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The “RC Verification FEM” module is the dedicated environment for the structural verification of reinforced concrete beams and columns.
It allows static and seismic checks to be carried out using the internal forces from the global FEM analysis directly, ensuring consistency between the model and the results. Frame checks are presented with immediate visualization and graphic coding, with automatic identification of the most unfavourable combinations to facilitate interpretation.
In the results screen, a yellow triangle next to an element indicates checks that have not been passed. In the 3D model, the tooltip clearly highlights the status of the elements and the governing combination.
This allows the designer to quickly identify critical elements, compare alternatives, and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
The module integrates into the FEM workflow as a natural extension from analysis to verification, offering a single, coherent environment for safer and more informed design.
Static Analysis
The module enables the static analysis of reinforced concrete frames, both new and existing, within mixed buildings, ensuring an integrated and consistent three-dimensional model. Once defined in the “Structure” environment, the building is discretized using a FEM mesh to compute the internal forces derived directly from the 3D model under static loads.
Checks cover beams, columns, footings, and shear walls, with an appropriate distinction between newly designed elements and as-built elements, allowing realistic management of construction-site conditions.
For new elements, the software automatically generates the reinforcement layout, while for existing elements the user manually enters the material properties and the reinforcement present, leaving the solver to validate safety against the acting actions.
Finally, the system provides a detailed reading of the results through the examination of bending moments, shear forces, stresses, and resistance diagrams, ensuring a precise assessment of overall structural performance.
Seismic Analysis
The finite element approach for three-dimensional seismic analysis makes it possible to evaluate the overall behaviour of the building, overcoming the limitations of local checks and ensuring a realistic distribution of internal forces. For existing structures, actual materials and knowledge levels can be defined, while for new structures the model supports the design and optimization of the elements.
Checks on beams, columns, and shear walls are carried out using the internal forces derived from the global FEM model, with reference to the Life Safety Limit State (LS) and the Damage Limit State (DL).
The FEM approach is particularly effective in complex cases, such as structures with offset (false) elements, statically indeterminate schemes, or strong interaction between masonry and reinforced concrete frames.
For existing structures, the software allows the actual reinforcement to be modelled in order to verify seismic capacity, while for new structures it performs automatic reinforcement design. The computation environment also facilitates the identification of critical issues through a detailed visualization of the internal-force and resistance diagrams.
Reinforcement Design
Within mixed buildings combining load-bearing masonry and reinforced concrete, the module offers advanced reinforcement management, integrating modelling, verification, and design within a single environment. Moving beyond the traditional local approach, frames are analysed using the actual internal forces derived from the global behaviour of the three-dimensional FEM model.
For existing reinforced concrete structures, the software allows the actual reinforcement to be entered and any deficiencies to be assessed, highlighting critical issues with specific indicators. Where the outcome is unsatisfactory, strengthening interventions can be designed using FRP and FRCM composite systems, both longitudinal and transverse, drawing on customizable libraries compliant with the CNR-DT 200 and CNR-DT 215 guidelines.
The designer can define in detail the geometry, number of layers, fiber orientation, and anchorages, simulating the actual behaviour of the reinforcement on the element. The effectiveness of the intervention is automatically verified by comparing the pre- and post-intervention limit states, while the graphical representation in the 3D model ensures an intuitive reading of the performance and results obtained.
