Active and Critical Defects

All Ram Elements Active Issues

All Critical Active Ram Elements Defects

All Critical Ram Elements Defects

Query Issues Fixed in a Specific Version

All Ram Elements Defects fixed in version 14.00.00

All Ram Elements Defects fixed in version 13.05.00

All Ram Elements Defects fixed in version 13.04.01

All Ram Elements Defects fixed in version 13.04.00

Issues organized by Found In Version

[[Ram Elements - V8i Version 13 Issues]]

[[Ram Elements - V8i Version 9-12 Issues]]

Release Notes

Release Notes

Problem Description

The help files are missing in version 13.04.01.208 so clicking F1 or the ribbon menu Help (?) button does nothing.

Steps to Reproduce

Problem with all installations of version 13.04.01.208 only.

Solution

Upgrade to version 13.05.00.227, or download and install one of these help files only if Ram Elements 13.04.01.208 is installed and missing help:

English: re_help_130401_en.msi

Spanish: re_help_130401_es.msi

Problem Description

Nodes are invisible in the main graphics window of Ram Elements.

The nodes are in the model, they can be edited in the spreadsheet, and the node numbers can be displayed, but the dots for the nodes cannot be seen in the main graphical window. 

Steps to Reproduce

Problem started after April 18 2017 and appears to be a side effect of Windows 10 Professional update build 1703. Various graphics adapters and drivers are affected. 

Solution

Fixed in version 13.05.00.224. 

Issues Found In version 06.03.00 are noted here. Click below for

All RAM Concept Defects fixed in version 6.03.00

See Also

RAM Concept Release Notes

Issues Found in version 6.01.00 are noted here. Click below for

All RAM Concept Defects fixed in version 6.01.00

See Also

RAM Concept Release Notes

RAM Elements - Local versus Principal Axis in Unsymmetrical Shapes

In RAM Elements, analysis and design results are referenced to a local axis system (1, 2, 3) or a principal axis system (1’, 2’, 3’).

The orientation of the local axes is defined as follows:

1. Local axis 1 points from Node J to Node K along the member.
2. Local axis 3 is perpendicular to local axis 1 in the plane of the member.
3. Local axis 2 is perpendicular to the plane formed by the Local 1 and 3 axis.
   

The local axes can be displayed for any member by clicking on the Local Axes button in the View menu - Model Toolbar. See below:

The principal axes represent the axes about which the moment of inertia is maximum and minimum. The orientation of the principal axes is defined as follows:

1. Principal axis 1' points from Node J to Node K along the member. It aligns with the Local 1 axis.
2. Principal axis 3' defines the strong axis of the section. The moment of inertia about this axis is the maximum moment of inertia of the section.
3. Principal axis 2' defines the weak axis of the section. The moment of inertia about this axis is the minimum moment of inertia of the section.

Unlike the local axis system, there is not a way to display the principal axes on screen. However, the angle of rotation of the principal axis can be found in the section properties report under Output-Data-Section Properties;

 For symmetrical sections, the local and principal axes will coincide. However, for unsymmetrical sections, such as Z and L shaped sections, the principal axes will be rotated relative to the principal axes.

Analysis Input and Output

Member loads can be defined with respect to the local axes or the global axes only. The tool buttons used to rotate members and create rigid end offsets use the local axes.

Member forces displayed on screen using View – Analysis Toolbar – Member Forces are always displayed with respect to the principal axes. Note reference to 2’ and 3’ (and not 2 and 3) in the menu below.

This can create confusion when the principal axes are rotated 90 degrees relative to the local axes. In this case, the member loads will be displayed relative to the local axes and the member forces associated with them will be displayed relative to the principal axes. In the image below, the M22 moment is a moment about the principal 2 axis, which coincides with the local 3 axis and not the local 2 axis.

Design Input and Output

In the current version of the program, the unbraced length parameters L22 and L33 are associated with the principal axes and not the local axes. This was not always the case. In previous versions of the program, L22 and L33 were associated with the local axes. For sections like a WT 4x15.5 that have a principal axis rotated 90 degrees relative to the principal axis, L33 should be used for the unbraced length for bending about the local 22 axis and L22 should be used for the unbraced length for bending about the local 33 axis. For symmetric sections, like a W18x50, L33 should be used for the unbraced length for bending about the local 33 axis and L22 should be used for the unbraced length for bending about the local 22 axis.

In general, steel and cold-formed sections are designed with respect to the principal axes. Prior to v13.0.3.45, cold-formed section were designed with respect to the local axis only. In AISC 360, single angles are permitted to be designed with respect to either the geometric (local) or principal axis. In RAM Elements, the steel design checks both and uses the worst-case for the design ratio. Some engineers choose to design single, equal leg angles with respect to the geometric axis only. Enhancement #277754 has been filed to do this in a future release.

The list below summarizes program changes that may explain different design results in the current version compared to an earlier version:

1. L22 and L33 are referenced to the principal axes and not the local axes. In earlier versions, these parameters were referenced to the local axes.

2. Cold-formed sections are designed with respect to the principal axes. In earlier versions, these parameters were referenced to the geometric axes.

Laterally Restrained for Torsion Option

In all versions, there is a way to force the program to align the principal axis with the local axis for a particular section. To do this, edit the properties of the section in the Sections Database and check the box “Laterally Restrained for Torsion.” This change can only be made to user sections. For program installed sections (any section in the United States Group, Europe Group, etc), the section file will need to be copied to a user defined data folder before the laterally restrained for torsion flag can be changed.

Overview

Various program anomalies can be solved by conducting a procedure called a clean installation. This involves uninstalling all versions of a program and removing any files that are left behind prior to reinstalling. Following are instructions for doing this for specific Structural products.

RAM Structural System

Before doing these steps, please make copies of any custom tables that have been added to the program. These typically reside in one of the following locations:

C:\Program Files\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System\Tables
C:\Program Files\Ram\RAM Structural System\Tables
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System\Tables (Windows XP only)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System\Tables (Windows Vista/7 only)

Ensure that none of your models are saved within the RAM Structural System folder. Finally, if you have made extensive modifications to your user defaults, please make a copy of your RamIS.ini file. This can be located in one of two places depending upon your operating system:

Windows XP - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System
Windows Vista/7 - C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System

The defaults can be copied into the new configuration file later on, if needed.

Select Control Panel from the Windows Start menu, and open either Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista/7). Uninstall all listings for RAM Structural System, starting with the most recent. Then, remove any RAM Structural System folders residing in the following locations (if they exist):

C:\Program Files\Bentley\Engineering
C:\Program Files\Ram
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering (Windows XP only)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering (Windows Vista/7 only)

Now navigate to C:\Windows and remove any files beginning with RAMIS (if they exist). Finally, reinstall RAM Structural System. After installation, copy any custom tables to the Tables folder. The default location for the Tables directory in RAM Structural System 14.03.xx.xx and later is in one of two places, depending on the operating system:

Windows XP - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System\Tables
Windows Vista/7 - C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System\Tables

If the RamIS.ini file was saved to preserve user defaults, please open this file and copy everything but the [Directories] section (usually ends with a line beginning with "working=".) Locate the new RamIS.ini file which will be saved in one of two locations depending on your operating system:

Windows XP - C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System
Windows Vista/7 - C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System

Open the new RamIS.ini file, select everything but the [Directories] section, and then paste the settings copied earlier into the new file. Save changes, and close the file.

RAM Elements

Before doing these steps, please back up any custom sections, materials, connections, bolts, and welds as well as any user-created models. The custom sections, materials, connections, bolts, and welds are stored in the Database folder located in one of two locations below. Back up any user-created models that may be saved in the Data folder in one of the two locations below.

Version 13.0.3 and earlier:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Elements (Windows XP)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Elements (Windows Vista/7)

Version 13.2.0 and later:

C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Elements.en (Windows Vista/7 - English Version)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Elements.es (Windows Vista/7 - Spanish Version)

Important: The Database folder in C:\Program Files (x86)\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Elements contains standard elements that come with the program. It does not contain any user-created custom sections, materials, connections, bolts or welds.

Select Control Panel from the Windows Start menu, and open either Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista/7). Uninstall all listings for RAM Elements, starting with the most recent. If any listings for RAM Advanse are present, remove these as well. Then, remove any RAM Elements, RAM Elements.en, RAM Elements.es, or RAM Advanse folders residing in the following locations (if they exist):

C:\Program Files (x86)\Bentley\Engineering
C:\Program Files (x86)\Ram
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley (Windows XP only)
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering (Windows XP only)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley (Windows Vista/7 only)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering (Windows Vista/7 only)
%USERPROFILE%\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering (Windows XP only)
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Bentley\Engineering (Windows Vista/7 only)


Finally, reinstall RAM Elements. Restore any custom sections, materials, connections, bolts, and welds by moving the Database folder back to the RAM Elements folder located in one of the two locations below. User-created models that were previously backed up can be restored to the Data folder in one of the two locations below as well, although they can be opened from anywhere.

Version 13.0.3 and earlier:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Elements (Windows XP)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Elements (Windows Vista/7)

Version 13.2.0 and later:

C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Elements.en (Windows Vista/7 - English Version)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Elements.es (Windows Vista/7 - Spanish Version))

RAM Connection

Before doing these steps, please back up any custom sections, materials, connections, bolts, and welds as well as any user-created models. The custom sections, materials, connections, bolts, and welds are stored in the Database folder located in one of two locations below. Back up any user-created models that may be saved in the Data folder in one of the two locations below.

RAM Connection v8.0.1 and earlier:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Connection (Windows XP)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Connection (Windows Vista/7)

RAM Connection v9.0.0 and later:

C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Connection.en (Windows Vista/7 - English Version)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Connection.es (Windows Vista/7 - Spanish Version)

Important: The Database folder in C:\Program Files\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Connection contains standard elements that come with the program. It does not contain any user-created custom sections, materials, connections, bolts or welds.

Select Control Panel from the Windows Start menu, and open either Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista/7). Uninstall all listings for RAM Connection starting with the most recent. Then, remove any RAM Connection, RAM Connection.en, RAM Connection.es folders residing in the following locations (if they exist):

C:\Program Files (x86)\Bentley\Engineering
C:\Program Files (x86)\Ram
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley (Windows XP only)
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering (Windows XP only)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley (Windows Vista/7 only)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering (Windows Vista/7 only)
%USERPROFILE%\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering (Windows XP only)
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Bentley\Engineering (Windows Vista/7 only)


Finally, reinstall RAM Connection. Restore any custom sections, materials, connections, bolts, and welds by moving the Database folder back to the RAM Connection folder located in one of the two locations below. User-created models that were previously backed up can be restored to the Data folder in one of the two locations below as well, although they can be opened from anywhere.

RAM Connection v8.0.1 and earlier:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Connection (Windows XP)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Connection (Windows Vista/7)

RAM Connection v9.0.0 and later:

C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Connection.en (Windows Vista/7 - English Version)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Connection.es (Windows Vista/7 - Spanish Version)

RAM Concept

Before doing these steps, ensure that none of your models are saved in the program folder.

Select Control Panel from the Windows Start menu, and open either Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista/7). Uninstall all listings for RAM Concept, starting with the most recent. Then, remove any RAM Concept folders residing in the following locations (if they exist):

C:\Program Files\Bentley\Engineering
C:\Program Files\Ram
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering (Windows XP only)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering (Windows Vista/7 only)

Finally, reinstall RAM Concept.

STAAD.Pro

Before doing these steps, ensure that none of your models are saved in the program folder.

Select Control Panel from the Windows Start menu, and open either Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista/7). Uninstall all listings for STAAD.Pro, starting with the most recent. Do the same for STAAD.foundation 5.3 or earlier. Leave STAAD Foundation Advanced if present. Then, remove any of the following folders (if they exist):

C:\SPro2007
C:\SProV8i
C:\STAAD.foundation 5.3


Additionally remove any STAAD.Pro folders in the following locations (if they exist):

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering (Windows XP only)
C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering (Windows Vista/7 only)

Finally, reinstall STAAD.Pro (which in later versions also includes STAAD.foundation 5.3).

Important: When reinstalling STAAD.Pro on a computer running Windows Vista or later, please right-click on the installer, and select Run As Administrator from the contextual menu. This will ensure that all components are installed properly. Failing to perform this step results in missing Start menu shortcuts.

See Also

Structural Product TechNotes and FAQs

Can I change the logo or have it removed from reports? 

Yes. In the program go to the e menu (file menu) and select the General Configuration option.

V8i:

CONNECT Edition:

In the next window, click the Assign Logo button to select the image you want on the reports. We generally recommend an image that is as wide or wider than tall. On the right side of the dialog, choose where to place the logo on reports. This is also where you can choose not to print any logo at all.

Some users experience an error, "List index out of bounds (-1)" when trying to print graphics or reports using certain custom logo files. If this happens, first change the report option above to "Do not print" in order to confirm the problem is with the custom bmp file. In that case try editing the bmp so that it is square or somewhat rectangular and no more than 500 pixels across and saved as a bitmap format.  

Why are the yellow lines for members shortened at the nodes? 

The lines are drawn slightly short of the nodes so that the nodes are clearly visible in line mode.

In the fully rendered view you can see the members full length (or shrunken).

Why are the nodes not visible?

See [[Nodes Not Displayed in Graphics Window]]

I have a small model and the support icons appear very large, how can I make them smaller?

The size of the nodal support, member hinge and other icons is typically adjusted based on the overall size of the model, but the user can force the icons to appear larger or smaller. 

To control the size of the icons go to the e menu (file menu) and pick General Configuration (this is under File - Settings - General Configuration in the CONNECT Edition). On the Display tab, uncheck the box for  Data and Results - Automatic Scale and then enter a number >1 to make the icons larger, <1 to make them smaller.

How can I rotate the view?

In order to rotate the view, click and hold the right mouse button, then drag the mouse to dynamically rotate the view.

Note, in RAM Elements, the Y axis typically points upward and this axis is always plumb on the screen. For most structures, the +Y axis should represent the global up direction. 

If you find the rotation is too fast or too slow for your liking, go to the e menu - General Configuration and on the General tab, adjust the Mouse rotation sensitivity slider.

How can I Save a View?

In Ram Elements you can save a particular type of view including the angle of the view, the zoom, perspective settings and display options. To do so, first adjust the graphic as desired, then right click on the view and choose Customized Views - General - Create. Provide a name for the view, check the desired attributes to save and click Create.

These general views work across all files.

The program also allows you to save model-specific views. To do so, again adjust the view the way you like it. Then right click on the view and pick Customized Views - Current Model - Create.

In addition to the attributes mentioned above, Current Model views also store the active selection set and any hidden members for instant recall.

To recall a saved view, simply right click on the graphic and pick the saved view by name from the Customized Views.

I have a high resolution monitor, how can I make the spreadsheet easier to read?

Some things in the program are not yet scalable (e.g. icons), but the spreadsheet is. To zoom in, open any spreadsheet and using the roller mouse hold ctrl and roll up slowly. To make it smaller, roll down.

For RAM Elements CONNECT Edition, on most high def, 4K monitors using the recommended 200% scale works best.

How can I make the on-screen text easier to read?

At the bottom right corner of the Ram Elements window are the controls for increasing or reducing the text size on screen. 

Just to the left of that is the control for units. By unchecking the Show units option, more significant digits are shown, filling roughly the same screen area.

Using Larger or Smaller units under Units Configuration can also affect the displayed number of digits. For example. if the axial force in a column is -2471.45 pounds, switching to kips changes the display to -2.47 kips which is shorter.

Regretfully, there is no other user control over significant digits displayed.

How can I view the design properties, things like unbraced length?

From the View Ribbon menu, in the Design Toolbar, select Design Properties and one or more of the options:

• Effective length factors (i.e. K22 and K33)
• Axial and torsional unbraced lengths (i.e. L22 and L33)
• Flexural unbraced lengths (i.e. Lbpos and Lbneg)

Note, for unassigned default values (0) nothing will be shown on screen. Only user specified values are plotted.

How do I change the scale of the deflection multiplier?

Click on RAM Element button in the top left corner and click on the button 'General configuration'. Then select tab Display and change the deflection multiplier as shown in the screenshot:

See Also

[[Ram Elements - Adjusting Text Size in Spreadsheet]]

How can I make the text in the Spreadsheet larger? 

The size of the cells in the spreadsheet and the size of the font within are adjustable. To make everything in the spreadsheet larger, i.e. to zoom in, position the mouse in any spreadsheet cell, hold the control key and then roll the mouse wheel upward a few clicks. To make the text smaller, roll the wheel down. 

The make the cells wider, position the mouse on the right edge of the Column top header cell and when the sideways arrow cursor appears, left click and hold and drag.

See Also

RAM Elements - View Control [FAQ]

Version and Download Information

Release Date: January 24, 2017

Versions:

• Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM) 6.0
• Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Update 1 (10.01.00.32)
• Structural Navigator CONNECT Edition Update 1 (06.01.01.05)

Download Instructions:

Structural Synchronizer can be downloaded from Bentley’s i-ware site here.

Structural Synchronizer can also be downloaded from Bentley Cloud Services. After signing into the CONNECTION Center, select Software Downloads under My Support. Once on the Software Fulfillment page, the Structural Synchronizer installer can be located by performing a search on “Structural Synchronizer”. 

Special Notices:

Installing Structural Synchronizer installs both the Structural Synchronizer application itself, used in interoperability workflows, and the ISM framework, used for programming. Once Structural Synchronizer is installed, the ISM options within all ISM-enabled applications will be available for use, as shown below.

This version of Structural Synchronizer publishes i-models to a newer format, DgnDb 0601, that cannot be read by Structural Navigator CONNECT Edition. Users must update to Structural Navigator CONNECT Edition Update 1 to open i-models published with this version of Structural Synchronizer.

RAM Elements CONNECT Edition (version 14.00) is compatible with ISM 6.0. RAM Elements V8i (version 13.XX) are compatible only with ISM 5.0 or earlier.

ProStructures users who utilize ISM should avoid upgrading to ISM 6.0, as Power ProStructures is compatible only with ISM 5.0 or earlier. Users with ProStructures for AutoCAD should avoid upgrading to ISM 5.0 or 6.0 as ProStructures for AutoCAD is compatible only with ISM 4.0 or earlier. 

New Features

The following enhancements were added in ISM 6.0 and Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition Update 1.

Piping Systems

This release incorporates piping systems into the ISM framework. Piping, bends, flanges, valves, pipe supports, pipelines, and piping reactions can now be written to and read from an ISM model with the ISM 6.0 API. Likewise, Structural Synchronizer now supports visualization and revision management for piping. The ability to now combine piping systems with structural elements in one ISM repository provides a robust framework for plant design workflows.

The ISM SDK documentation has been updated with piping interfaces new in 6.0. Coding samples are also now available that demonstrate how to build a structure using the ISM API. For more information on the ISM SDK, please contact Josh Taylor at Josh.Taylor@bentley.com.

New Sample Models

New sample repositories are delivered with the installation of Structural Synchronizer. These sample repositories are located in the following folder:

\Documents\ISM\Samples

The repository AutoPIPE Tutorial 1.ism.dgn was published from AutoPIPE using the tech preview interoperability with ISM. Basic Flat Slab (US).ism.dgn was published from RAM Concept. The repositories Building - Steel Over Concrete (Euro).ism.dgn and Concrete Moment Frame (ACI-318).ism.dgn were published from RAM Structural System. The beam, column, and wall reinforcing were designed in RAM Concrete.

Error Corrections

This release of ISM contains the following error corrections.

Transparency for Surface Member Modifiers Not Set Correctly

ISM published Surface Member Modifiers in such a way such that smart transparency did not work once the ISM repository was published to i-model and opened in Structural Navigator. As a result, regions of a slab that used Surface Member Modifiers, such as drop panels or thickened slabs, were not able to be viewed transparently in Structural Navigator and any reinforcing within these regions of the slab was not visible.

IFC Export Log File

When saving the log file in an ISM repository conversion to IFC using Structural Synchronizer, the user was given no control over where to store the log file. The last log file was simply overwritten.

See Also

Bentley CONNECT Overview

[[Integrated Structural Modeling Home]]

Tekla Structures is an ISM enabled product. This page covers the basic steps to generate a Tekla Structures model from an existing ISM repository (.ism.dgn file). For further support of the ISM Tekla plugin, please contact Tekla.  

Tekla users are encouraged to obtain the latest Tekla ISM plugin from the Trimble Solutions - Tekla Warehouse. Additional videos and documentation are also available there. Phase 2 of the link is compatible with Structural Synchronizer CONNECT edition and Tekla Structures Version 18 through 21 and 2016i.

Steps to Accomplish

1. Create a new Tekla Structures model
2. Go to the menu > Analysis > Analysis and Design Models…
3. Click New
   
4. Enter a name in Analysis Model Name: and click OK
   
5. Click Import
   
6. In Tekla Structures – ISM Synchronizer select Create New from Repository and click OK
7. In the dialog that opens browse to the ISM repository you want to import and open it
   

8. After the model is imported click Cancel in ISM Synchronizer and Close in the Analysis and Design Models dialog

See Also

Integrated Structural Model Home

ISM Revit Plug-in

Problem Description

There are a couple of situations that can cause the ISM commands to be grayed out and not usable.

Situation 1:

If the Structural Synchronizer is not installed, the following things will happen.

• The buttons or menu options for ISM commands are grayed out (most ISM enabled products)
• When starting SACS 5.4 for the first time after installation, an error appears: "Please install the Bentley Integrated Structural Modeler"
• In Ram Elements, the ISM functions will still be shown in the menu, but clicking them causes nothing to happen.

Note, for models that are not already synchronized with a specific ISM repository, you should not be able to use the "Update Repository" or "Update From Repository" actions, even when Synchronizer is installed. Only the "Create Repository" and "New from Repository" actions are active in that case.

Solution

Install the latest Structural Synchronizer from the Software Fulfillment Center searching "Synchronizer" or the link for non-SELECT users is here.

In some cases, rebooting the computer is also required.

Situation 2:

In STAAD.Pro the ISM buttons can be grayed out even if Structural Synchronizer is installed.

1. Check in Control Panel that StrucLink is installed and a current version.
2. If  it is old or it is not installed, uninstall STAAD.Pro
3. Uninstall the old version of StrucLink if one is installed.
4. Reinstall STAAD.Pro and select the option to also install StrucLink.

See Also

Integrated Structural Modeling Home

Error or Warning Message

An error occurred ("The argument "boundary" is not valid. Boundary does not lie on a surface. (System.ArgurmentException: The argument "boundary" is not valid. Boundary does not lie on a surface. at
Bentley.Structural.Ism.ApiImp.IsmTrimmedSurface3D

Explanation

When converting an older ISM repository to SELECTseries 5, when the model contains certain surface geometry the error can occur.

How to Repair

Recover the repository by installing the same Structural Synchronizer version the repository was created with and editing the repository with the ISM editor. Delete the all of plates in the editor that are causing the boundary error and update the repository with the editor.
The repository can then be opened and updated with the latest version of synchronizer.

See Also

Integrated Structural Model Home

Best Practices Documents

Modeling and Node Generation Best Practices

STAAD.Pro Loads and ISM 

ISM Revit Plug-in

ISM Import into Tekla Structures

ISM Change Management - Accepting Some Revised Properties but Rejecting Others

ISM Capabilities and Limitations Matrix

Installation

How can I find the ISM installer?

Can't Install the 32-bit Version on a 64-bit Operating System

Synchronizer Won't Install due to Prerequisites

ISM Toolbar Buttons Grayed out

Solutions

Boundary Is Not Valid Error

Cannot Find Suitable RSS Level for the given ISM Curve Member

Disable ProjectWise Integration with ISM

Error-Could not start a Responsive Engine

How to remove incorrectly mapped section properties while importing ISM repository into STAAD.Pro

ProStructures ISM Section and Material Mapping

ISM - IFC Import Details

ISM 8.11.09.130 crashes on startup

ISM Import or Export Unhandled Exception Occurred 

ISM Import to RAM Elements Beams Not Segmented

ISM Log Files

ISM Nodes into RAM Structural System

ISM Rotate RAM Model

ISM Section mapping and STAAD.pro

Not a Valid ISM DGN Repository Exception

RAM Manager Crashes when using ISM - New From Repository

Ram SS - ISM Missing Rebar or Deleting All Objects on Update

SACS - ISM Import of Plates (Walls & Slabs)

Tekla Structures v.20 ISM Mixed Mode Assembly Error

Not Able to Import/Export with ISM in STAAD.Pro

Unable to create host MainForm error in STAAD.Pro

Error Previous IsmStructuralPropertyCatalog initialization failed

Problem Description

When are importing an ISM repository into RAM Structural System CONNECT Edition some users have seen this error:

"Cannot find suitable RSS level for the given ISM Curve Member."

We don't yet know what is causing the elevation error but we have found a workaround for now.

Steps to Resolve

1.  When you the "Cannot find suitable RSS level for the given ISM Curve Member." error open the repository in the ISM Editor.
2. On the table on the left side select the Story category.
3.  In the table on the right select all of the story levels and then click the Remove Selected Object button to delete the stories.
4. The go to the menu and select File>Update and update the repository accepting the deleted stories.
5. Exit out of Synchronizer and the Editor and import your repository into RAM.

ISM will create new stories for each floor as it is imported.

See Also

Integrated Structural Modeling Home

Problem

I'm doing structural synchronization from ISM to STAAD.Pro. I incorrectly matched the section properties assigned in the model (during synchronizing process). When I redo to import (ISM) the pop-up to match sections is not appearing anymore and it follows with the wrong section properties. How to bring it back?

Solution

Go to C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\StrucLink\Data folder and open file Shapes19S3.mdb. All the mapping information should be saved in the StaadToISMSectionMaps table in this file. Open this table and scroll down till the end of the table. Manually mapped sections will have Mapping Type set to UserMapped:

You may delete the incorrectly mapped lines and during the next ISM Repository creation process you will be asked to map those sections again.

*Note: some of the mentioned folders my be hidden on some machines.

Where is the option to import an IFC File?

The IFC import action can be started from the Windows Start menu - All Programs - Bentley Engineering - Structural Synchronizer V8i - Import IFC

The dialog box that comes up allows you to select the ifc file and choose a name for the new ism.dgn repository that will be created.

Click Settings to make changes in the default mapping of Section and Materials

Click Import to start the process.

A progress dialog will then appear along with any warnings.

If the IFC file has materials that have not already been mapped, then a Material Mappings dialog box will appear where you can map the IFC file materials to ISM material types.

If the option to show the Structural Synchronizer is turned on, then the process ends with a view of the imported data in the Viewer. Click Close to finish the process.

What IFC entity types can be imported?

The following is a summary of the various IFC entity types that can be imported, For each, the mapped ISM entity type and properties are listed.

Supported IFC Entities:

1. IfcBeam -> IsmCurveMember (Use – Beam)
2. IfcColumn ->  IsmCurveMember (Use – Column)
3. IfcPile -> IsmCurveMember (Use – Pile)
4. IfcMember -> IsmCurveMember (Use – HorizontalBrace/ VerticalBrace)
5. IfcWall -> IsmSurfaceMember (Use – Wall)
6. IfcWallStandardCase -> -> IsmSurfaceMember (Use – Wall)
7. IfcFooting -> IsmSurfaceMember (Use – Footing)
8. IfcSlab -> IsmSurfaceMember (Use – Slab) (true)
9. IfcPlate -> IsmSurfaceMember (Use – Footing)
10. IfcDiscreteAccessory -> IsmSurfaceMember (Use – Unset)
11. IfcFeatureElementAddition -> IsmFeatureAddition
12. IfcOpeningElement -> IsmSurfaceMemberOpening/IsmFeatureAddition (depending on situation) 

Supported IFC representations:

• IfcExtrudedAreaSolid
• IfcRevolvedAreaSolid
• IfcSweptDiskSolid
• IfcSurfaceCurveSweptAreaSolid

 Supported IFC profile definitions:

• IfcArbitraryClosedProfileDef
• IfcArbitraryProfileDefWithVoids
• IfcDerivedProfileDef
• IfcCompositeProfileDef
• IfcIShapeProfileDef
• IfcCircleProfileDef
• IfcRectangleProfileDef 

Why is there a warning, "IfcFacetedBrep is not supported"

The ISM API has some surface limitations. Consequently Boundary representation (BREP) surfaces are not imported at this time. 

Problem

Importing or Exporting models from ISM enabled applications could result in "one of the following errors:

1. Creating an ISM repository from Revit Structure.
When you click on the Browse button in the Export dialog

The following error could appear

2. Importing an ISM repository in RAM Structural System.
This error could occur when you go to give the RAM model a name

Reason

These errors can be linked to either a missing or corrupt Bentley SPC Server application.

Solution

To resolve the errors open Control Panel > Uninstall a Program and look to see if the SPC Server is installed. If it is installed it is probably corrupt.
First uninstall Structural Synchronizer then uninstall Bentley SPC Server V8i SS4. Also, uninstall any Bentley Structural Property Catalogs that exist.

Reinstall Structural Synchronizer and test the Import/Export commands.

Problem

When you import an ISM repository into RAM Elements you may find that the beams are continuous and not segmented.

Solution

This is intentional as Ram Elements supports physical member modeling. Go to Process - Analyze Model -  Finite Element Model tab and make sure the option to "Automatically segment physical members and shells" is turned on.

See Also

Integrated Structural Modeling Home