RFEM review
A Windows desktop tool for structural engineers modeling and analyzing members, surfaces, and solids.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
RFEM is Dlubal Software’s three-dimensional finite-element analysis application for structural engineers. It supports models built from members, surfaces, and solids, with workflows covering steel, concrete, timber, and other structural materials. Small, mid-market, and enterprise practices may consider it when their work centers on structural simulation rather than general-purpose simulation methods.
Its analysis scope is a key strength: RFEM supports linear and nonlinear calculations, stability and buckling studies, and dynamic and seismic analysis. Material and cross-section libraries support model definition, while result visualization and evaluation help users inspect analysis outputs. The modular add-on architecture extends the application into structural design workflows. This focus makes RFEM a fit for teams that need finite-element modeling and structural analysis in one engineering application, rather than discrete-event, system-dynamics, or agent-based simulation.
RFEM is desktop software for Windows, so organizations looking for cloud deployment or another platform should consider alternatives. It is proprietary and has no free plan. According to the vendor’s product page, prospective customers are directed to contact Dlubal Software for pricing rather than choosing from a published numeric price. That sales-led route may suit practices evaluating a specialized engineering package, but it gives buyers no public plan comparison to use as a first screening step. Choose RFEM if structural finite-element analysis and design workflows are central; look elsewhere if broad simulation paradigms, cloud access, or publicly listed pricing are priorities.
RFEM pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Models members, surfaces, and solids in three dimensions
- Covers linear, nonlinear, stability, buckling, dynamic, and seismic analysis
- Modular add-ons support structural design workflows
- Where it doesn't
- Windows desktop deployment only
- No free plan
- Pricing requires contacting Dlubal Software
RFEM fact sheet, pricing and score →
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