Here's an overview of RAM Concept's key capabilities:

• Complete modeling of the floor as physical objects: slabs, beams, walls, columns, openings, penetrations, etc., with the option to trace over a CAD background.
• Option to create design objects (such as design spans and strips, and studded shear reinforcement) either manually or by intelligent program automation.
• Organization of user interface by layers, much like a CAD program. This allows easy access to the large amount of information in the model.
• Placement of reinforcement either manually or by automatic program selection, with the option to 'freeze' program reinforcement.
• Tendon placement tools that allow the post-tensioning or prestressing in even large, complicated floors to be quickly established and refined.
• 3D finite element analysis of the structure, with rationalization into resultants for easy processing of results by the designer.
• Exhaustive design capabilities including consideration of short and long term states, service and strength criteria, punching shear design, vibration due to walking, and advanced deflection calculations using load history.
• 2D and 3D plots of virtually any possible response quantity.
• Creation of CAD file from reinforcing or post-tensioning plans in RAM Concept.
• Integrate RAM Concept models with [[RAM Structural System]], [[STAAD.Pro]], or [[STAAD(X)]] to analyze and design the remainder of the structure for full gravity load takedown and systematic lateral loads.

Key Features

• Flexible Structural Modeling
  • Elevated floors and mat foundations
  • One-way and two-way slabs, pan joists, waffle slabs, beams, and girders
  • Orthotropic or isotropic slab properties
  • Drop caps, drop panels and random thickenings of any shape at any location
  • Openings of any shape at any location
  • Wall, column, point spring and line spring supports
  • Accurate modeling of irregular structures
  • Zero-tension area (soil) springs
  • Imported CAD drawing as snapping background
• Automated meshing, with intelligent resolution of geometric misalignments and tolerance problems
• Tendon Modeling
  • Banded, distributed, and arbitrarily placed tendons
  • Friction losses including consideration of horizontal curves
  • Analysis includes 3D hyperstatic (secondary) effects
  • Placement of jacks with consideration of anchor losses
• Loading Analysis
  • X, Y, and Z-direction point, line, and area force loads
  • Mx and My point, line, and area moment loads
  • Line loads (force and moment) can vary linearly from end to end
  • Area loads (force and moment) can vary linearly in two directions
  • Self-weight and tendon loadings calculated automatically
  • Self-equilibrium loadings available for integrating floor-system analysis with
  • building frame analysis from any source
  • Frequency analysis and vibration response due to walking
• Pattern Loading
  • Loads can be filtered through arbitrary-shaped patterns with on-pattern and off-pattern factors
  • Patterns loading effects automatically enveloped together
• Live Load Reduction
  • ASCE 7, Eurocode 1, NBC of Canada, AS/NZS 1170.1, BS 6399-1, IBC, IS 875, UBC
  • Arbitrary loading patterns may be specified
  • Tributary/influence areas may be specified or calculated by the program
• Load Combinations
  • Automatically generated load combinations for each design code
  • Optional user-specified load combinations (no limit)
  • Two load factors per loading, allowing easy enveloping of max and min forces
  • Zero-tension area spring results for mat/raft foundations
• Span and Cross Section Design
  • Automated layout of design spans
  • Post-tensioned, reinforced, and hybrid concrete design
  • Strength design (bending and shear)
  • Initial service design (transfer of prestressing forces)
  • Service design
  • Ductility design
  • Cracked section analysis
  • Long-term deflections considering cracking, creep, and shrinkage
  • Support for design according to ACI 318, EC2, AS 3600, BS 8110-1997, IS 456, CAN/CSA A23.3-04
• Punching Shear Design
  • Automated generation of critical section considering actual (not simplified) geometries
  • Design for columns above or below the slab
  • Consideration of biaxial moments
  • Design of studded shear reinforcement (SSR)
• Report Generation
  • Fully customizable professional reports
  • Reports are complete ready-to-submit calculations
  • Reports can be printed to any page size or orientation
  • Audit of cross sections or punching checks for review of all steps in the design process
• Graphics and Visualization
  • Interactive, rendered three-dimensional views of concrete geometry, reinforcing bars, tendons, and shear reinforcing
  • Two or three-dimensional color coded plot of any analysis quantity
  • View color-coded difference between two plots to easily compare two analysis or design states
  • Animation of plots
• Integration Features
  • RAM Concept can be run as a module within RAM Structural System, and results included in the *.rss file
  • Import of structure and loadings from RAM Structural System
  • Export of geometry to RAM Structural System
  • Import of structure and loadings from STAAD
  • Import and Export of CAD drawings
  • Compliance with Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM) format, for interoperability with other Bentley products
• Other Features
  • Multiple and mixed unit systems (US, SI, and MKS)
  • Strip Wizard for 2D modeling
  • Industry leading technical support

RAM Concept has been used on projects of all sizes around the world. Below is a list of some notable structures on which the software played a key role in the structural design.

Shard at London Bridge Quarter, London, United Kingdom

http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/RAM+Concept/Case+Studies.htm

Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, Singapore

http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/RAM+Concept/Case+Studies.htm

Trump International Hotel & Tower, Waikiki, Hawaii

https://communities.bentley.com/products/structural/structural_analysis___design/w/structural_analysis_and_design__wiki/6862.aspx

Manchester Hilton, United Kingdom

http://ftp2.bentley.com/dist/collateral/Web/BEAwards07/Posters/Building_272.pdf

K2 Business Park, Russia

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/bemagazine/vol6issue4/index.php?startid=29#/30

RAM Concept's organization of criteria, input, and results through the layer system shown below allows a wealth of information to be organized cleanly for ease of navigation and user interaction.

Tree structure interface for navigating different input and results windows in RAM Concept. The results within each rule set (service, strength, ductility, etc.) can be investigated in detail.

RAM Concept allows the assignment of a priority value to any slab, beam, or opening in the model. This allows the engineer a simple but powerful means of reconciling overlapping elements within the floor.

Modeling plan layer with user assigned priority value for each element in the floor.

Resulting physical model once meshing has been done. Note the greater thickness of the beam framing from the left side of the column takes priority as it has a larger priority value.

One, two, and three-dimensional plots of virtually any demand, capacity, or response quantity can be drawn on screen.

Plot of flexural capacity and demand envelopes along design spans.

Three-dimensional color-coded plot of first mode of vibration.
 

I am getting a note in my analysis output as shown next

  *** NOTE: MASS MODEL FORMED WILL BE USED IN SEISMIC/RESPONSE/TIME HISTORY LOADING, IF ANY.

             IF MASS MODEL IS SEPARATELY PROVIDED IN INDIVIDUAL LOADING, THE GENERATED MASS

             WILL BE REPLACED BY THE MASS PROVIDED IN INDIVIDUAL LOADING.

What does the warning mean ?

The note is a standard note which is output when a mass type reference load is specified.

STAAD.Pro uses the mass, defined as part of a mass type reference load case, as the dynamic mass for response spectrum or time history load or as seismic weight for equivalent static seismic loads. However if the user separately specifies the seismic weight as part of the seismic definition or specifies the seismic mass separately as part of a response spectrum or time history load case, then the later would be used as seismic weight/mass as opposed to the mass defined as part of the mass type reference load.

The note simply explains this software behavior.

The World's #1 Structural Analysis and Design Software

STAAD.Pro is the professional's choice for steel, concrete, timber, aluminum and cold-formed steel design of low and high-rise buildings, culverts, petrochemical plants, tunnels, bridges, piles and much more!

STAAD.Pro is the premier FEM analysis and design tool for any type of project including towers, culverts, plants, bridges, stadiums, and marine structures. With an array of advanced analysis capabilities including linear static, response spectra, time history, cable, and pushover and non-linear analyses, STAAD.Pro provides your engineering team with a scalable solution that will meet the demands of your project every time.

Vist the STAAD.Pro product Page for additional information on this product.

STAAD.Pro is CONNECTED. Why CONNECT?

STAAD.Pro is ISM Enabled.

LEARN

View STAAD.Pro learning paths on Bentley's LEARNserver.

Download

You can download the latest version of STAAD.Pro from Bentley's Fulfillment Center.

STAAD.Pro is available under a Structural Enterprise License. Learn more.

Support

Visit [[STAAD.Pro Support Solutions]]

Related

[[STAAD Foundation Advanced]], [[STAAD(X)]], [[Microstran]], [[RAM Elements]]

I am using IS800:2007 code. How can I perform deflection check using service load cases?

Since STAAD.Pro SS6 version, it is necessary to specify the service load envelope before the design parameter command to perform the deflection check. Else deflection check is not performed by the program and a warning message will be printed in the output file as --

**WARNING- Deflection check of member # xx will not be performed as service envelope not provided.

For IS800:2007 code, the design routine can do deflection checks based on SERVICEABILITY LOAD ENVELOPES and strength checks based on STRENGTH LOAD ENVELOPES as part of the same design cycle. One needs to define serviceability envelope and strength envelope first consisting of the appropriate cases and then define a LOAD LIST ENV command  for the design to consider these as explained below. 

For example, if you have defined strength load combination cases 100 to 120 and serviceability combination cases 200 to 210, to perform the deflection check along with the strength check, you need to first define the load envelopes as --

DEFINE ENVELOPE
100 TO 120 ENVELOPE 1 TYPE STRENGTH
200 TO 210 ENVELOPE 2 TYPE SERVICEABILITY
END DEFINE ENVELOPE

In the next step, you need to use the LOAD LIST ENV command and specify those envelopes as --

LOAD LIST ENVELOPE 1 2

PARAMETER 1

CODE IS800 LSD

< Specify all design parameters including the deflection check parameters - DFF, DJ1, DJ2>

CHECK CODE ALL

STAAD then use load cases 100 to 120 for strength checks and load cases 200 to 210 for deflection check.

NOTE : In any older version of STAAD (SS5, SS4 version etc.), the above mentioned criteria was not necessary. If you include the LOAD LIST <load case numbers> command and deflection check parameters, program reports the deflection check results.

3D Structural Analysis and Design Software

RAM Elements is a unique combination of a 3D finite element analysis/design program with structural engineering toolkit modules for every day engineering design needs.

• Design of hot-rolled and cold-formed steel, wood, masonry, and concrete can be done, all within a single model in one interface.
• RAM Elements provides structural engineers with a toolkit set of modules for the analysis and design of structural elements, including: concrete beams, continuous beams, reinforced concrete columns, wood structures, trusses, spread or combined footings, retaining walls, tilt-up walls, concrete walls, and masonry walls.

• [[RAM Connection]] is also integrated grated with RAM Elements with an appropriate license. Steel connections can be designed without leaving the RAM Elements interface.
• Full 3D finite element analysis capabilities are also in RAM Elements.  

Vist the RAM Elements product Page for additional information on this product.

RAM Elements is CONNECTED. Why CONNECT?

RAM Elements is ISM Enabled.

LEARN

View RAM Elements learning paths on Bentley's LEARNserver.

Video

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Download

You can download the latest version of RAM Elements from Bentley's Fulfillment Center.

RAM Elements is available under a Structural Enterprise License. Learn more.

Support

Visit [[RAM Elements Support Solutions]]

Related

[[RAM Structural System]], [[RAM Connection]], [[STAAD(X)]], [[STAAD.Pro]], [[Microstran]]

Overview

This page is the landing page for user help for modeling design strips in RAM Concept. The page is divided into two main sections: Tech Notes and Frequently Asked Questions. The Tech Notes section includes links to web pages with in-depth discussion of other issues relating to design strips. The Frequently Asked Question section includes common questions relating to design strip modeling and properties.

It is recommended that users become familiar with the “Defining Design Strips” chapter in the RAM Concept Manual, which contains additional guidelines on design strips that are not included here.

Tech Notes

Generating Span Segments

Defining Manual Design Strip Boundaries

Cross Section Trimming including tips for Drop Caps and Drop Panels

Design Strips and Slab Openings

Frequently Asked Questions

When should design strips be modeled with column and ½-middle strips and when should they be modeled as full-width column strips?

RAM Concept uses a finite element analysis to determine design forces. These forces are determined by integrating (or averaging) the finite element forces across the width of the column or ½ middle strips. The wider the strip, the more the design force is averaged and the greater the difference to the peak design force in the strip.

Figure 1 shows a typical moment distribution. Note that the moments are highest near the column and decrease toward the middle of the span. Using the column/middle strip approach forces the program to integrate moments with similar magnitudes across the width of the strip. The design moment for the column strip will be closer to the peak moment than if a full-width design strip was used. It is important to remember that the use of column and middle strips only affects the integration of forces, but does not affect load distribution in the finite element analysis.

 Figure 1. Typical Moment Distribution Across Column and Middle Strips

In some cases, it may be desirable to use design strips modeled as full-width column strips instead of column and two half middle strips. If two columns are close together, for example, the moment distribution may not vary significantly over the width of the strip (see Figure 2). Averaging moments over the full tributary width may be justified.

 Figure 2. Typical Moment Distribution for Closely Spaced Columns

It is also acceptable to define full-width strips for the column strips and full middle strips manually in lieu of using column strips and ½ middle strips (see Figure 3). This allows for the middle strip to be designed as one strip instead of two separate strips. This approach may be the best option when the ½ middle strips are narrow. To model full-width middle strips, the span segments must be modeled independently using the span segment tool. RAM Concept will not generate the span segments for these strips automatically. Where the column support is large, you may want to may want to set the support width to the column dimension for the full-width column strip and 0 for the full-width middle strip. Assuming that the span segments are extended to the centerline of the support, this will force the program to locate the first cross-section at the support centerline as opposed to the centerline of the column (see Figure 3).

 Figure 3. Full-Width Column and Middle Strips

Full-width column strips are typically used for post-tensioned slabs for the following reasons:

• Capacity calculations of post-tensioned slab have generally assumed that the precompression in the slab is distributed over the full tribuary width.
• Tendons are often banded along column grid lines.
• The column/middle strip approach was developed for use for the approximate two-way slab method discussed in Chapter 13 of ACI 318-05. These do not apply to prestressed slabs per ACI 318-05 18.2.1.

Some design codes require column and middle strips for PT design and require some distribution of tendons in both the column and middle strips. Problems can occur in PT slabs with banded tendons if a column/middle strip layout is used and a tendon does not intersect the middle strip. See the following web page for more information:

Balance and Hyperstatic Loading

Are there any recommendations for modeling design strips for beams?

For design strips parallel to the beam, it is best to align the design strip with the axis of the beam. If the strip is skewed slightly, then the Orient Span Cross-Section tool should be used to keep the cross-sections normal to the beam.

Engineering judgment should be used to model the design strips perpendicular to the beam. Beams can be supported by columns or other beams. The end points of the span segment should be defined at the centerline of each support. When beams are supported by other beams, it will be necessary to uncheck the box for “Detect Supports and Edges Automatically” in the Strip Generation tab of the Design Strip properties dialog and manually enter support widths (See Box 1 in Figure 4). The Support Width defines where the first (and last) cross-section is located, i.e. the critical section for moment design. Typically, the critical section is taken at the face of the supporting column or beam, although some engineers take the critical section at the centerline of the support. When the critical section is taken at the face of the support, it is best to model the support width 2” larger than wider than the actual width to avoid any rounding or snapping errors. Note that when design strips extend past an intersecting beam, a portion of the cross-section may be trimmed by the inter cross-section slope limit. See the RAM Concept manual for more on this type of cross-section trimming.

Typically, design strips for beams have the Column Strip Width Calc set to “Code T-Beam” (See Box 2 in Figure 4) and the CS Design System set to “Beam” in the Strip Generation tab (see Figure 5). This ensures that the column strip includes the beam and its effective flange width and that the cross-sections are designed using the ACI provisions for beams as opposed to slabs. The Middle Strips tab will typically have the box for “Middle Strip uses Column Strip Properties” unchecked (see Box 4 in Figure 6). This allows for the beam and slab to be designed with different bar sizes. The MS Design System should be set to “Two-way slab” so that the code provisions for slab design are used for design (see Box 5 in Figure 6).

When modeling one-way slabs, it is convenient to use the “Design Column Strip for Column + Middle Strip Resultants (See Box 3 in Figure 4). When selected, forces are integrated separately over the column strip and each half middle strip, then added together, and used to design the column strip. This allows for the beam and its effective flange to be designed for the full design strip forces.

Figure 4. Typical Strip Generation Settings for Beam Design Strips

     Box 1. Option for manually defining support widths

     Box 2. Option for setting column strip width calc to "Code T-beam"

     Box 3. Option for designing column strip for column + middle strip resultants

Figure 5. Typical Column Strip Settings for Beam Design Strips

Figure 6. Typical Middle Strip Settings for Beam Design Strips

     Box 4. Option for choosing different properties for middle stips

     Box 5. Option for selecting design system for middle strips

Why does the Status Plan on the Design Status Layer show failures for ACI 318 18.3.3 (or other post-tension concrete code provision when the slab is a mild reinforced concrete slab and not a post-tensioned slab?

There is an option in the Default Span Properties dialog that controls whether the design strip is designed as a post-tensioned slab or a mild reinforced slab (see Figure 7 below). To change the setting for span segments that have been modeled previously, do the following:

1. Open the Latitude Design Spans Plan on the Design Strip layer.
2. Use the Selection Tool to select all span segments on the plan.
3. Right click in the plan window and choose "Selection Properties" from the menu to open the Default Span Properties dialog.
4. Click on the General tab.
5. Uncheck the box for "Consider as Post-Tensioned" (see Figure 7).
6. Repeat steps for the Longitude Design Spans Plan on the Design Strip layer.
7. Reanalyze model.

Figure 7. Consider as Post-Tensioned Option

See Also

Generating Span Segments

Structural Product TechNotes And FAQs

This page lists issues that has been observed in SS6 since it's release

Everything Needed for Steel Connection Design

RAM Connection can check or design connections in seconds. Whether you design connections or need to check connections designed by the shop, RAM Connection is the software for you. In just one low-cost package, you get both AISC ASD and LRFD as well as BS5950-1 connection design and optimization for shear and moment connections, braced frame connections, and column and beam splices. Through its seamless integration with the [[RAM Structural System]], [[RAM Elements]], and [[STAAD.Pro]], RAM Connection raises the bar to a new level of productivity. All data regarding member sizes, joint geometry, and forces are transferred directly from either the RAM Structural System, RAM Elements, or STAAD.Pro to RAM Connection.

Vist the RAM Connection product Page for additional information on this product.

RAM Connection is CONNECTED. Why CONNECT?

RAM Connection is ISM Enabled.

[[RAM Connection Key Features]]

LEARN

View RAM Connection learning paths on Bentley's LEARNserver.

Download

You can download the latest version of RAM Connection from Bentley's Fulfillment Center.

STAAD Foundation Advanced is available under a Structural Enterprise License. Learn more.

Support

Visit [[RAM Connection Support Solutions]]

Related

[[RAM Elements]], [[RAM Structural System]], [[STAAD.Pro]], [[Limcon]]

Flexibility built-in

Skews, slopes, or both are handled with ease-and if you're using RAM Connection integrated with RAM Steel, RAM Frame, RAM Elements, or STAAD.Pro then beam, column, and brace configurations are done automatically for you in seconds. Got a change? RAM Connection easily allows you to revise and modify single as well as groups of connections for easy and comprehensive solutions for your customers.

RAM Connection allows you to easily enter your own connection tables and rules-of-thumb to conform to your office standards. You can also simply choose from our large database of predefined connections to meet your design needs.

Advantages

Easy to use

RAM Connection is easy to use even when you just start working with it. Connections can be checked or designed in a matter of minutes!

Comprehensive connection types

RAM Connection is comprehensive, with all types of steel connection design for the U.S. codes and U.K. codes. Connection types include shear, moment, splice, and brace connections:

1. Beam - Column Flange (BCF)
2. Beam - Column Web (BCW)
3. Beam - Girder (BG)
4. Beam Splice (BS)
5. Column Splice (CS)
6. Continuous beam over column (CC)
7. Column, beams, and braces (CBB)
8. Chevron braces (CVR)
9. Vertical X braces (VXB)
10. Column - Base (CB)
11. Column - Base - Braces (CB)

Stand alone or fully integrated

RAM Connection can be used as a stand alone program or fully integrated with [[RAM Structural System]], [[RAM Elements]], and [[STAAD.Pro]]. The integration allows transfer of design force from your structural model and saves hours of time on each project.

Rapid changes

Single or sweeping changes to your designs can be made with RAM Connection. When your project calls for a preferred connection detail you can quickly specify this in RAM Connection, designing connections quickly.

Safe design

RAM Connection can group sets of connections to keep a project's connections uniform. This will allow you to optimize your model and provide an efficient yet safe design.

Fast, error-free design

RAM Connection provides easy to use CAD details of designed connections which can save hours of detailing time and also reduce errors in transfer of information.

Support for seismic design

RAM Connection deals with the seismic design connection requirements, which can be time consuming and difficult to keep up with.

Fast connection design and review

RAM Connection is the fastest way to review and check connection details and shop drawings. Design a connection from the beginning or review an existing one in minutes.

Comprehensive reporting

Comprehensive and thorough reports are provided by RAM Connection. These reports are easy to understand and can be used directly in your calculation submissions for building departments and peer reviews.

Best in class technical support

Bentley provides prompt and helpful technical support-the industry's most responsive. While other vendors may take days to respond to technical questions, and some vendors do not even provide technical support via telephone, our goal is to provide expert advice in hours, to help make sure you continue to be productive with our software tools.

Structural Design Software for Buildings

The RAM Structural System is powerful and versatile special purpose software for the analysis and design of building structures. It is useful in the design and analysis of commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. The RAM Structural System is composed of the following: RAM Manager, RAM Modeler, RAM Steel (steel gravity design), RAM Frame (lateral analysis), RAM Concrete (concrete design) and RAM Foundation (spread, pile and continuous foundation design).

Learn more by visiting the following product pages on Bentley.com:

• RAM Structural System
• RAM Modeler
• RAM Steel
• RAM Concrete

RAM Structural System is CONNECTED. Why CONNECT?

RAM Structural System is ISM Enabled.

LEARN

View RAM Structural System learning paths on Bentley's LEARNserver.

Download

You can download the latest version of RAM Structural System from Bentley's Fulfillment Center.

RAM Structural System is available under a Structural Enterprise License. Learn more.

Support

Visit [[RAM Structural System Support Solutions]]

Related

[[RAM Concept]], [[RAM Elements]], [[RAM Connection]], RAM Structural System Revit Link, RAM SBeam

RAM Concept and RAM Concrete Updates

(Please visit the site to view this video)Offsets in RAM Structural System

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Concrete Design Enhancements in RAM Structural System

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Problem Description

After converting a RAM Structural System model with embedded Ram Concept files to version 15.00 and then launching Ram Concept from the Ram Manager, the following type error may occur in Ram Concept:

Badly formatted project info: "{},"

Solution

In Ram Manager use the Bentley Cloud Services menu option to Disassociate Project from the model. You will need to be signed in to Bentley CONNECT in order for the options in the Bentley Cloud Services menu to be active. The Sign In link is in the upper right corner of the RAM Manager window.

You can Associate it back to a specific project afterwards. 

You can also open Ram Concept stand-alone and them Import any concrete level using File - Sync Ram Structural System...

This issue is being resolved in RAM Concept v06.01.00.006 and RAM SS 15.02.00.00. Updating to that version should also resolve the problem.

See Also

Unlinking Ram Concept Files from RAM SS

Release Date: Thursday, May 12, 2016
Version: RAM Concept CONNECT Edition V6 Update 1
Version Number: 6.1.0

Download Instructions:

Current and past RAM Concept releases can be downloaded from Bentley Cloud Services at:

http://connect.bentley.com

After signing in to the personal portal, select Software Downloads under My Support. Once on the Software Fulfillment page, RAM Concept installers can be located by performing a search on "RAM Concept", or by selecting Brand -> RAM. Note that although there are multiple listings for RAM Concept (RAM Concept, RAM Concept Post Tension Module, etc.), each of these takes the user to the same list of installers as all features of RAM Concept require only one installation.

Special Installation Instructions:

The installation of RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 1 will automatically uninstall previous CONNECT Edition versions (releases 6.0.0 and 6.0.1). V8i releases (version 5.2 and earlier) will not be automatically uninstalled and can remain side-by-side with RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 1. If using the RAM Concept integration with RAM Structural System, both products must be either the x86 or x64 version. For example, the use of RAM Concept x86 within RAM Structural System x64 is not supported.

Recommendations:

RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 1 is recommended for all projects, except those that are nearing final design.

New Features in RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 1:

In addition to minor error corrections and enhancements, RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 1 has the new features discussed below.

Referencing of Tendons and Reinforcing to Slab Mid-Depth

The vertical elevations of tendon and reinforcing objects (including manual tendons, profile polylines, and reinforcing) can now be referenced to the mid-depth of the slab.

Delete Multiple Criteria Items at Once

It is now possible to select and delete multiple criteria items at once as opposed to deleting items one at a time. This includes entities under the Criteria menu such as materials, loadings, load combos, design rules, etc.

Ability to Import or Ignore Crack Factors from RAM Structural System

When importing a floor from RAM Structural System, the user now has two choices in setting the element stiffness factors in RAM Concept. The crack factors set in RAM Modeler can be imported into RAM Concept and used for all elements, or the RAM Modeler crack factors can be ignored, allowing all of the stiffness factors in RAM Concept to default to 1.0.

Add Node Functionality Added for Span Boundary Polyline and Column Strip Boundary Polylines

It is now possible to add nodes to and delete nodes from span boundary polylines and column strip boundary polylines.

Overlapping Profile Polylines with Differing Properties

A warning is now delivered when two or more profile polylines with differing properties intersect at a tendon location.

Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM) version 5.0

RAM Concept is now compliant with version 5.0 of the ISM framework.

Error Corrections in RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 1:

This release of RAM Concept contains numerous corrections to defects, many of which are small or occur very infrequently. For clarity, only the more significant fixes are discussed below.

Drawn Area Load Not Included

In a very rare condition, a surface load polygon could be excluded from the analysis. This defect resulted from a very specific and rare polygon geometry. Details on the defect can be found here.A visual indication as to whether this condition is present is given by the hatching within the surface load polygon. Specifically, the hatching is drawn within only a portion of the affected polygon.

Punching Shear Critical Sections Incorrect

A problem that prevented Concept from generating critical sections that include projections to slab edges that resulted in points outside the punch check has been corrected.

Wall Outlines

When walls had "Outline Only" set on the Element Layer, the outline was not drawn until “Calc All” was performed.

Program Hang if CONNECTION Client Stops Working

If CONNECTION Client stopped working but had not yet closed, RAM Concept would experience a hang.

Pre-Concept 6.1.0 File Compatibility Warning:

RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 1 Release 6.1.0 can read all previous file formats, but writes files in a format that cannot be read by previous versions.

RAM Concept

Latest Major Version

• • RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 1 Release Notes (06.01.00.05)
  • RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Release Notes (06.00.01.06)
  • RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Release Notes (06.00.00.30)

Previous versions

• RAM Concept 3.1 Release Notes
• RAM Concept 3.1.1 Release Notes
• RAM Concept 3.2 Release Notes
• RAM Concept 3.3 Release Notes
• RAM Concept 3.4 Release Notes
• RAM Concept 4.0.1 Release Notes
• RAM Concept 4.1 Release Notes
• RAM Concept 4.1.1 Release Notes
• RAM Concept 4.1.2 Release Notes
• RAM Concept 4.1.3 Release Notes
• [[RAM Concept 5.0.1 Release Notes]]
• [[RAM Concept 5.0.2 Release Notes]]
• [[RAM Concept 5.1.0 Release Notes]]
• [[RAM Concept 5.1.1 Release Notes]]
• RAM Concept 5.2 Release Notes

External Links

Structural Analysis and Design Products

Problem Description

A bug was discovered in RAM Concept 6.0.1 that, while very rare, causes a surface load to be ignored in the analysis. This bug is fixed in version 6.1.0 (release notes are available here). The condition in which this happens is with surface load polygons shaped like the one below.

If points 1 and 2 are located as shown in the sketch below, the entire load polygon will be excluded from the analysis.

The magnitude of the dimension Very Small Distance is on the order of 0.01" (0.25 mm) or less. The defect manifests only if both point 1 and point 2 are within Very Small Distance of the adjacent segment, and do not lie directly on the segment.

The program does give a coincidental indication that something is wrong. The hatching within the surface load polygon is only shown within a portion of the polygon.

Problem Description

I am installing Structural Synchronizer, I get the following error messages regarding Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5; installation seems to complete fine.

Your machine must have some later version of Microsoft SQL Server Compact (4.0) already installed. To check this out, go to the Control Panel

For Windows 7 go to Start, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs

For Windows 8 & 10, right-click in the screen’s bottom-left corner and choose the Control Panel from the pop-up menu, choose Uninstall a Program from the Programs category.

Please disregard the message and use Structural Synchronizer.

See Also

Structural Synchronizer Links

One of the steps involved in the stiffness analysis method is to convert a load acting on a member into FIXED END ACTIONs. That means, the member is treated as a fixed-fixed beam (called locking all degrees of freedom), the 6 reactions at start and 6 reactions are the end are calculated, and their algebraically opposite values are referred to as the 6 equivalent fixed end actions at start and 6 at end.

The success of doing this depends upon the variety of load types for which the program can calculate the corresponding FIXED END LOADs. STAAD for example is capable of handling concentrated loads within the member span, uniform distributed loads applied over a part of the length as well as over the full length of the member, triangular loads and trapezoidal loads. But what if the user wants to apply a parabolically varying member load? Or a load which is defined using a cubic function? There is no built-in facility to handle such loads because the program does not know how to convert them into their corresponding fixed end actions.

That is where the FIXED END LOAD can help. If the user knows how to calculate (by hand) the FIXED END actions for one of these unusual load types, he can apply the corresponding FIXED END actions in the STAAD input file using the FIXED END LOAD type. The advantage is that he will get the joint displacement. The drawback is that he cannot get the intermediate section forces on the members (because as you know, one needs to know the variation of load along the span to calculate section forces).

However, there is a drawback to using this facility. While the joint displacements, support reactions, and member end forces for all the entities of the structure will be calculated accurately, the intermediate section forces will not be accurate for that specific member. That is because, the program does not know the loads acting on the span. It has only been provided with an equivalent set of end actions for that load. So, the section forces and displacements cannot be calculated correctly for those members on which such loads have been applied. Instead of this, a better option would be to replace the load with an equivalent set of closely spaced concentrated forces.

Is there any way to recover the STAAD.Pro model data if my file gets corrupted ?

Other forms of the same question :

After the software crashed I am not able to open the file. The software would not let me open the file anymore saying the file is not valid. How can I get back my model data ?

My STAAD.Pro model file ( .std file) got deleted. How can I get the data back ?

If the software crashes or the software is forced to shut down abnormally for any reason, normally the software would retain the information already there in the file. However if you ever run into a situation where you are unable to open the .std file and the software generates messages saying the file is not a valid staad file or if you find that the file size for the STAAD.Pro model file ( .std file) is reduced to 0 bytes, then you may follow the method described below to recover the model data using back up files.

Go to the folder where your model file is. There are two types of backup files which you may find,those with the extension .sbk and those with the extension .ed.backup.  Of these file types, locate the one with the most recent date and time and use that for the recovery process.

Create a new folder.

Copy ONLY the .ed.backup file or the .sbk file into that folder.

For a .ed.backup file, if you simply change the extension from .ed.backup to .std, you will be able to get back the STAAD.Pro model.

However if you have a .sbk file, simply changing the extension will not work as there would be some binary form of data at the beginning of the file which would have to be taken out first.

Right click on the .sbk and choose Open.

Choose the option to select a program from a list of installed programs and click OK.

In the next dialog box, you will be asked to select a program. Before you choose any program, ensure that the check box which says “Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” is unchecked.

Now select Notepad or Wordpad as the program and click on OK.

The sbk file will now open.

Delete everything in the file ahead of the commands STAAD SPACE or STAAD PLANE.

Save the file and close it.

Now change the extension from .sbk to .std and you should be able to open the file in STAAD.Pro.