a loading presstress out of equilibrium for
the membrane structure, the deformations which are perpendicular to the plane of the membrane
are more frequent than the deformations within the membrane plane. As soon as the number of
defined iterations for the use of the specified prestress is reached, the structure is stabilized. The
resulting prestress comes usually very close to the specified values. The tension method is also
based on the Updated Reference Strategy method of form-finding.

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1.5 Form-Finding for Combined Structures
While the shape of membranes in RF-FORM-FINDING is determined by means of the defined pre-
stress values, it is possible for cables to define, in addition to prestresses, geometrical requirements,
such as the final rise or length.
Membranes are often parts of a structure that contains a lot of bending-resistant elements (beams,
plates, shells, etc.). During the form-finding process, an equilibrium shape of the entire structure
is sought. The prestress in the membrane and cables has an active effect on the rigid elements
of the structure, which have to counteract this prestress. If you do not want to consider the influ-
ence of rigid elements in the form-finding process, you can provide them with special temporary
form-finding supports. They are fixing the elements for the form-finding process. It is at your
individual discretion which variant of the construction assembly is the most appropriate for the
structure.

1.6 Add-on Module RF-CUTTING-PATTERN

The RF-CUTTING-PATTERN add-on module represents the second component in the RFEM product
family that is used for membrane structures. It generates and organizes cutting patterns for
membranes available as results of the form-finding process. Alternatively, RF-CUTTING-PATTERN
can be used for self-defined spatial membrane systems.
If the division of the membrane surfaces is too large for cutting, it is possible to divide the surface
into partial strips by cutting lines. The boundary conditions of cutting patterns on the curved
geometry can be determined by means of boundary lines or by independent planar or geodesic
cutting lines. The flattening process is performed according to the minimum energy theory.
Prestress and stresses from flattening are applied by compensations. In addition, allowances for
welds and boundary connections can be defined separately for each cutting pattern.

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2 RF-FORM-FINDING 2
2 RF-FORM-FINDING
The following chapter describes the dialog boxes and functions of the RF-FORM-FINDING add-on
module.

2.1 Open Add-on Module

To work with RF-FORM-FINDING, it is necessary to activate the add-on module first: Tick the
RF-FORM-FINDING check box in the Options tab of the New Model - General Data or Edit Model -
General Data dialog box.

Figure 2.1: Activating the RF-FORM-FINDING add-on module in the General Data dialog box

A new load case with the same name is generated automatically when creating a model while the
add-on module is activated. You can use it to open and display available form-finding results.

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2.2 Dialog Boxes of Add-on Module
The activated RF-FORM-FINDING add-on module provides the following dialog boxes and features
in the user interface of the main program RFEM.

2.2.1 Calculation Parameters for Form-Finding

The Form-Finding tab of the Calculation Parameters dialog box manages basic options for control-
ling the form-finding. To access the dialog box, click the toolbar button shown on the left.

Figure 2.2: Dialog box Calculation Parameters, tab Form-Finding

The Settings section controls the Maximum number of iterations for the nonlinear calculation as well
as the Number of iterations for loading prestress. If you want to apply the self-weight of the structure
in the form-finding process, you can select a self-weight load case in the Consider self-weight from
load case list (only load case with structural weight).
It is not necessary to calculate the self-weight if it is defined in this tab.
The two check boxes in the Options section allow for specific settings. With the preliminary
form-finding you can accelerate the calculation: Prior to the actual form-finding process, the
mesh nodes will be moved to a position that is close to the target geometry taking solely into
account the membrane and cable elements. Based on this approximation, the form-finding is
carried out taking into account all effects from the entire structural system. Optionally, you can
generate NURBS surfaces and cables from the results of the form-finding process. However, the
generation of NURBS surfaces is only possible for surfaces that are defined by three or four lines.
After this transformation, it is recommended to deactivate the option Hide Membranes and Cables
in the Display navigator.
The Precision and Tolerance section controls the tolerance of the convergence criteria for the
form-finding process.

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2.2.2 Dialog Box for Membranes
The calculation method as well as the prestress parameters for membrane surfaces can be defined
in the Form-Finding dialog box for membranes that appears after clicking the button next
to the list of stiffness models in the New Surface (or Edit Surface) dialog box (see Figure 2.3). The
Membrane or Membrane - Orthotropic surface type must be previously selected in the drop-down
list.

Figure 2.3: Opening the Form-Finding dialog box

In the Form-Finding dialog box (see Figure 2.4), you can decide whether the Projection or Tension
method is used for the surface (see Chapter 1.4). Moreover, you can define the Prestress and, for
pneumatic structures, the Interior pressure.

Figure 2.4: Dialog box Form-Finding for membranes

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The prestress can be defined As force or As stress.
The warp and weft directions are linked to the axes of the surface (cf. Axes tab of surface dialog
box). In the default setting, you can apply only an isotropic prestress. If the axes are aligned,
orthotropic or radial prestress will be available as well.
For a pneumatic membrane, you can specify the interior pressure in the Load section.

2.2.3 Dialog Box for Cables

To define the input parameters for the form-finding process for cables, open the New Member
or Edit Member dialog box (see Figure 2.5), select Cable from the drop-down list in the Member
Type section, and use the button to the right to open the Edit Parameters for Member of Type 'Cable'
dialog box (see Figure 2.6).

Figure 2.5: Opening the dialog box Edit Parameters for Member of Type 'Cable'

In the dialog box Edit Parameters for Member of Type 'Cable', you can define the geometrical condi-
tions or forces for the cable.

Figure 2.6: Dialog box Edit Parameters for Member of Type 'Cable'

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In the first case, you can define either the Target cable length (absolute/relative) or the Target cable
sag (absolute/relative). In the second case, you can enter the Average force in cable or the Force
density. The first option is relevant for the border cables of membrane structures, the second
option for cable webs.

2.2.4 Temporary Form-Finding Supports

For the RF-FORM-FINDING add-on module (see Figure 2.7), another type of support nonlinearity is
available: It is a support that is effective only during the form-finding process.

Figure 2.7: Temporary support for form-finding stage only

Applying temporary form-finding supports is described in the example of an arch-supported

membrane (see Chapter 3.2).

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2.3 Start Calculation
When activating the RF-FORM-FINDING add-on module (see Figure 2.1), a new form-finding load
case is created. You can start the calculation of this load case as usual in the RFEM toolbar or the
drop-down menu (see Figure 2.8 and Figure 2.9).

Figure 2.8: Options for starting the form-finding process in toolbar

Figure 2.9: Options for starting the form-finding process in menu

After starting the calculation, the program initiates the form-finding process. It is performed on the
model, using the specified values. Other load cases will be applied to the generated prestressed
shape of the membrane structure. Thus, the form-finding process represents the first phase of the
calculation where the prestressed shape is generated. All other loads from load cases and load
combinations will be applied to this shape.
When the add-on module RF-FORM-FINDING has been activated, it is not possible to calculate
any load case without the upstream form-finding process. If you start the calculation of a load
case without the previous form-finding, the RF-FORM-FINDING load case will be automatically
calculated first. The load case calculation is then based on the resulting prestressed shape.

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2.4 Results Display
The results of the form-finding process are displayed in a similar way as the load case results. You
can control the results display using the Project Navigator - Results (see Figure 2.10). The results
are also displayed in table 4.0 Results - Summary (see Figure 2.11).

Figure 2.10: Project Navigator - Results

Figure 2.11: Table 4.0 Results - Summary

After the form-finding calculation, the Project Navigator - Results shows the Shape entry including
three subentries (see Figure 2.10). The Contour Lines entry corresponds to the outlines. The Slopes
entry shows the maximum inclination on the respective location of the membrane. Angles can
also be displayed as Slope trajectory.

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The calculation of the form-finding leads to the distortion of the FE mesh initial shape. The new
shape of the FE mesh replacing the original shape can be displayed in the Project Navigator - Display
under FE Mesh (Form-Finding) → On Members and FE Mesh (Form-Finding) → On Surfaces
(see Figure 2.12). Then, this mesh will be applied to all further calculations.

Figure 2.12: Displaying new mesh shape in Project Navigator - Display

With the form-finding process, the FE mesh is moved to a new position. The originally modeled
surfaces and members remain in their initial position. In order to avoid being disturbed by the
original shape, you can hide the Initial Shape under FE Mesh (Form-Finding) and display only the FE
mesh (see Figure 2.12).
By using the transformation function in the calculation parameters (see Figure 2.2, page 7) you
also have the possibility to transform the deformed mesh into a NURBS surface.

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3 Examples 3
3 Examples
The following chapter shows various examples in order to describe the process of working with
the RF-FORM-FINDING add-on module. It presents characteristic types of membrane structures –
point-supported membranes, arch-supported membranes, conical membranes, and pneumatic
membranes.
When working with RF-FORM-FINDING, the first step is always to create a model which will define
the individual surfaces, cables, supports, and so on. This model represents the initial approximation
to the final shape. The model will be distorted into a new position as a function of the input
parameters of the form-finding process.
We use the dialog boxes described in Chapter 2 to define the loading prestress for the surfaces
of the Membrane or Membrane - Orthotropic surface type and to set the warp and weft directions.
Moreover, we specify the geometrical conditions or forces for the cable members.

3.1 Point-Supported Membrane

The first example describes a point-supported standard membrane. First, a model consisting of
cables, a membrane, and supports is created in RFEM (see Figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1: Model of point-supported membrane

We can select the calculation method in the Form-Finding dialog box (see Figure 3.2). In general,
the Tension method is advantageous for membranes supported by points or arches or for pneumat-
ically stabilized membranes, while the Projection method is appropriate for conical membranes. In
our example, we select the calculation method of Tension.

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3 Examples 3
For the surface of the Membrane type and for the Cable members, we define prestress values:
The membrane requires an isotropic prestress of 1.0 kN per meter of width (see Figure 3.2). For an
isotropically prestressed shape, the warp and weft directions are not crucial.

Figure 3.2: Prestress defined for membrane

Cables require a medium prestress of 10 kN (see Figure 3.3).

Figure 3.3: Prestress defined for cables

As soon as the model is created and the input parameters are defined for the form-finding, we can
start the calculation of the RF-FORM-FINDING load case.
The form-finding process leads to generating a new shape of the structure (see Figure 3.4).

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3 Examples 3

Figure 3.4: New shape of structure

Figure 3.5 shows the visualization of internal forces in the membrane and the cables. Furthermore,
it is possible to display the support reactions.

Figure 3.5: Vectorial display of main internal forces in membrane and axial forces in cables

As we can see in Figure 3.5, the resulting prestress corresponds well already with the specified val-
ues. Because the isotropic prestress is a spatial equilibrium prestress, we can reach an even better
approximation by modifying the settings in the Form-Finding tab of the Calculation Parameters
dialog box (see Figure 2.2).
Figure 3.6 shows the resulting internal forces in the membrane structure after increasing the
Number of iterations for loading prestress.

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3 Examples 3

Figure 3.6: Resulting prestress after increasing the iteration number

The prestressed membrane structure can subsequently be subjected to a LC/CO analysis. We

create load cases, define loads, and start the calculation. The load cases will be calculated on the
basis of the generated prestressed shape. Thus, the form-finding can be considered as the first
phase and calculating the other load cases as the second phase of the design.
If the structural analysis proves the isotropic prestress to be unsuitable for the structure, we can
select an orthotropic prestress. First, it is necessary to adjust the direction of the axis system
accordingly in the Axes tab of the Edit Surface dialog box.

Figure 3.7: Dialog box Edit Surface, tab Axes

In the dialog boxes for membranes and cables, we can then adjust the input values. In our example,
a prestress of 2 kN/m is set in the warp direction and of 1 kN/m in the weft direction. For the
orthotropic prestress, the warp and weft directions must be specified. The border cables in the
example are prestressed by a force of 15 kN.
Now, in the Form-Finding dialog box (see Figure 3.2), the text box for the weft direction is also
available. If the same values are entered (isotropic prestress), a spatial force equilibrium system is
defined. By increasing the precision and number of iterations for the loading prestress, we can
reach more exact results. The size of the FE mesh elements also affects the precision to a certain
extent. In general, the shape in space corresponding with the equilibrium prestress approximates
better with a refined mesh.

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3 Examples 3
By setting the prestress of 2 kN/m in the warp direction and 1 kN/m in the weft direction (using
the Tension method), a constant orthotropic prestress is available. It cannot be expected that an
equilibrium prestress in space is reached in this way. Therefore, the selected prestress is applied
only in a certain number of iterations – until the membrane structure is stabilized. Thus, in most
cases, the program finds a shape that approximates well to the specified values (see Figure 3.8).

Figure 3.8: Orthotropic prestressed membrane

Regarding the Number of iterations for loading prestress of a structure, the following is recom-
mended: If there is an isotropic prestress, a shape is reached, due to an increased number of
iterations, that each time approximates better to the force equilibrium system in space. For a
constant orthotropic prestress (that is the spatial force system is not in equilibrium), the effect of
the prestress must be stopped in the right moment. This is the moment when the deformation
represented in the Maximum Displacement diagram clearly stops rising (see Figure 3.9).

Figure 3.9: Graphical representation of deformations during form-finding process

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Deformations perpendicular to the plane of the membrane (usually in the steep part of the curve)
are far more frequent than deformations in the membrane plane. As soon as the deformation rise
declines, the program has usually found the shape that corresponds approximately to the required
orthotropic prestress. After the last application of the constant orthotropic prestress, the structure
is stabilized; thus, an equilibrium prestress is reached which is very close to the specified values.
The equilibrium shape is entirely independent of the stiffness of the materials used. The shape
of a flexible structure clearly results from the defined boundary conditions and the equilibrium
prestress, or it is defined by the boundary conditions and the equilibrium system of loading
prestress and loads (overpressure, self-weight). The material used can affect the resulting shape
only if the self-weight is considered in the form-finding process. However, this load has generally
only a small influence.
Therefore, it is recommended not to activate the self-weight at the beginning of the form-finding
process. This way, you can first find the prestressed shape that meets your expectations. Then, you
select an appropriate material, activate the consideration of the self-weight in the form-finding
process, and start the calculation again.
The final shape is also independent of the initial approximation of the shape. In other words, it
does not matter how the initial structure is modeled. It is important that both structures show the
same support arrangement and the same loading prestresses. Under these conditions, the final
shapes will be the same (see Figure 3.10 and Figure 3.11).

Figure 3.10: Different models - two different initial shapes

Figure 3.11: Two identical shapes after form-finding process

Not the absolute values but the prestress conditions are decisive for the final shape: Irrespective of
whether you define an isotropic prestress of 1 kN/m for the membrane and a medium prestress for
the cables of 10 kN, or an isotropic membrane prestress of 50 kN/m with a medium cable prestress
of 500 kN, the result is an identical shape for both structures. This does not apply if semi-rigid
beams are used as boundary conditions, which are deformed differently for various prestresses in
the membrane (see notes, for example, in Chapter 3.2).

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3.2 Arch-Supported Membrane
The second example presents an arch-supported membrane. The structure consists of three
membrane panels and four steel arches. The membranes are laterally connected to the beams
and anchored at the bottom edge; the steel arches are fixed in the foundation (see Figure 3.12).

Figure 3.12: Model of arch-supported membrane

In the first step, a model is defined in RFEM representing an initial approximation to the final shape.
For example purposes, there is a different loading prestress for each membrane panel. The first
panel is defined with an isotropic prestress of 1 kN/m, the second and the third panel with an
orthotropic prestress. The loading prestress in the second panel is 1 kN/m in the warp direction
and 2 kN/m in the weft direction while the third panel has a loading prestress of 2 kN/m in the
warp direction and 1 kN/m in the weft direction.
In the Form-Finding dialog box, it is possible to define a specific form-finding calculation method
for each of the three surfaces (see Figure 3.2). In general, the Tension method is more suitable for
arch-supported membranes. In the Calculation Parameters dialog box (see Figure 2.2 on page 7),
you can specify the number of iterations for the loading prestress.
As there is a clear correlation between the loading prestress and the shape, different membrane
shapes result due to the various prestress values in the panels (see Figure 3.13 and Figure 3.14).

Figure 3.13: Final shape of membrane structure - isometric view

Figure 3.14: Final shape of membrane structure - view in -Y

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Figure 3.15 shows the internal forces on the generated shape of the membrane structure. Again,
there is a good approximation of the resulting prestress to the required prestress.

Figure 3.15: Vectorial display of main internal forces in membrane and axial forces in beams

The steel arches are also subjected to the form-finding process. They represent flexible boundary
conditions for the membrane surfaces. The membranes are provided with the defined loading
prestress which the beams must resist. Thus, the form-finding result is not only the prestressed
shape of the membrane surfaces but also the distorted shape as well as the internal forces of rigid
parts of the structure. Under the loading from the membranes, the steel arches deform according
to their stiffnesses.
If you wish to exclude the steel arches from the form-finding process, it is possible to support them
by temporary form-finding supports (see blue supports in Figure 3.16).

Figure 3.16: Temporary form-finding supports

These supports have the nonlinear property of Form-finding stage only (see Figure 3.17). They
are effective only during the form-finding process; for other load cases they are not considered
(similarly to removing construction supports). All loads, which the supports had to resist for the
form-finding, are then absorbed by the steel arches.

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3 Examples 3

Figure 3.17: Definition of temporary form-finding supports

It is up to you whether the bending-resistant parts of the structure are integrated in the from-find-
ing process or supported by temporary supports. You can decide depending on the assembly
procedure.
If there are no construction supports used for the restrained arches during the assembly, they will
deform when being tightened. This corresponds to the form-finding process without using tempo-
rary supports. The loading prestress, which is available after tightening the structure, corresponds
to the prestress resulting from the form-finding process.
However, if the beams are supported by construction supports while tightening the membrane,
this can be simulated by temporary form-finding supports. After tightening the membrane, sup-
port reactions occur in the construction supports. After removing the construction supports, the
steel arches must resist these forces and are deformed. Hence, the internal forces in the membrane
are changed. This corresponds to the form-finding process that is performed on the structure sup-
ported by temporary supports after starting an empty load case. As the temporary form-finding
supports are deactivated in this step, the beams are subjected to all loads and so they deform.
The deformation of the beams also affects the loading prestress in the membranes. This constitu-
tional change in RFEM caused by removing the temporary supports corresponds to the process of
removing the construction supports.

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3.3 Pneumatically Supported Membrane
The third example presents a pneumatically stabilized membrane. The shape of the membrane
is determined by the given boundary conditions, loading prestress and internal pressure. For
illustration purposes, two separate membrane structures with different prestress conditions are
presented.
The Tension calculation method is preferable for this type of membrane structure.
The model is arranged in the global plane XY (see Figure 3.18) and deformed into an equilibrium
position according to the specified values for loading prestress and interior pressure. The first
structure has an isotropic prestress of 1 kN/m, the second structure has an orthotropic prestress
of 2 kN/m in the warp direction and of 1 kN/m in the weft direction.

Figure 3.18: Initial geometry of pneumatic membranes

The overpressure of −400 Pa is identical in both structures (see Figure 3.19). Positive interior
pressure acts in the direction of the local z-axis of the surface, negative interior pressure against
the local z-axis of the surface. In our example, the pneumatic structure should be deformed
upwards, that is against the local z-axis of the surface.

Figure 3.19: Definition of orthotropic prestress and interior pressure

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After starting the calculation, the structure converges against the equilibrium shape (see Fig-
ure 3.20). Figure 3.21 again shows a good approximation of the resulting prestress to the required
prestress of the membrane structure.

Figure 3.20: Final shape of membrane structures

Figure 3.21: Prestress of membrane structures

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3.4 Conical Membrane
This example presents the last of the four membrane structures – a conical membrane.
The model, that is the initial approximation to the shape of the structure, consists of membrane
surfaces, cables, a peak ring, and a central mast (see Figure 3.22). For conical membranes, the
Projection method is recommended for the form-finding process.

Figure 3.22: Initial geometry of conical membrane structure

As described in Chapter 1.4.1 on page 4, the projection method is based on a loading prestress
predefined in the global XY plane that is then adjusted accordingly to the membrane inclination.
If the inclination of the membrane increases, the prestress in the fall line direction increases as
well, while the prestress in the direction of the contour line decreases. If you define an isotropic
prestress in the projection, the result will be a general prestress of the membrane structure in
space.
The central mast supporting the membrane structure is simply supported in the footing. This sup-
port allows for tilting the mast during the form-finding process as well as when tightening the
structure. Moreover, it is necessary to secure the mast during the construction and the form-find-
ing process, for example, by a form-finding support (provisional construction support) on the top
of the mast (see Figure 3.22). You can also use other temporary support types, for example, a
rotation restraint on the mast footing. The bending-resistant part of the structure must be stable
during the form-finding process as well as the construction phase.
After the creation of the model, the required prestresses must be defined. The isotropic prestress
(in projection) of 1 kN/m is assigned to the membranes, and the cables are prestressed by a mean
force of 10 kN.
After starting the form-finding, the equilibrium shape shown in Figure 3.23 appears.

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3 Examples 3

Figure 3.23: Final shape of membrane structure

The resulting prestress is shown in Figure 3.24.

Figure 3.24: Resulting prestress

As already mentioned, an isotropic prestress defined in the projection leads to a general orthotropic
prestress in the spatial position of the membrane. The loading prestress depends on the inclination
in the respective location. In bottom parts of the membrane where the inclination is small, the
loading prestress approximates to the isotropic prestress (predefined in the projection) while the
loading prestress on top of the cone is changed significantly due to the strong inclination.
It is possible to adjust the loading prestress in the Form-Finding dialog box if needed. You can
define a radial arrangement of the warp and weft directions and specify the prestress values (see
Figure 3.25).

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Figure 3.25: Radial arrangement of axes in Edit Surface dialog box, tab Axes

In the case of a radial arrangement, an orthotropic equilibrium prestress available in the plane
cannot have two constant values (in contrast to an orthogonally aligned prestress in the plane).
Due to the radial arrangement, the radial forces are affected by the tangential forces. Tangential
forces produce an increment of radial forces in the centric direction because of the curvature.
This means: If you select an orthotropic prestress with radial arrangement, the values of the
prestress (along warp and weft) must be defined in the projection for a point at the distance from
center r. In the other distances, the radial prestress is calculated in such a way that it is at equilibrium
in the plane. So it is possible to project the force equilibrium system in the spatial position of the
membrane.

Figure 3.26: Radial prestress in Form-Finding dialog box

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The radial field of the prestress in the projection can be adjusted by means of the forces specified
in warp and weft as well as the distance of the defined prestress from the center. The prestress
values available in the center, which are small at first sight, are rising with the increasing inclination
of the membrane. This can be illustrated very well in the example of the conical membrane. The
modification of loading prestress from isotropic to othotropic (see Figure 3.26) leads to the final
shape of the membrane structure shown in Figure 3.27.
With different specifications for the prestress, different shapes are generated.

Figure 3.27: Final shape of membrane structure

Figure 3.28: Resulting prestress

For further demonstration of the projection method, it is possible to move the ring points of
the conical membrane into a plane; thus, different prestresses are generated in the projection.
Afterwards, you can move the position of the ring upwards, observing the changes of the prestress
as a function of the inclination. In the case of uniform specifications (isotropy in projection, for
example), the resulting prestress in space will vary significantly.

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If a radial orthotropy is defined, a restriction for the relation between radial and tangential prestress
applies. The values entered for the loading prestress should be defined in the relation 1:1 up
to 1:2 (radial to tangential prestress). This restriction should prevent compression forces from
occurring during the calculation of the radial orthotropic equilibrium prestress in the projection.
The restriction applies to the projection method only.
The projection method is suitable for high conical membranes as it prevents the membrane gorge
from narrowing – an effect of the tension method. Figure 3.29 shows a result that occurs when
the Tension calculation method is applied.

Figure 3.29: Result of applying the tension method

The final shape is also affected by the number of iterations specified for the application of prestress
.

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4 General Notes
4.1 Check of Settings
If a membrane structure consists of several surfaces (see Chapter 3.4), it is assumed that the
same values for prestress as well as identical warp and weft directions are defined for all surfaces.
Otherwise RFEM displays a corresponding warning message (see Figure 4.1).

Figure 4.1: Warning

However, if there are single membranes available, or if the individual surfaces are separated by
supports, cables or beams, they are then considered as independent surfaces and the compatibility
of input data is not checked in this case.
Figure 4.2 shows the layout of an arch-supported membrane. The central panel is divided by
a cable. Members are indicated in Roman numerals, surfaces in Arabic numerals. The compatibility
is checked between surfaces 1 and 2 and surfaces 5 and 6.

Figure 4.2: Surfaces of an arch-supported membrane

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4.2 Triangle Elements
For modeling membrane structures, it is recommended to generate the FE mesh with triangle
elements. In the case of rectangle elements, warping effects occur. Therefore, membrane surfaces
are automatically meshed with triangle elements.
The settings are managed in the FE Mesh dialog box that you can access by selecting Calculate →
FE Mesh Settings on the RFEM menu bar.

Figure 4.3: Opening FE Mesh Settings

Figure 4.4: Dialog box FE Mesh, tab FE Mesh Settings

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4.3 Cables
There are two options available for defining forces in cables: The Average force in cable must be
set for cables that are connected with the membranes of the structure. The Force density must be
applied to pure cable webs.

Figure 4.5: Definition of geometrical conditions or forces in cables

If an Average force in cable is set and the defined value proves to be too low during the calculation,
the cable will be reinforced when exceeding the length lc = 0,4𝜋l. Thus, no strain occurs in the
cable anymore (l as distance between the points i and j, see Figure 4.5).
The specified values of the required prestress or the geometry of cables are considered as the
resulting values in space. The values entered for cables are not adjusted according to the inclination
(such as membranes) when applying the projection method because they do not represent the
explicit, that is the physically real data.

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5 RF-CUTTING-PATTERN
This chapter describes the dialog boxes and functions of the RF-CUTTING-PATTERN add-on module.

5.1 Open Add-on Module

To work with RF-CUTTING-PATTERN, it is necessary to activate the add-on module first: Tick the
RF-CUTTING-PATTERN check box in the Options tab of the New Model - General Data or Edit Model
- General Data dialog box.

Figure 5.1: Activating the RF-CUTTING-PATTERN add-on module in the General Data dialog box

RF-CUTTING-PATTERN can be used for self-defined spatial surfaces as well as systems created with
the RF-FORMFINDING add-on module.
After activating the add-on module, the additional entry Cutting Patterns is available in the Data
navigator.

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5.2 Cutting lines
The cutting pattern must be defined by means of boundary lines. If the division of the membrane
surfaces in the basic position is too large for cutting, it is possible to divide the surface into partial
strips by cutting lines. RF-CUTTING-PATTERN offers two special line functions. On the Lines shortcut
menu, or on the menu
Insert → Model Data → Lines → Cut via Two Lines or Section
you can access these functions.

Figure 5.2: Line types for RF-CUTTING-PATTERN in Lines shortcut menu

Both line types don't affect the geometry of the model. Thus, they can be defined independently
of the model.
The cutting lines are represented in the graphic only when the FE mesh has been generated. If
the mesh is missing, the corresponding entries are marked red in the navigator.
In the dialog boxes of both line types, there is the General tab where you enter the surface on
which the line lies (see Figure 5.3).

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Figure 5.3: Dialog box New Line, tab General

The surface can be determined graphically by using the button. As the lines can also be set
on several surfaces, multiple entries are possible.

Cut via two lines

Figure 5.4: Dialog box New Line, tab Cut via Two Lines

In the second dialog tab, you specify the lines and the points on the lines serving as definition
nodes of the cutting line. The lines can be selected graphically by using the button.
With the button, you can switch between the input of relative and absolute distances.
Use the button to determine the relative distances graphically in the work window.

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In the Cut Type section, you define how the cutting line will be created:
• Geodesic: This is the shortest line between the definition points on the surface area.
• Section: A plane is set through the surface, which can be defined by a third point or a direction
vector.

Cut via section

Figure 5.5: Dialog box New Line, tab Cut via Section

In the second dialog tab, you specify the points that define the cutting plane. The nodes can be
selected graphically by using the button. With you can also create new nodes.
In the Cut Type section, you define how the cutting line will be created:
• Geodesic: This is the shortest line between the cutting points on the surface area.
• Section: The cutting plane is defined by means of a third point or a direction vector.

The cutting lines are displayed only if the mesh is generated!

Figure 5.6: Cutting lines (orange)

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5.3 Cutting Patterns
To create cutting layouts, the membrane surfaces must be divided into so-called cutting patterns.
These objects can be created by using the membranes' boundary lines as well as user-defined
cutting lines (see Chapter 5.2).
A new cutting pattern can be created on the menu
Insert → Model Data → Cutting Patterns → Dialog Box
or on the Cutting Patterns shortcut menu in the Data navigator.

Figure 5.7: Creating a new cutting pattern on shortcut menu

The New Cutting Pattern dialog box opens.

Figure 5.8: Dialog box New Cutting Pattern

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The Boundary Lines of the cutting pattern are represented by “real” lines or cutting lines. The lines
can be defined graphically with the button. RFEM recognizes intersection points automatically.
When the boundary lines are defined, click the [Create] button to generate the cutting pattern.
The Edit Cutting Pattern dialog box appears.

Figure 5.9: Dialog box Edit Cutting Pattern, tab General

This dialog box allows for specifications concerning compensation and edge tolerances. The other
dialog tabs are determined by the parameters activated in the Options section.

General notes
The following principles must be observed when creating a cutting pattern:
• The cutting pattern must not be defined solely by cutting lines. There must be at least one
system-relevant boundary line.
• RF-CUTTING-PATTERN checks if adjacent cutting patterns are available. The calculation makes
sure that common lines have the same length.
• RF-CUTTING-PATTERN classifies the lines as boundary or welding lines. In the Line Type tab,
you can change a welding line to a boundary line (see page 42).

Cutting patterns are symbolized by a big dot in the work window. If an entry in the navigator is
red highlighted, the cutting pattern is defined incorrectly.
A preliminary shape of the cutting layout can be created with the [Apply] button (see Chapter 5.4.2,
page 44).
With the [Show Figure or Rendering] button you can display the cutting pattern in the dialog
graphic (see Figure 5.12, page 41).

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Compensation
This dialog tab is available if the Compensation is activated in the General tab.

Figure 5.10: Dialog box Edit Cutting Pattern, tab Compensation

Generally, the dimensions of a cutting pattern are reduced by a small percentage so that the
membrane reaches the intended final shape after applying the prestress. This way, creep effects
of the membrane can be compensated.

Warp and Weft Orientation Setting

The compensation can be specified separately for the warp and weft directions. Warps in the
direction of the surface axis x and wefts in the direction of the y-axis are assumed as Standard. If
the textile's structure is aligned differently for the cutting, you can rotate the orientation around
the angle 𝛼.
The surface axes are shown in the dialog graphic when switching to the model view by clicking
the [Figure or Rendering] button (cf. Figure 5.12).

Compensation
A positive value of the compensation reduces the cutting layouts, a negative value extends them
accordingly for the direction of the warps or wefts.
The compensation relates to the non-stressed length of the membrane panel (“primitive state”).
Then, after prestressing, the final shape determined, for example, by RF-FORM-FINDING is reached
with the parameters of the compensation. The compensation cannot be directly determined by
the defined prestress.

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You can set a Uniform or Linear compensation. The second option allows for specifying linearly
variable strain components for the warp and weft directions. This may be required, for example,
for conic models. The strains 𝛥0 and 𝛥1 refer to the edges of the cutting pattern according to the
symbols in the sketch.
When data for compensation is entered, it is necessary to the cutting pattern again
(see Chapter 5.4.2, page 44, paragraph “Final calculation”).

Different Compensation by Line

This dialog tab is available if the Compensation for boundary line is activated in the General tab.

Figure 5.11: Dialog box Edit Cutting Pattern, tab Different Compensation by Line

A different compensation is needed to reach an equality of lines, for example, for a rigid support.
You may think of a boundary restraint attached to a steel tube. As the length of the steel tube is
not compensated, the length of the membrane remains constant.
In the input field 𝛥Linie , you can enter a global value of the compensation. After ticking the Different
check box, it is possible to set lines Active in the table, or to deactivate them. Then, it is also possible
to assign the Compensation individually.
The Line Behavior can be described by a compensation or a free relaxation (displacing possibility).
The selection is possible in the list of the input field.
In the rendering mode, the line of the current row is marked in the selection color.

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Figure 5.12: Rendering mode with selection of active table row

Allowances
This dialog tab is available if the Allowances are activated in the General tab.

Figure 5.13: Dialog box Edit Cutting Pattern, tab Allowances

Tolerances are needed to attach the membrane to boundary lines or for overlaps used for welding
the panels.
The allowances can be set globally For welding lines and For border lines. The line types are managed
in the Line Type tab where they can be adjusted, if required (see page 42).

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After ticking the Different check box, it is possible to set lines Active in the table, or to deactivate
them. The Value of the allowance can then be assigned individually.
The parameters can be checked in the dialog graphic when switching to the rendering mode by
clicking the [Figure or Rendering] button (see Figure 5.13). The line of the current table row is
marked in the selection color.
With the [Pattern Overlap] button, you can display and hide the allowances. This way, you can
check the cutting pattern with or without tolerances.
You can control the graphic by using the mouse functions known from RFEM in order to zoom,
shift or rotate the view.
The rendered representation is available only when the cutting pattern has been calculated. Input
for allowances does not require any recalculation of the cutting pattern.
In the RFEM work window, the allowances are shown as dotted lines (cf. Figure 5.6, page 36).

Line Type
This dialog tab is available if the Line type is activated in the General tab.

Figure 5.14: Dialog box Edit Cutting Pattern, tab Line Type

RF-CUTTING-PATTERN defines a line type for each definition line of the cutting pattern. The line is
classified either as Boundary line or Welding line. Generally, welding lines are created for adjacent
cutting layouts.
Welding lines affect the entire cutting: RF-CUTTING-PATTERN tries to reach a line equality for both
cutting edges because the common line deforms synchronously. For this, the program uses the
average values of the line of both cutting patterns.
This dialog tab offers the possibility to change a welding line to the line type Boundary line.
Conversely, a boundary line cannot be transformed into the line type Welding line. Welding lines
are automatically recognized for adjacent cutting patterns that have a common line.

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5.4 Calculation
5.4.1 Calculation Parameters
In the Calculation Parameters dialog box, the additional Cutting Patterns tab is available for RF-CUT-
TING-PATTERN, managing the module-specific calculation settings. To open this dialog box, select
on the RFEM menu
Calculate → Calculation Parameters
or click the corresponding button in the toolbar.

Figure 5.15: Dialog box Calculation Parameters, tab Cutting Patterns

Settings
The specifications of the global calculation parameters are not applicable because the cutting
patterns are calculated regardless of load cases or combinations. In this dialog section, you can
define the Maximum number of iterations for RF-CUTTING-PATTERN to run through in the flattening
process.

Precision and Tolerance

It is only rarely necessary to adjust the preset tolerance and smoothing parameters. After ticking
the check box for Change standard settings, you can access the input fields below.
The convergence behavior of the flattening process can be affected by the Tolerance for convergence
criteria. The factor 1.0 is set by default. The minimum factor is 0.01, the maximum value is 100.0.
The greater the value is, the more insensitive is the break-off limit.
The Smoothness of Boundary lines affects the iterative determination of the boundary line shape.
Again, the factor 1.0 is preset. The greater the factor is, the more accurately the boundary lines are
smoothed. The calculation time increases accordingly.

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5.4.2 Preliminary and Final Calculation

General information
In the calculation, RF-CUTTING-PATTERN tries to transform the curved surface components into
planar cutting layouts by using an iterative non-linear method. You may think of this process as
an “ironing process” with the aim of smoothing the curved surfaces.
The calculation uses the mesh geometry of the planar, buckled, simply or double curved surface
components of the cutting patterns and flattens them applying the minimum energy theory.
Described in simplified terms, the program tries to press the mesh geometry of the curved surfaces
into a plane, using a press with frictionless press areas. If a state is reached where the stresses from
flattening are in equilibrium, a minimum of energy and an optimum of accuracy for the cutting
layout is reached. To describe it in a picture: When the half of an orange is flattened, the result is
tension in the external and compression in the internal zone. These forces are then in equilibrium.

Preliminary calculation
The calculation is organized in two parts. For the preview of the cutting pattern, a preliminary
flattening calculation is carried out as soon as the function [Create] (when creating a new cutting
pattern) or [Apply] (when changing parameters) is used.

Figure 5.16: [Calculate] and [Apply] buttons in Edit Cutting Pattern dialog box

The “preliminary calculation” (flattening process) determines the cutting pattern in a high-speed
process so that a preview of the flattened pattern can be shown in the dialog graphic.
With the [Apply] function, only the current cutting pattern is analyzed.

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Final calculation
The “final calculation” determines the cutting layouts by applying an isotropic material behavior
(orthotropic material behavior is in preparation). By clicking the [Calculate] button (see Figure 5.16),
the complete flattening calculation is applied to the curved surface components.
The flattening process is carried out by means of the minimum energy theory. Prestresses and
stresses from flattening are applied in each main direction by means of a compensation. Tolerances
and allowances for welds and boundary connections are considered separately for each cutting
pattern.
The “ironing process” takes an average coordinate system orientation from the curved geometry
and applies these systems with the same rotation to the flattened component.
If adjacent cutting patterns are defined, their parameters are accordingly considered for keeping
the same lengths.
With the [Calculate] function, all cutting patterns are analyzed globally.
You can observe the iterative calculation process in the solver window.

Figure 5.17: Calculation process for RF-CUTTING-PATTERN

As a result of the “final calculation”, you see the coordinates of the cutting patterns shown in the
Point Coordinates dialog tab and in table 4.46 Cutting Patterns - Point Coordinates (see Chapter 5.5).
The cutting patterns displayed after the final or preliminary calculation are marked by different
colors. In the Display Properties dialog box, you can see and adjust the corresponding color settings.
To access the dialog box, select on the RFEM menu
Options → Display Properties → Edit.

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5.5 Results and Export
When the cutting pattern is calculated, the new Point Coordinates tab appears in the Edit Cutting
Pattern dialog box.

Dialog box Edit Cutting Pattern

Figure 5.18: Dialog box Edit Cutting Pattern, tab Point Coordinates

In this tab, the shape of the cutting pattern is displayed in a table of coordinates containing for
each FE mesh node the new flattened coordinates of the cutting layout. The Point Coordinates
relate to the centroid of the cutting pattern.
In the dialog graphic, you see the cutting pattern with its coordinate system displayed in the
centroid. The point selected in the table is marked with an arrow. To hide or show the overlapping
areas, use the button. To hide or show the pattern's FE mesh, use the button.
The areas of the cuttings are displayed in the Statistics dialog tab.

Figure 5.19: Dialog box Edit Cutting Pattern, tab Statistics (dialog section)

The 2D area represents the surface area of the “ironed” cutting pattern. The 3D area, that is the
surface area of the curved surface, is displayed, too, for checking reasons. If the values are only
slightly different, a good quality of the flattening process is reached.
The dimensions of the cutting pattern are shown as Additional properties. This way, you see at a
glance if the production of the panels from the roll material is possible.

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Table 4.46 Cutting Patterns - Point Coordinates
The cuttings are documented in the RFEM results table 4.46 Cutting Patterns - Point Coordinates.

Figure 5.20: RFEM table 4.46 Cutting Patterns - Point Coordinates

The output is sorted by cutting patterns. For each FE mesh point you see the Point coordinates
without overlaps and the Point coordinates with overlaps.

Printout report
The cutting patterns can be documented in the general printout report of RFEM. In the Printout
Report Selection dialog box, the cutting patterns are managed in the LC/CO Results tab.

Figure 5.21: Selection of cutting patterns in Printout Report Selection dialog box

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5 RF-CUTTING-PATTERN 5
If you don't want All cutting patterns to appear in the printout report, clear the corresponding
check box. Then, enter the numbers of the relevant objects, or select them graphically by clicking
the button.

Figure 5.22: Point coordinates and graphics of cutting patterns in printout report

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DXF export
The flattened geometry of the cutting pattern can be exported in a DXF file by selecting
File → Export
on the RFEM menu, or by clicking the corresponding button in the toolbar.
The Export dialog box known from RFEM appears.

Figure 5.23: Dialog box Export

For the export of cutting patterns, select the ASCII Format in the Formats for Cutting Patterns dialog
section.
In the Cutting Pattern tab, you can check and adjust, if required, the Number of patterns per row
and the Distance between the patterns.

Figure 5.24: Dialog box Export, tab Cutting Pattern (.dxf)

To start the export, click [OK]. Then, in the Windows Save As dialog box, enter a file name and the
storage location for the DXF file.
A corresponding message appears when the storage has been successful.
Finally, you can open the DXF file in a CAD program where it can be further edited.

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Figure 5.25: Cutting patterns in AutoCAD

Cutting lines as well as allowance lines are organized in different layers.

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 A Index A

Index
A L
Activate add-on module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 33 Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34, 35
Allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Line type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Average cable force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Loading prestress . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 4, 20, 23, 25
Axis system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 23, 27
M
B Material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3, 19
Boundary conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Member type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Boundary line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42, 43 Membrane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 8, 9, 14, 15, 20
Minimum energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
C
Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 14, 15, 25, 30, 32 N
Cable sag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 NURBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 13
Calculation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11, 43
Calculation parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 43 O
Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39, 40 Orthotropic prestress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 18, 23
Conical membrane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Orthotropy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Contour line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Overlap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Convergence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 43
Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 P
Cutting line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Pneumatic membrane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9, 23
Cutting pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Point coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 47
Precision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
D Preliminary form-finding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
DXF export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Prestress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 9, 15, 28
Printout report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
E Projection method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 8, 25, 29
Equilibrium prestress . . . . . . . . . . 2, 4, 16, 17, 19
Equilibrium shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 R
Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Rectangle element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 46
F
FE mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 31 S
Flattening process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Force density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Self-weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 7, 19
Form-finding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 7, 11, 15, 25 Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Smoothness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
G Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
General data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 33 Surface type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Geodesic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
T
I Temporary form-finding support . . . 10, 21, 22
Interior pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9, 23 Tension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Internal forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 21 Tension method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 8
Internal pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Tolerance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 43
Isotropic prestress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 25 Triangle element. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Iteration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 16, 20, 29, 43

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 A Index A
U Warp direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 20, 23, 30
Updated Reference Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Weft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 39
Weft direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 20, 23, 30
W Welding line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Warp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 39

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