With the new RFEM 3D module, Almacon not only calculates your mezzanine to be stronger, but above all smarter. Our online module determines the vibration frequency, also known as the natural frequency, of your new mezzanine floor. This allows us to design lighter, safer, and more cost-efficient structures. All in accordance with the relevant global standards. Read on to find out what this means for you.
RFEM program for calculating vibration
Almacon recently started working with RFEM, a new 3D calculation program for calculating earthquake-resistant structures. For steel structures, this allows us to accurately calculate the natural frequency (vibration) of mezzanine floors. This helps us to calculate your floor in the correct and most reliable way.
-
- Berekening eigenfrequentie
From 2D to 3D: floor vibrations visualized more accurately
Previously, each grid was calculated separately. The interaction between the grids was determined manually.
With the RFEM module, we now work in 3D. The model is three-dimensional and takes dynamic behavior into account. This allows us to accurately determine the natural frequency of mezzanine floors, leading to better-founded results for your design.
The advantages
✅ Increased accuracy
In RFEM, we model and calculate in a 3D environment. This allows us to determine the natural frequency of mezzanine floors.
✅ Lighter designs, same safety
Using the Response Spectrum method in this module, we assess earthquake behavior using an advanced method. This often allows the structure to be made lighter without compromising safety. This often results in a cost advantage for you as a customer.
✅ Time saving
RFEM calculates the natural frequency. This reduces the number of calculation steps and delivers reliable results faster.
✅ Clear reporting
For each design, we generate a comprehensive report containing assumptions, models, and calculation results. We can share this report with you.
✅Global standards
RFEM supports national standards and is kept up to date. If you are building outside the Netherlands, for example in Italy, we will calculate according to the requirements of that country.
-
- 2D-stramien
Controlling vibrations
Another major advantage of the RFEM module that has not yet been mentioned is the control of floor movements. Sometimes a floor can move “in time” with what is happening on top of it, such as walking, running, or the use of machines. Every floor has its own natural frequency. This refers to how often it naturally vibrates/moves per second. If the rhythm on the floor, for example due to footsteps, is approximately equal to this natural frequency, the vibration amplifies itself. The floor then noticeably moves back and forth.
What do we do with RFEM?
- We calculate the natural frequency (in Hertz) of your floor.
- We adjust the design, for example thickness and girder spacing, so that the natural frequency falls outside the rhythm of normal use.
In practical terms, this means that the floor cannot move out of place. So no stacking movement and no annoying wobbling. We ensure that your floor is not susceptible to this.
Training courses
We receive weekly training updates from the supplier of the RFEM module. This allows our engineers to follow targeted training courses and ensures that we remain demonstrably up to date with the latest functionalities and relevant changes to standards.
Conclusion
In short, with the new RFEM module, we clearly visualize the dynamic behavior of mezzanine floors, including natural frequency. You receive a substantiated design that can be made lighter, remains safe, and complies with the applicable standards.
Questions about floor vibrations or a mezzanine in preparation?
Please feel free to contact us. We will assess your situation, perform a quick natural frequency check in RFEM if desired, and advise you on the options that are best suited to your project and standards. Clear, well-founded, and tailored to your floor.
📞 Call 079-3610663 and ask for Paul Voorduin
📧 Mail paul.voorduin@almacon.nl
“Almacon tilt klanten letterlijk en figuurlijk naar een hoger level”
Lees ook
Innovatieve mezzanines in beeld
Slimme ruimtebenutting op verrassende plekken