Problem Description

On some machines, the error message below is produced followed by a program crash during the design process. Other times the error occurs simply starting the program.

Solution

Install version 13.04.01.208.  If the problem persists please notify Bentley Technical Support through the Forum or Service Request and then try the methods below.

1) Disabling the Welcome Screen manually to prevent the crash from occurring.

The Welcome Screen identified below appears when the program is launched. After launching the program, the Welcome Screen can be opened by clicking on the Help button in the upper right corner of program window (see screen captures below):

In the Welcome Screen, uncheck the box to the left of Welcome Screen in the lower left corner to disable it.

After disabling the Welcome Screen, you will no longer see news information on program updates and other important items when opening the program. The Welcome Screen can be opened anytime by clicking on the link in the Help menu. The news information can also be found on the following web page:

http://feeds.rapidfeeds.com/8826/

2) Disable the welcome screen through a config file.

If you cannot access the program even momentarily to disable the welcome screen then this setting can be saved directly to the Config.ini file located in the user profile area at 

%UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Elements.

Look for a [DlgRssFeed] section, and set the ShowWelcome value to False to disable the Welcome Screen without opening the program. If these lines are not in the file, add them using Notepad or other text file editor.

[DlgRSSFeed]
ShowWelcome=False

3) In some cases, updating video drivers resolves the issue.

In Windows 7, follow the steps :

• • Press the start button and go to Control Panel.
  • Click on "Device manager".
  • Now right click on the video card shown and select "Update Driver Software".
  • Then select Search automatically.

In Windows 8 and 10, Go to the Control Panel\Hardware and Sound -> Select Device Manager -> Display Adapters -> You should see couple of devices; Right click on each of them and select 'Update driver software'.

Once done, reboot the system.

Other Notes

A similar crash occurred in versions of RAM Elements prior to v13.03.00.117. In earlier versions, the crash also occurred when a model was opened by one of the following methods:

1. Double-clicking on the file in Windows Explorer.
2. Clicking on a recent model button on the Welcome Screen.

In earlier versions, the crash was avoided by opening the program within the program as noted below:

1. Launch the program from a desktop shortcut or a link in the Windows Start Button.
2. After the program opens, click on the RAM Elements button in the upper right corner of the program window and then click on "Open a Model" or simply click on the "Open a Model" button at the top of the screen. See screen capture below:

See Also

RAM Connection Crash

Problem Description

Access Violation Error Temperature Loads with Shells

An access violation error is produced in RAM Elements v12.01.01 Build 34 when a model with shell elements is analyzed for temperature load cases and dynamic load cases. The model will run without error if the model is run for only the temperature load case, the temperature load case and any static load cases, or any static load cases and dynamic load cases.

Solution

Fixed in RAM Elements v12.05

Alternatively Update RamFE.dll to v8.3.3.

Problem Description

Argument Out of Range Error

This error can be produced in the wall modules of RAM Elements with models that contain a parapet, a bottom panel (below ground), and global forces.

Solution

Fixed in version 12.5.2

Workaround:  Delete parapet and add load to account for load on panel.

See Also

[[Tilt-up wall analysis error for inactive DOF]]

RAM Elements Masonry Wall FAQ

Problem

Frame Types for Braced Frames used in the Connection Module are not available. 

Only moment frame types are included for frame type selection in the main program (input under Spreadsheet - Members - Steel Design - AISC - Seismic Provisions - Frame:

Specific braced frame types, OCBF or SCBF, can be assigned in the Connection Pad, but these are not saved with the connection joint and has to be reset each time the connection is reviewed.

Previously recorded as TR 70797

Solution

Assign the frame type within the connection pad and then print results.

See Also

Troubleshooting Errors when Assigning Connections

Problem Description

The following message appears in a black DOS window when attempting to run an analysis in RAM Elements or a design in one of the design modules:

OMP: Warning #72: KMP_Affinity: affinity only supported for Intel processors.
OMP: Warning #71: KMP_Affinity: affinity not supported, using "disabled"

Reason

The direct sparse solvers used by RAM Structural System and RAM Elements utilize multiprocessing libraries provided by Intel. The libraries function properly with Intel processors but not with AMD processors.

Solution

The error has no effect on the analysis. The error window can be safely minimized and ignored. If the error window is closed, however, the program will crash.

In the main program, you can also change to the in-core direct solver to avoid the error.

The solver type cannot be changed in the modules. You will need to minimize and ignore the error window to prevent a crash from occurring.

An update for Ram Elements  is planned for May 2014 that will automatically switch to the in-core solver when anything other than an Intel processor is detected. This should help to avoid the problem for the main analysis and also within Ram Elements modules.

See Also

[[KMP_Affinity error during analysis]]

RAM Frame Troubleshooting

Is pattern loading possible?

Yes, but the user must graphically define the load patterns. Refer to the program manual for further details:

• Section 10.9 - About load patterns
• Chapter 20 - Creating Pattern Loading

Are area loads additive?

Yes, the program considers the cumulative total of overlapping surface loads.

Note, it is possible to assign loads with negative magnitude which sometimes makes surface load modeling simpler.

Also note, this is opposite to the behavior of surface loads in RAM Structural System where only the top load counts. When you import surface loads from RAM SS into Concept, they are automatically adjusted to be equivalent.

Is self-weight considered?

In Ram Concept Self-weight of the slab mesh is always considered. The weight of the columns and walls above the slab may optionally be considered using the Criteria - Calc options command and checking the General option to "Include supports above slab in self-dead loading"

Just above this is an option to "Create viewable self-dead loading". When this option is on, the Layer - Loading - Self-Dead Loading will include graphics and text for the applied self dead loading once the Calc All process is complete. This can be very slow and somewhat difficult to read due to the amount of data however, so this option is off by default. 

The Calc Log reports the total self-weight as does the Estimate.

How are lateral loads with elevation treated?

Every point, line and surface load in Concept has a property for "Elevation above slab surface" that can place the load above (positive elevation) or below (negative elevation) the slab surface. 

These elevated loads are connected to the slab centroid with vertical rigid links analogous to a stiff flagpole. For an elevated line load it's a series of such links connecting the load to the slab.

Can I make a line load that's triangular or non-uniform?

Yes, when entering the magnitude of the line load, enter two values separated by a comma. For example, if you enter the following properties:

The load you create will linearly vary from 2 k/ft at the first point to 1 k/ft at the end.

You can similarly enter surface loads that slope using three magnitude values separated by commas.

Why do I get a Analysis Error that says, "Rule Set "Service Design" is being used by load combinations that appear to have load factors set for different purposes.  This is likely an error."

Ram Concept has a hard coded set of load factors for each design code and for each rule set. You can find more about the default load factors in the manual in chapters 54-64 in the second sub-sections for "default load combinations."

When the load combinations are manually altered by the user and the load factors are changed, or when new combinations are added that do not use the expected load factors, then such an error will occur.

If the changes are intentional then the warning can be ignored.

To reset the load combinations to program presets use the Criteria menu option - Rebuild Load Combos...

We recommend saving the file, printing out the current load combinations, then using the Rebuild Load Combinations tool to reset values and finally compare the values when deciding what is best.

Why don't I see any Live Load Reduction?

Refer to the program manual, Chapter 27 "Using Live Load Reduction" and Chapter 52, “Live Load Reduction Notes” for further details.

There are 3 main requirements for Live Load reduction to occur in Ram Concept.

1. A code for LL Reduction must be selected under Criteria - Calc options. There is not a one-to-one association of the design codes and the codes for Live Load reduction, so the program defaults this to "None".

2. The loading type where the loads are modeled must be of a "Reducible" type (including some storage and parking types):

3. The Design Strips, Design Sections, Columns, Walls, and/or Punching Checks which are to have reductions applied must have the Max Live Load Reduction % set to a value greater than 0. When using Specified LLR Parameters, they must also have non zero values for LLR Levels, Trib. Area and Influence area.

As noted in Chapter 52, “Live Load Reduction Notes”, the program only applies live load reduction when combinations of loads are at work. The results for individual load cases are given before any reduction has taken place.

In concrete structures, the determination of tributary area and influence area can be rather complicated. Refer to section 52.2 and 52.3 for details on how Ram Concept performs these calculations for Columns, Walls, Punching Checks, Design Strips and individual Design Sections.

See Also

RAM Concept Lateral Self Equilibrium Analysis

Product TechNotes and FAQs

Structural Product TechNotes And FAQs

Problem Description

When RAM Elements is opened, it also retrieves a RAM Connection license. This behavior may not be desirable for the following reasons:

1. An engineer is not modeling connections within RAM Elements, causing unnecessary license usage.
2. Another engineer using RAM Connection Standalone requires access to the program at the same time.

Reason

By default, RAM Elements release 13.00.03.45 and earlier enables connection integration features within the program if the RAM Connection for RAM Elements component is installed. Starting with Ram Elements 13.02.00.99, which uses trust licensing, we changed the default behavior so that users have to opt-in to utilizing Ram Connection. If a RAM Connection license is available, the program will retrieve a license automatically and add buttons for Connections, Bolts, and Welds to the Databases ribbon. If the integration features are not needed, this behavior can be disabled.

Steps to Resolve

Option 1: Disable RAM Connection integration within RAM Elements.

If an engineer only occasionally models connection data within RAM Elements, the integration can be disabled from within RAM Elements itself and turned on only when needed.

1. Open the E menu in the upper left.
2. Click the General Configuration button in the lower right corner.
   
3. In the window that appears, click the Licenses tab.
4. Then clear the checkbox labeled "Check RAM Connection license" (or "Use a license in each session").
   
5. Click OK to save changes.

RAM Elements will disable the RAM Connection integration features and will no longer automatically retrieve a license or log usage for RAM Connection.

Ram Elements should then be restarted.

Option 2: Remove the RAM Connection for RAM Elements component.

For RAM Connection 8.0 only, the integration component, which is called RAM Connection for RAM Elements, is installed separately. If an engineer will never model connections within RAM Elements, uninstall the RAM Connection for RAM Elements component from the Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista/7/8) control panel. RAM Elements will then retrieve a license only for itself regardless of the license setting in the Configuration dialog. Users of RAM Connection 7.3 and earlier should use Option 1 to disable integration.

Converse

If you always want the Ram Connection features to be available in Ram Elements then check the box that indicates to "use a Ram Connection license in each session". In some cases ram Elements users must still click Start during each session to enable the Ram Connection features. This will be fixed with Ram Connection 10, but in the meantime there is a small installer that can be run to repair it.

Use this only with Ram Elements 13.2.00.99, 13.03.01.117 or 13.03.01.124 and Ram Connection 9.02.00.117.

See Also

[[RAM Connection 11 and Ram Elements]]

[[RAM Connection is installed, but the Connection button fails to appear in RAM Elements]]

[[RAM Connection v9.0 and RAM Elements]]

[[SELECTsupport TechNotes and FAQs]]

Problem Description

Ram Connection for Ram Elements has been installed, but the connection tool bars and features are missing from Ram Elements. 

Steps to Resolve

1. Open the 'e' menu in the upper left. and click License Configuration in the lower left corner.
2. Then click the Start button in the section labeled "RAM Connection" or check the option to "Use a license in each session".
   
   
3. Click OK to save changes.

RAM Elements will enable the RAM Connection integration features.

Ram Elements should then be restarted.

Converse

If you don't want to use a Ram Connection license or want the Ram Connection features to be available in Ram Elements then uncheck the box that indicates to "Use a Ram Connection license in each session". 

Ram Elements should then be restarted.

See Also

Why does RAM Elements also retrieve a RAM Connection license?

[[RAM Connection is installed, but the Connection button fails to appear in RAM Elements]]

[[RAM Connection v9.0 and RAM Elements]]

Active and Critical Defects

All Ram Connection Active Issues

All Critical Active Ram Connection Defects

All Critical Ram Connection Defects

Query Issues Fixed in a Specific Version

All Ram Connection Defects fixed in version 11.00.01

All Ram Elements Defects fixed in version 11.00.00

Issues organized by Found In Version

[[Known Issues in Ram Connection 11]]

[[Known Issues in Ram Connection 7-10]]

Release Notes

Release Notes

Problem Description

In RAM Connection Stand Alone version 11.00.00.164, within the Joint Dialog for any joint type that utilizes a column or a brace, the user cannot select the desired section for the Column or Brace because only one table is available. No other groups or countries can be selected. 

Reason

An error in the program's use of tables.

Solution

Install Ram Connection 11.00.00.177 released November 16, 2015 or later version. Release notes here. Note, users who have version 11.00.00.164 must uninstall that version before installing 11.00.00.177.

In version 11.00.00.164 the size of the brace and column could still be changed within the Connection pad (though not saved). 

Problem Description

When trying to assign a CBB_SP template to a CBB Joint the following error comes up;

Reason

Affects RAM Connection Standalone, Ram Connection for Ram Structural System, or RAM Connection for Ram Elements. 

Solution

The problem will be corrected in the next release. Alternatively, assign a CBB_DA connection template to the joint, then change the connection to the column to be a single plate.

Problem Description

In the 3D graphic (and in the bolt gage) the double angles connecting the gusset to the column are shown with 1/4" gap spacing regardless the thickness of the gusset. 

Reason

It's a bit complicated because the gusset plate above and below the beam could be different thickness meaning that the larger plate thickness would govern (and shims could be required).

Solution

With version 11.00.01.028 the graphics are adjusted so that the double angles spacing is based on the beam web thickness. Where the gusset plate thickness is significantly thicker than the beam web the angles will still be too closely spaced.

Problem Description

After launching and then closing Ram Connection version 11.00.00.164 from Ram Structural System version 15.00.00.000, Ram Manager is slow to refresh, leaving all other modules and actions grayed out for approximately 30 seconds. 

Reason

There is a delay getting information from the CONNECTION client. 

Solution

None, other than waiting.

Problem Description

A Catastrophic Failure Error occurs when changing the Anchor Position in the Connection Pad to Customized

Solution

This issue was corrected in the program release v9.0.0.

Users can bypass the error by unchecking the box for "Consider Strain Compatibility" in the Connection Pad.

See Also

Ram Connection Support Solutions

Problem Description

In RAM Connection for RAM Structural System, the forces imported from RAM Structural System are zero (0) for all load combinations. The problem occurs at connections with gravity members only. Connections for frame members are designed with the correct non-zero forces.

Reason

RAM Connection identifies notional load cases as lateral load cases and any load combination that includes a notional load case is flagged as a lateral combination. RAM Connection skips combinations identified as lateral combinations in the design of gravity-only members. If all load combinations include notional load cases and there are no load combinations with gravity load cases only, RAM Connection will not have forces results to design connections that include gravity members only.

Steps to Resolve

Generate additional load cases in RAM Connection that include only gravity load cases and do not include the notional load cases.

Step 1

Click on the Generate button in the Home menu - Load Conditions tool bar.

Step 2

In the Generate Load Combinations dialog, select a factored load combination that matches the design code that is selected and then click on the Generate button. The factored load combinations used in the United States are marked in the screen capture below.

Step 3

Check the boxes for all load combinations that include gravity load cases only. Combinations that include gravity and lateral load cases do not need to be selected. These combinations have been imported from RAM Frame and include the notional load cases. Click the OK boxes to close the dialogs and generate the load combinations.

Problem Description

The program appears to stall or become unresponsive when assigning a base plate connection in RAM Connection for RAM Structural System or RAM Connection for RAM Elements.

Reason

Base plate connections have more parameters to optimize than other connection types. When assigning the connection, the program designs the connection for all joints and all load conditions selected. When a model contains many joints and several hundred load combinations, it may take hours to assign the base plate connections. In Ram Connection 9.1 improvements to base plate design speed were implemented to alleviate this problem. The following tips still apply to older version in particular.

Steps to Resolve

Update to the current version. Alternatively, the steps below can help.

Before attempting to assign the connection, do the following:

• Uncheck all individual load cases to be used in the design. Only select load combinations to be used. See the following web page for details: RAM Connection Capabilities and Modeling FAQ
• Limit the number of joints selected when assigning the connection.

Consider using one of the following work-arounds to decrease the design time:

• Select one or two load combinations that you believe may control the design of the base plate. Select to use only these combinations for design and then assign the connection. After assigning the connection, check to use all combinations in design. If a connection is reported as failing a design check, enter the Connection Pad, make changes, and then re-check the design in the Results Report.
• If the base plate and anchor details are known, create a custom base plate connection template using the specified geometry and uncheck the boxes for optimizing the connection parameters.
• Enable the Strain Compatibility option in the template.  More information about what this option does can be found here: Biaxial Analysis of General Shaped Base Plates

See Also

Structural Product TechNotes And FAQs

Problem Description

In some connections, a warning is produced stating,

[Warning] "Plate strength must be less than the HSS wall strength (Ref. AISC 360-05 Section K1.5).

This should not be reported due to the note in that AISC section which states, "For bracing connections to HSS columns, where a load is applied by a longitudinal plate at an angle to the HSS axis, the connection design will be governed by the force component perpendicular to the HSS axis (see Section K1.4b)." In other words, the limit state for K1.4b (which is checked) would occur before the limit state in K1.5. If Section K1.4b is checked, then the check in Section K1.5 does not need to be applied.

Reason

Affects all implementations. 

Solution

The warning is removed in version 11.00.01.208 and after.

Problem Description

Changes have been made to the tributary length of bolt parameter (p) for prying action calculations in AISC Manual 14th Edition.

"Page 9-11 of AISC Manual 14th Edition indicates a value of "2b" for "p" and further limit of "s". Near the bottom of page 9-10 reference is made to limiting "p" for edge distance as well." The program is not considering this criteria.

Reason

Affects all implementations. 

Solution

The issue is resolved in version 11.00.01.208 and after.

Active Defects

All RAM Concept Active Defects

Query Issues Fixed in a Specific Version

All RAM Concept Defects fixed in version 6.01.00

All RAM Concept Defects fixed in version 6.02.00

Issues Organized by Found In Version

[[Ram Concept - CONNECT Version 6.00 Issues]]

[[Ram Concept - CONNECT Version 6.01 Issues]]

Release Notes

RAM Concept Release Notes

(Update: This defect is fixed in RAM Concept 6.2. Release notes are available here.)

Problem Description

In version 06.00.01.006, an error indicating a self-intersecting boundary is displayed (see examples below) when opening a RAM Concept model saved in a previous version. When clicking OK, the file does not open.

In version 06.01.00.006, affected models saved that were saved in previous versions can be opened. However, the same error occurs when attempting to save the model. When clicking on File - Save, the error will display and the program will shut down. After attempting to reopen the file, the error below will display and the file will not open:

When attempting to save the file using File - Save As in version 06.01.00.006, one of the "Shape2D" will display but the file will not save. The program does not close after closing the error box, however.

Reason

The error is associated with hatched areas in an imported drawing file. 

Solution

The issue is resolved in version 6.02.00.104, but the new version cannot repair previous version files that are already corrupted.

To prevent the problem in prior versions, delete the imported drawing file (File - Delete Imported Drawing) prior to saving and closing the program. If it is necessary to re-import the drawing file, delete any hatched areas before re-importing the drawing.

If the model cannot be opened due to the "An Error Has Occurred" error, recover the model using one of the backup files or an earlier copy of the same .cpt file. The automatically generated RAM Concept backup files are saved in the same folder where the .cpt file is saved and have the same name as the .cpt file with one of the following extensions: .cpt.bak1, .cpt.bak2, .cpt.autosave. These backup files can be recovered by changing the name of the file and changing the extension to .cpt.