Software for Timber and Wood Structures

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Software for Timber and Wood Structures

The Dlubal software packages RFEM and RSTAB, supported by specialized add-ons, are ideal solutions for the structural analysis and design of timber beams up to complex timber structures. RSTAB excels in the design of frame and truss structures, while RFEM enables comprehensive analyses of beam and plate structures, including cross-laminated timber (CLT).

The software provides efficient modeling, precise calculations, and an intuitive user interface that facilitates the implementation of innovative timber construction projects.

Questions about timber structures? Mia answers immediately!

Mia – Your AI Expert

Effectively Design and Analyze Timber Structures – Watch the Video Now!

Use the Dlubal structural analysis programs RFEM (FEA program) or RSTAB (frame analysis software) for your timber structures projects – powerful and user-friendly.

Designed with Dlubal Software | Timber Pavilion Project "Into the Woods"

In 2021, a timber pavilion called "Into the Woods" was built in the garden of the Swiss Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was created on the occasion of the annual festival "3 Days of Design".

CIMU on Île de Seguin: Masterpiece of Glulam Construction

A highlight of "La Seine Musicale" in Boulogne-Billancourt is the concert hall with a capacity of 1,150 people. Its characteristic glass-clad circular facade emphasizes the modern design.

Designed with Dlubal Software | Timber School Building Champagne in Biel, Switzerland

The modular school will remain at the current location for eight years. Then, it will be possible to completely dismantle the 36 timber modules, including the screw foundations, and to reassemble them elsewhere.

Structural Models | Timber Structures

Main Program RFEM or RSTAB

The successful Dlubal structural analysis software RFEM 6 is the basis of a modular program family that you can customize and combine according to your specific requirements.

In the main program RFEM, you can define structures, materials, and loads of planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, and members. Furthermore, you can create combined structures as well as model solid and contact elements. Join our excited customers!

Recommended Add-on Products for Timber Structures

Design of Timber Members and Sets of Members

Timber Design for RFEM 6 Add-On

The Timber Design add-on performs the ultimate, serviceability, and fire resistance limit state design checks of timber members according to various standards.

Multilayer Surfaces such as CLT and Timber Frame Walls

Multilayer Surfaces (e.g. Laminate, CLT) for RFEM 6 Add-On

The "Multilayer Surfaces" add-on for RFEM 6 optimizes the modeling and analysis of multilayer timber structures, ideal for cross-laminated timber and timber stud walls. It effectively supports the structural analysis of prefabricated timber panels.

Hybrid Timber Construction with Complementary Materials

Building Model for RFEM 6 Add-On

The "Building Model" add-on simplifies the modeling and analysis of timber buildings. It speeds up the creation of building models and automatizes the load generation, ideal for demanding structural timber projects.

Construction Stages

Construction Stages Analysis (CSA) for RFEM 6 Add-On

The Construction Stages Analysis (CSA) add-on allows for considering the construction process of structures (member, surface, and solid structures) in RFEM.

Optimization of Model Parameters

Multi-Story Reinforced Concrete Building

Optimization & Cost / CO2 Emission Estimation for RFEM 6 Add-On

The add-on uses particle swarm optimization (PSO) to determine optimal parameters for parameterized models based on weight, cost, or CO₂ emissions.

Modal Analysis

Resulting Modular Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Structure

Modal Analysis for RFEM 6 Add-On

The Modal Analysis add-on allows for the calculation of eigenvalues, natural frequencies, and natural periods for member, surface, and solid models.

Response Spectrum Analysis

Response Spectrum Analysis for RFEM 6 Add-On

The Response Spectrum Analysis add-on performs seismic analysis using multi-modal response spectrum analysis. The spectra required for this can be created in compliance with the standards or can be user-defined. The equivalent static forces are generated from them. The add-on includes an extensive library of accelerograms from seismic zones that can be used to generate the response spectra.

Models to Download

Wind Simulation & Wind Load Generation

RWIND 2 – Basic Stand-Alone

RWIND uses CFD technology to simulate wind flows on structures and transfer the resulting wind loads directly into RFEM or RSTAB for the structural analysis.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Dlubal Software is integrated seamlessly into BIM processes, allows for data exchange, and provides a webservice for reading and writing data.

Support and Learning

We provide professional support and many services in order to help you with finding a quick and efficient solution for your projects.

Convinced of my choice of RFEM 6, I recommend it!

After analyzing the options on the market, we have chosen RFEM by Dlubal for the calculation of our timber/steel structures, because it is the software that allows the most efficient 3D modeling for these types of complex models.

We appreciated the help of Dlubal's customer service, which was able to guide us in order to model all the technical optimizations. We witnessed the responsiveness and technicality of the Dlubal customer service, which we were able to discuss very specific points with.

We have experimented with the fact that the software does all the Eurocode design checks and yet remains very flexible to the requirements of the project.

We highly recommend the RFEM 6 software!

Victor LACOUR

PoCo
29 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75004, Paris
France

https://atelierpoco.com

Optimize your projects with RFEM 6 by Dlubal Software: Invest without hesitation.

After researching the with structural analysis software market, I finally decided to choose RFEM by Dlubal for the design of all types of timber structures (traditional framework, glued-laminated timber, timber-framed walls, mechanically-welded fittings, and so on). The software is quite easy to learn and relatively intuitive; I don't need any training.

If you get stuck on a topic, you can rely on fast and efficient support. Moreover, there is multi-material software that can solve all issues you encounter.

In other words, go ahead and invest!

Thibaut DUSSART

Girard Ouvrages Bois
1 Avenue du General Patton, 45330, Malesherbes
France

https://www.gobois.fr/

RFEM 6 by Dlubal: Best Choice for 3D Timber Design According to Swiss SIA Standards

After analyzing the other structural analysis software offers on the market, we chose Dlubal's RFEM to calculate our three-dimensional timber structures.

This is the software that we believe is best suited for structural analysis and design according to the Swiss SIA standards.

The user interface is clear and intuitive, the results are displayed in detail, they can be edited and checked manually, which minimizes the effect of a "black box" and supports engineers in their decision-making.

The technical support team is attentive to our needs, reacting quickly and competently, responsive and competent, which confirms our choice.

Alexandre Angéloz

MP Ingenieurs Conseils SA
Rue du Centre 16, 1023, Crissier
Suisse, Switzerland

https://mp-ingenieurs.ch/

John W. Olver Design Building at University of Massachusetts, USA (© Alex Schreyer / UMass)

John W. Olver Design Building, University of Massachusetts, USA

The building is largely exposed and consists of 5-ply CLT concrete composite floor panels supported by a glulam post and beam structure.

Project Location
Amherst, MA, USA
Software
RFEM 5

More About Customer Project

Pavilion Project "Into the Woods"

In 2021, a timber pavilion called "Into the Woods" was built in the garden of the Swiss Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was created on the occasion of the annual festival "3 Days of Design".

Project Location
Hellerup, Denmark
Software
RSTAB 8 | Structural Frame & Truss Analysis Software

More About Customer Project

Azerbaijan Pavilion at Expo 2021 in Dubai, UAE (© Rubner – Versatile Synergy)

The pavilion consists of three structures: a tree, an agora, and a footbridge. The tree consists of elements creeping from the bottom to the top, a trunk, and branches. The agora at the foot of the tree forms the entrance to the pavilion and consists of horizontal components at a height of 5 m (16.4 ft).

Project Location
Dubai, UAE
Software
RFEM

More About Customer Project

Integrated Standards for Timber Design

Standards for Timber Design

NDS 2018 (US Standard)

EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode 5)

AS 1720 | 2010-06 (Australian standard)

CSA O86-19 (Canadian standard)

SIA 265:2021-05 (Swiss standard)

GB 50005 | 2017-11 (Chinese standard)

CSA 086-14 (Canadian Standard)

NTC | 2018-01 (Italian standard)

Annexes for EN 1995-1-1

DIN EN 1995-1-1/NA:2014-07 (Germany)

ÖNORM EN 1995-1-1/NA:2019-06 (Austria)

SN EN 1995-1-1/NA:2015-03 (Switzerland)

BDS EN 1995-1-1/NA:20157-06 (Bulgaria)

BS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2019-09 (United Kingdom)

CEN EN 1995-1-1/2014-05 (European Union)

CYS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2019-06 (Cyprus)

CZE EN 1995-1-1/NA:2015-05 (Czech Republic)

DS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2019-09 (Denmark)

ELOT EN 1995-1-1/NA:2010-01 (Greece)

EVS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2015-11 (Estonia)

HRN EN 1995-1-1/NA:2015-03 (Croatia)

I.S. I. 1995-1-1/NA:2014-05 (Irland)

ILNAS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2020-3 (Luxembourg)

IST EN 1995-1-1/NA:2014-09 (Iceland)

LST EN 1995-1-1/NA:2014-06 (Lithuania)

LVS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2014-12 (Latvia)

MSZ EN 1995-1-1/NA:2015-06 (Hungary)

NBN EN 1995-1-1/NA:2014-06 (Belgium)

NEN EN 1995-1-1/NA:2014-06 (Netherlands)

NF EN 1995-1-1/NA:2020-04 (France)

NP EN 1995-1-1/NA:2014-09 (Portugal)

NS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2014-08 (Norway)

PN EN 1995-1-1/NA:2014-07 (Poland)

SFS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2016-12 (Finland)

SIST EN 1995-1-1/NA:2018-01 (Slovenia)

SR EN 1995-1-1/NA:2014-12 (Romania)

SS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2018-02 (Singapore)

SS EN 1995-1-1/NA:2014-05 (Sweden)

STN EN 1995-1-1/NA:2019-12 (Slovakia)

TKP EN 1995-1-1/NA:2019-09 (Belarus)

UNE EN 1995-1-1/NA:2016-04 (Spain)

UNI EN 1995-1-1/NA:2016-11 (Italy)

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Do you have any questions about timber structures?

Prompt Category

Solutions | Timber Structures

Solutions | Timber Structures

Solutions | Timber Structures

Solutions | Timber Structures

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Events

2024-05-15

Online Training

RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to Steel Design

2024-05-16

Consideration of Construction Stages in RFEM 6

Webinar

Consideration of Construction Stages in RFEM 6

2024-05-21

CSA O86:19 CLT Building Design in RFEM 6

Webinar

CSA O86:19 CLT Building Design in RFEM 6 (USA)

2024-05-23

Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dlubal Support Team

Webinar

Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dlubal Support Team | May 2024

2024-05-28

$Steel Structures in RFEM 6 \n Part 1: Modeling, Load Input$

Webinar

Modeling and Design of Steel Structures in RFEM 6 | Part 1: Modeling, Load Input

2024-06-06

$Steel Structures in RFEM 6 \n Part 2: Combinations, Design, Documentation$

Webinar

Modeling and Design of Steel Structures in RFEM 6 | Part 2: Combinations, Design, Documentation

2024-06-20

Webinar

Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dlubal Support Team | June 2024

2024-10-16

Online Training

RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to Member Design

2024-10-23

Online Training

RSECTION 1 | Students | Introduction to Strength of Materials

2024-10-30

Online Training

RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to FEM

2024-11-05 - 2024-11-07

Conference

NCSEA Structural Engineering Summit

2024-11-06

Online Training

RFEM 6 | Students | Introduction to Steel Design

Videos

RFEM 6 for Students | Introduction to Timber Design

Event

RFEM 6 for Students | Introduction to Timber Design | April 30, 2024

Length: 00:00:00 min

FAQ 005511 | What does each option do under the "Calculation of Torsion" section under the Strength…

FAQ

FAQ 005511 | What does each option do under the "Calculation of Torsion" section under the Strength…

Length: 00:00:16 min

FAQ

FAQ 005494 | How can I model a timber beam with stiffening on both sides? (splice)

Length: 00:01:22 min

Product Feature

Fire Resistance Design of Surfaces for EN 1995, SIA 265, NDS, and CSA O86

Length: 00:00:56 min

Event

Webinar | Timber Floor Calculations in RFEM 6

Length: 00:55:27 min

Event

RFEM 6 for Students | Introduction to Timber Design | November 29, 2023

Length: 01:10:03 min

Product Feature

Cross‑Section Optimization

Length: 00:00:56 min

FAQ

FAQ 005410 | How is the equivalent dimension calculated for round section in the Timber Design ad...

Length: 00:00:28 min

Event

Webinar | Introduction to RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9 | Part 2: Combinatorics, Design, Documentation

Length: 01:01:40 min

Playlist

Models to Download

512x

104x

Timber Frame Building

Model 004809 | Cross-Laminated Timber Building

427x

61x

Cross-Laminated Timber Building

261x

27x

Timber Slab

Model 004717 | Ceiling with Line Releases

301x

31x

Ceiling with Line Releases

Model 004707 | Office Building of Municipal Works in Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany

305x

Office Building Timber Structure with Reinforced Concrete Elements

528x

Timber Industrial Hall Siegrist Igor Carpenteria

521x

55x

Trussed Roof

525x

60x

Timber-Concrete Building

736x

56x

Timber Column Base

Knowledge Base Articles

KB 001848 | Timber Column Design as per the 2018 NDS Standard in RFEM 6

Using the Timber Design add-on, timber column design is possible according to the 2018 NDS standard ASD method. Accurately calculating timber member compressive capacity and adjustment factors is important for safety considerations and design. The following article will verify the maximum critical buckling strength calculated by the Timber Design add-on using step-by-step analytical equations as per the NDS 2018 standard including the compressive adjustment factors, adjusted compressive design value, and final design ratio.

KB 001825 | WebService & API for Analysis of Construction Stages

When calculating regular structures, data input is often not complicated but time-consuming. Input automation can save valuable time. The task described in the present article is to consider the stories of a house as single construction stages. Data is entered using a C# program so that the user does not have to enter the elements of the individual floors manually.

Our webservice offers users the opportunity to communicate with RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9 using various programming languages. Dlubal's high-level functions (HLFs) allow you to expand and simplify the WebService's functionality. In line with RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9, using our WebService makes the engineer's work easier and faster. Check it out now! This tutorial shows you how to use the C# library by means of a simple example.

KB 001851 | Two-Hinged Frame with Individual Pin-Ended Column in Plane

The modal relevance factor is a result of the linear stability analysis and qualitatively describes the degree of participation of individual members in a specific mode shape.

Screenshots

Deformed Cross-Laminated Timber Slab with Point Supports in RFEM 6

Timber Structure of Lookout Tower

This image shows a user interface of the RFEM 6 software, which is used for the structural analysis and design. In the main area of the interface, there is a complex 3D model of a timber structure, presented in two different styles: before and after the deformation.

Global Deformation – Before and After Position of Timber Structure Due to Wind Forces in RFEM 6 | Knies Magician's Hat in Rapperswil, Switzerland © Ghisleni Partner AG

Global Deformation of Timber Structure Due to Wind Forces in RFEM 6 | Knies Magician's Hat in Rapperswil, Switzerland © Ghisleni Partner AG

RFEM Model of Palazzo Meridia Office and Retail Building in Nice, France

Tower Structure with Wind Load Generation in RFEM 6

Product Features

Using the "Beam Panel" thickness type, you can model timber panel elements in 3D space. You just specify the surface geometry and the timber panel elements are generated using an internal member-surface construct, including the simulation of the connection flexibility.

Go to Explanatory Video

Feature 002585 | Fire Resistance Design of Surfaces for EN 1995 and SIA 265

You have the option to perform the fire resistance design of surfaces using the reduced cross-section method. The reduction is applied over the surface thickness. It is possible to perform the design checks for all timber materials allowed for the design.

For cross-laminated timber, depending on the type of adhesive, you can select whether it is possible for individual carbonized layer parts to fall off, and whether you can expect increased charring in certain layer areas.

Feature 002615 | Cross-Laminated Timber Manufacturer Library for USA, Canada, and Switzerland

Among others, the following cross-laminated timber manufacturers are available in the layer structure library:

Binderholz (USA)
KLH (USA, CAN)
Kalesnikoff (USA, CAN)
Nordic Structures (USA, CAN)
Mercer Mass Timber
SmartLam
Sterling Structural
Superstructures listed in Lignatec Edition 32 "Cross-Laminated Timber of Swiss Production"

By importing a structure from the layer structure library, all relevant parameters are adopted automatically. The library is continually updated.

The Timber Design add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9 is multi-purpose and combines a large number of additional elements. [*S16332764*] Timber Design Add-on for RFEM 6

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What calculation is carried out for the NDS Strength Configuration "Calculation of Torsion" options?

Which Dlubal software products do you recommend for the structural analysis and design of timber structures in particular?

How can I model a timber beam with stiffening on both sides? (splice)

How can I generate an area load on members via cells in RFEM 6 or RSTAB 9?

Which programs do I need for laminate and sandwich structures, or cross-laminated timber (CLT)?

Which Dlubal Software programs can I use to calculate and design timber structures?