Dlubal RFEM
Dlubal RFEM is a powerful 3D finite element analysis software that allows engineers to model, analyze, and design complex structures consisting of members, surfaces, and solids.
Solibri
Solibri is a comprehensive model checking software providing automated BIM quality assurance and coordination to help you find and fix design errors before construction begins.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Dlubal RFEM | Solibri |
|---|---|---|
| Website | dlubal.com | solibri.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Custom |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 90 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1987 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Tiefenbach, Germany | Helsinki, Finland |
Overview
Dlubal RFEM
RFEM is a versatile finite element analysis (FEA) program that helps you handle structural engineering projects of any complexity. You can model diverse structures including buildings, bridges, towers, and industrial plants using a combination of members, surfaces, and solid elements. The software provides a modular system where you start with the base program and add specific design modules for materials like steel, concrete, timber, or glass as your project requires.
You can perform linear and non-linear calculations, stability analysis, and dynamic investigations within a unified graphical interface. The platform integrates into your existing BIM workflows, allowing you to synchronize data with Revit, Tekla Structures, and AutoCAD. Whether you are designing a simple beam or a massive stadium, you can verify your results against international standards and generate professional, verifiable documentation for your clients.
Solibri
Solibri helps you take control of your building information models by providing advanced quality assurance and clash detection. Instead of manually hunting for design inconsistencies, you can use automated rule-based checking to identify issues in architectural, structural, and MEP models. This ensures your data is accurate, compliant with local building codes, and ready for the construction site without costly surprises.
You can bring together models from different disciplines to perform cross-domain coordination and verify that everything fits perfectly. The platform allows you to extract precise quantities for cost estimation and communicate issues directly with your design team through standardized reporting. It is designed for BIM managers, architects, and contractors who need to guarantee the highest level of model integrity throughout the project lifecycle.
Overview
Dlubal RFEM Features
- 3D Finite Element Modeling Create complex models using members, surfaces, and solids in a single environment to simulate real-world structural behavior.
- Modular Design System Customize your workspace by adding specific modules for steel, concrete, or timber design based on your project needs.
- BIM Integration Exchange data with Revit, Tekla, and Rhino to keep your structural models synchronized with the architectural design.
- Non-linear Analysis Perform advanced calculations for large deformations, cable structures, and material non-linearity to ensure structural safety.
- Automatic Mesh Generation Generate high-quality finite element meshes automatically for surfaces and solids to get accurate results with less manual effort.
- Professional Documentation Create detailed printout reports with graphics and tables that update automatically when you change your model.
Solibri Features
- Automated Model Checking. Run automated checks against your models to identify clashes, missing components, and logical errors in seconds.
- Clash Detection. Find and resolve physical conflicts between different building systems like structural steel and HVAC ducting.
- Deficiency Detection. Scan your models for missing information or components that don't meet specific project requirements or building codes.
- BIM Coordination. Combine models from various disciplines into one federated view to manage the entire project's spatial coordination.
- Information Takeoff. Extract accurate quantities and data from your models to simplify your cost estimation and procurement processes.
- Issue Management. Track, manage, and communicate design issues with your team using BCF files for seamless cross-platform collaboration.
Pricing Comparison
Dlubal RFEM Pricing
Solibri Pricing
Pros & Cons
Dlubal RFEM
Pros
- Highly flexible modular system saves money on unused features
- Exceptional technical support from qualified structural engineers
- Intuitive graphical interface compared to other FEA packages
- Robust integration with popular BIM and CAD software
- Extensive library of international design codes and standards
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced non-linear modules
- Initial setup and module selection can be complex
- High hardware requirements for large-scale solid modeling
Solibri
Pros
- Advanced rule-based checking goes beyond simple clash detection
- Excellent support for open BIM standards like IFC
- Highly customizable rules to fit specific project requirements
- Reliable data extraction for accurate quantity takeoffs
Cons
- Significant learning curve for creating custom rules
- Requires high-performance hardware for large complex models
- Pricing can be high for smaller design firms