RAM Manger Exports Point Reactions Equal to Zero

Point Reactions = Zero cannot import into Revit

• RAM Structural System x64 v15.00.00.001

• Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition (64-bit) v10.00.00.05

• ISM Revit Plugin V8i (SELECT series 7) v08.11.12.03

Problem

When you create a repository from a RAM model there can be point reactions being exported that have a value of zero.

See the attached screenshot of the ISM Editor.

When you import that repository into Revit, ISM finishes but then there is an error when the model is finished regenerating. (Point Load can’t have all force components and moment components to be zero.) Your only option is to cancel without creating a model.

See the video.

communities.bentley.com/.../PointReactionError.mp4

Workaround

If you open the repository in the ISM Editor and delete the point loads equal to zero and update the repository it will import into Revit without errors.

See the video for the process of deleting the point reactions with a zero value. 

communities.bentley.com/.../ZeroPointLoadError-In-Revit.mp4

After you delete the point reactions equal to zero the repository will import into Revit.

See Also:

ISM Revit Plugin

Problem Description

Ram Modeler crashes, presenting an MFC application error at various times, particularly when saving.

Reason

The problem is limited to users who have actively checked-out a license for Ram Modeler (or other specific Ram Modules).

Solution

Update to RAM Structural System 15.01.00.00.

Software Download Instructions

Alternatively, in the License Management Tool, check in any licenses that are checked-out and work normally. The program will function and record usage without a checked out license for all SELECT users, though this work-around is not valid for node-locked users who must check-out licenses in advance of using the software.

The TechNotes and FAQs in this section cover various topics that pertain to RAM Structural System. Use the navigation tree on the left or the popular links below to browse.

Release Notes and Known Issues

• RAM Structural System Release Notes
• [[Known Issues in Ram Structural System]]

General

• RAM SS - Modules Overview
• RAMSS Installation FAQ
• RAM Defaults Guide
• RAMSS Files FAQ
• RAM SS File-Open Troubleshooting [TN]
• RAM Table Editing
• RAM SS 3D Viewer FAQ
• RAMSS Polygon Intersection Error
• RAM SS Analysis Types
• RAMSS Two Way Decks
• RAMSS Common Framing Table Errors
• New Workflow for tables in RAM Structural System Version 14.06

RAM Modeler

• RAMSS Modeling FAQ
• [[Deleting a Brace that does not appear in Elevation]]
• [[Modeling 2D Frames in Ram Structural System]]
• [[Modeling Grade Beams]]
• RAM SS Walls FAQ
• Importing DXF Files into RAM SS

RAM Steel

• RAMSS Gravity Loads FAQ
• RAM Steel Beams FAQ
• RAM Steel Joists FAQ
• RAM Steel Columns FAQ
• RAMSS FloorVibe FAQ

RAM Frame

Criteria and Lateral Load topics

• • RAM Frame - Load Cases
  • [[RAM Frame - Masses]]
  • RAM Frame - Wind Loads FAQ
  • RAM Frame - Seismic Loads FAQ
  • RAM Frame - Dynamic Modal Analysis FAQ
  • RAM Frame Numbers
  • RAM Frame - Criteria - Ground Level

Analysis Considerations

• • RAM Frame Troubleshooting
  • RAM Frame - Eigenvalue Error
  • RAM Frame Meshing and Segmentation
  • RAM Instability In Finite Element Analysis
  • RAM Frame P-Delta
  • RAM Frame - Criteria - Diaphragms
  • RAM Frame Semirigid Diaphragms
  • RAM Frame Pseudo Flexible Diaphragms FAQ
  • RAM Frame Tension Only FAQ
  • RAMSS Truss Modeling And Design
  • [[RAM Frame Wall Groups FAQ]]

Code Specific and Steel Design Topics

• • RAM Frame AISC 360 Stability Analysis and Design
  • RAM Frame - Criteria - B1 & B2

Buckling Restrained Braced Frames

• • Star Seismic™ Buckling Restrained Braces
  • CoreBrace™ Buckling Restrained Braces

Reports and Output

• • RAM Frame - Building and Frame Story Shear
  • RAM Frame - DXF

RAM Concrete

• RAM Concrete Beam [FAQ]
• RAM Concrete Column - ACI Slenderness Design
• [[Concrete Column Minimum Eccentric Moment]]
• RAM SS Walls FAQ
• Wall Boundary Element Design in RAM Structural System [TN]
• RAM Concrete Shear Wall Design Verification (ACI 318-08)
• RAM SS - Wall Coupling Beams
• Coupling Beam Verification - ACI 318-08 (RAM Concrete)
• Coupling Beam Verification - ACI 318-08 with Seismic (RAM Concrete)

RAM Foundation

• RAM SS - Foundation [FAQ]
• Modeling Continuous Foundations
• Error Messages Prevent RAM Foundation from Opening

Ram Interop

• ISM Revit Plug-in

RAM DataAccess

• What is RAM DataAccess?

Problem Description

You get a Revit External Tool Failure error when trying to import or export an ISM repository from Revit

Steps to Resolve

If you are having a problem with ISM on your machine I would recommend doing a clean install of both the ISM Revit Plugin and Structural Synchronizer.

1. Go to Control Panel and uninstall Structural Synchronizer and ISM Revit Plugin.
2. While you have Control Panel open check and see if Microsoft .NET framework 4.7 is installed. (It is located in "Turn Windows Features On or Off".) If it is not, you can download it from here:
   https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=55170
3. Next go to each of the directories shown below and if they still exist delete them.
   C:\Program Files\Bentley\Engineering\StructuralSynchronizer CE
   C:\Program Files\Bentley\Engineering\ISM Revit Plugin CE
   C:\Users\your.name\AppData\Local\Bentley\IsmEngine
4. Reinstall Structural Synchronizer and the ISM Revit Plugin.
5. Restart your machine.

If the error persists it is recommended that you do a clean install of Revit. Here is a link to the clean install instructions on the Autodesk website.

Clean Installation of Revit Structure

See Also:

ISM Revit Plugin

 Question:

Problem Description:

I have signed for Select Open Access (SOA); I installed STAAD.foundation software; when I try to run it, I'm getting a message "Could not find license of STAAD.Foundation".

Reason:

From STAAD.Pro Select Series 3 and later version, STAAD.foundation has been included in STAAD.Pro license.

Solution: Please do not run STAAD.foundation as a stand-alone mode. You must access it from STAAD.Pro V8i as shown here.  You can use it from the tab 'Foundation Design' or from the drop-down Menu under 'Mode'. This is initially greyed out, it becomes active once you have analyzed the file.

P.S. Under SOA, you are entitled to run STAAD Foundation Advanced software; we strongly recommend that you use it instead of the basic version of STAAD Foundation. STAAD Foundation has been retired and has been replaced by STAAD Foundation Advanced. STAAD Foundation Advanced needs to be installed separately. 

Software Download Instructions

1. American Steel Code AISC [FAQ]
2. API 2A-WSD 21st Edition
3. BS 5950-1:2000 implementation
4. Canadian Steel Code S16 [FAQ] 
5. STAAD.Pro EN 1993-1-1:2005 Implementation
6. Member Fails in Slenderness Ration Using BS 5950
7. Viewing Members Whose Utilization Ratio is Within a Desired Range
8. EN 1993-1-1:2005 (EC3)
9. General Steel Design Solutions
10. IS 800:2007
11. SNiP SP 16.13330.2011

Member Fails in Slenderness Ratio using BS 5950 parameters.
Question: Why do double angle sections fails in slenderness ratio when using the British Steel Code (BS 5950).

Answer: Many a times it is seen that double angle sections fail in slenderness as per BS 5950 but passes when some other codes are used. The reason is explained as below: 4.7.9(c) of BS:5950 states that : “The slenderness lambda_C of the main components (based on their minimum radius of gyration) between end welds or end bolts of adjacent battens should not exceed 50.…” Hence as per the above mentioned clauses , for double angle members, the slenderness lambda_C, which is the slenderness about the minor principal axis of the component single angle member, is checked against a limiting value of50 . Lambda_C is the value of Lvv/rv, where v-v is the minor axis. While code checking ,the geometric check is performed first, that is , the program first checks for the slenderness ratio of all the members . If this check passes, then the program goes for the checking the entire load cases against the relevant codal provision . If the slenderness ratio exceeds the limit specified by the code, then the member is reported as “failed” by slenderness and no further code checking is done . For double angle sections, the slenderness check is performed against the limiting value of 50 (as mentioned in 4.7.8(g) and 4.7.9(c)). The slenderness value is calculated as : Lvv/ rv.Where Lvv is the member length and rv is the minimum radius of gyration. For your detailed design report , kindly use the TRACK 2 design parameter . I have attached an example screenshot of the Staad Output file to demonstrate the calculation of slenderness ratio . If you need to bypass the slenderness check, you have to specify a suitable Lvv parameter to restrict lambda_C within the specified limits. It is very important that you specify an appropriate “Lvv” and "Leg" parameter for a correct slenderness calculation to be done. Kindly go through article 2B.6 for details of these

The Structural Analysis and Design TechNotes and FAQs are now organized by Application in the navigation tree at the left. The links on this page are maintained for faster navigation. 

General (Licensing and Installation)

STAAD.pro  

STAAD Foundation Advanced

Ram Structural System  

Ram Elements  

Ram Connection  

Ram Concept

ISM Revit Plug-in

Microstran , Limcon, and MStower

What happens if I don't sign in to Bentley Service through the CONNECTION client?

With most CONNECT Edition or CONNECT Enabled products, the CONNECTION client service is installed automatically and sign in happens at start up. When starting any of the applications, if the user is not signed in the the sign in dialog will appear.

Canceling the dialog using the red x is the same as signing out and the product should perform normally but no Bentley Cloud Services will be available and no project associations can be made. 

What happens if I uninstall the CONNECTION client?

As noted on screen when uninstalling the CONNECTION client, most Bentley CONNECT Edition products require the CONNECTION client in order to function properly. 

We have tested the various structural products behavior when the CONNECTION client is uninstalled and the products all function other than warnings and limitations of the type noted below. Uninstalling the service will result in warnings when starting the software. For example, in RAM Structural System v15, the following message will appear: 

---------------------------
CONNECTION Desktop Client installation not found.
Please visit www.bentley.com to learn more about the benefits of CONNECT Edition.
---------------------------

Those benefits and other questions about Bentley Cloud Services are addressed on the Bentley CONNECT Overview.

A similar message appear with Ram Concept.

---------------------------
CONNECTION Client installation not found.

Run the Concept installer to install CONNECTION Client and utilize Bentley Cloud Services.
---------------------------

I am not planning to use Bentley Cloud Services, how can I access my files without registering a project?

You can always skip the step of assigning any project by canceling the dialog using the Cancel button or the Rec X and still work on your files.

A few users have reported a crash (MFC Application Error) with Ram Manager CONNECT Edition when canceling out of the Assign Project dialog before the list of projects is refreshed. Until we have a solution to this issue we recommend either waiting until the project list is populated and a project can be assigned, or uninstalling the CONNECTION client service as noted above.

When starting my CONNECT Edition application why do I get a warning that the CONNECTION Client is not running?

If you start a CONNECT Edition application and the CONNECTION Client service is not running, or you are not signed in you will be presented a warning. The warnings come from the application that was started so the wording can vary, here are some examples. 

To avoid the warning, make sure the latest CONNECTION Client service is installed and running and that you are signed in. 

If the CONNECTION Client service is not installed, here's how to download it: How to Download the CONNECTION Client

If the service is installed, but not running, start it by clicking the Windows key, searching for CONNECTION Client and then clicking the CONNECTION Client Desktop app result. 

I just installed a program, but I'm getting a login error, "User failed to login" 

In case, you have not updated the CONNECTION CLIENT by this date, you will receive the “User failed to login” error. You will need to download the CONNECTION client.

It is available for download from the ‘Software Downloads’ tile at connect.bentley.com. Search for 'CONNECTION Client'. select CONNECTION Client from the list.

Further documentation about this problem CONNECTION Client: User Failed to Login.

Note: RAM Elements, STAAD users may get the same login failure error, if the CONNECTION client was not updated before February 6th.

I'm getting the message "Unable to connect to the EULA service. Please try again later."

 When attempting to log into the CONNECTION client, the following error may appear:

And, as a result, applications like Ram Structural System (Ram Manager) CONNECT Edition will report that Bentley Cloud Services are unavailable:

This happens when the date/time on your system is out of sync with our IMS identity server. To resolve the problem right click on the date/time indicator int he system tray and select "Adjust date/time". In the subsequent dialog, reset the time to be accurate (it must be accurate to 5 minutes of global time).

I am trying to install CONNECTION Client as part of the Structural Enterprise, I am getting a message to get a newer version of Windows

CONNECTION Client is tested and certified for Windows 8 (64-bit), Windows 7 (64 bit) and Windows Server 2012 (64-bit). 

You must be using an older operating system like Vista; please update your operating system.

See Also

Bentley CONNECT Overview

Description

When I am trying to run the ISM section in Staad, the option to create the repository is grayed out.  

Explanation:

There could be two reasons behind it,

• The Structural Synchronizer is not installed in the machine
• Structural Synchronizer has been installed, but there is a version mismatch with the one supplied with STAAD.Pro installation package

Solution

Please note that Structural Synchronizer is the engine that makes ISM work. 

1) In case Structural Synchronizer is not installed in the machine, install it by following the steps stated in the link below.

Software Download Instructions

Since this is a software with no charge, you can download it from the Bentley Free App page too.

Bentley Free iWare website

2) If you have already installed Structural Synchronizer and the ISM part is greyed out, then there may be a version mismatch between STAAD.Pro and Structural Synchronizer.

Uninstall Structural Synchronizer from the machine. If you have the installation package for STAAD.Pro, extract the files and look for StrucLinkForStaadProSetup******_SS*.msi file and install it.

If you do not have the STAAD.Pro installation file, please download it from the Fulfillment Center .

Once, you have downloaded the file, while installing it, if you check the box where it says install Companion Products, then Structural Synchronizer will be installed along with StructLink & PipeLink.

If you do not want to install StructLink & PipeLink, then you will have to extract the files and install StrucLinkForStaadProSetup******_SS*.msi file from the list of files.

Description

When I am trying to create repository via ISM, I'm getting the following error message.

Explanation

The Structural Synchronizer CONNECT Edition release 10.0 or later is not installed in the machine.

Solution

Please note that Structural Synchronizer is the engine that makes ISM work. 

Install Structural Synchronizer by following the steps stated in the link below.

Software Download Instructions

Since this is a software with no charge, you can download it from the Bentley Free App page too.

Bentley Free iWare website

See Also

How can I find the ISM installer?

Problem Description

When conducting the analyze phase, Staad Foundation Advanced stops responding and crashes. I have tried opening previous Staad projects and it will crash on launch. I have uninstalled, rebooted and did a fresh install of the application. These did not resolve the issue. I have made sure that my antivirus program is not an issue.

Solution

Please download the STAAD.foundation Advanced V8i Version 07.01.00.00 from the fulfilment center.

The steps are described in the link below.

Software Download Instructions

Uninstall the old version of the software and install 07.01.00.00 with full administrative privileges (right-click on the installation file and select the option "Run as administrator", though you are logged in as the administrator).

This page is the landing page for user help for troubleshooting errors when assigning connections in RAM Connections Standalone (RC-SA), RAM Connection for RAM Structural System (RC for RAM SS), and RAM Connection for RAM Elements (RC for RE).

Common Error Messages

• "Connection is not compatible with this type of joint
• "No valid joints were found within selected member"

Beam Connections with Channels and HSS

RAM Connection only supports beams with I-shaped sections. It is not possible to assign connections to joints with beams defined with other section types, including HSS or channel sections. If a beam is not an I-shaped section and a connection is assigned, the following error will be displayed:

See frequently asked question on the following web page for more information:

RAM Connection Capabilities and Modeling FAQ

Gusset Connections (RC for RE)

In order to assign a gusset connection in RC for RE, the brace member needs to be designated as a brace. This is done in the Data Panel - Members Tab - Connectivity and Description worksheet. See below. If the Brace flag is set to "No" and a gusset connection is assigned, a "Connection is Not Compatible with This Joint" error will appear. This problem does not occur in RC for RAM SS.

Conversely, if you have a beam to girder or beam to column connection where the secondary beam has been designated as a "Brace" then simple shear and moment connections cannot be applied to that beam. The Brace flag is only intended for vertical braces types.

Also, the program is looking for an intersection of a physical beam column and brace, but if the beam or column is a continuous physical member through the joint it won't identify this as a valid condition. In those cases, segment the members at the joint in order to assign gusset plate connections.

Finally, gusset connection cannot be assigned at any joint with a sloped beam.

In Ram Connection version 12.0 some truss type "Tubular Connections" were added. These will be available with subsequent versions of Ram Elements or STAAD.  

RAM Connection will not assign a Gusset connection where the brace slope angle is not between 20 and 70 degrees.  Is this an arbitrary limit by RAM or a code restriction?

It's just an arbitrary limit, though a practical one. Furthermore, the program will not assign a CBB type gusset connection when the beam is sloped. 

Why can't a shear connection be assigned perpendicular to a gusset?

Since there are potential interference issues or requirements for full depth stiffener plates that can't be properly evaluated by the program, Ram Connection simply does not allow connections on beams framing into Chevron Brace (CVR) family of joints.

Base Plate Connections

In RAM Connection v8.0 and earlier, It may take a very long time to assign base plate connections, especially in models with a large number of load combinations. Improvements were made in RAM Connection v9.1 that significantly reduced the assign time for base plate connections. See the following web page for details:

Base Plate Troubleshooting

Column Cap Plate Connections

The beam must extend over the column in order for a column cap connection to be assigned. At perimeter column locations, a column cap connection cannot be assigned if the beam terminates at the column. A "Connection is Not Compatible with This Joint" error is displayed. To work around the problem, model an extended cantilever at the beam end in RAM Structural System. In RAM Elements, add a node on the opposite side of the column and update the member connectivity so that the beam is continuous over the column.

If beams from two directions frame into the top of the beam, then a column cap connection cannot be assigned. A "No Valid Joints Were Found Within Selected Members" error is displayed. If the beam in the other direction is intended to frame into the continuous beam over the column, it can be offset a short distance from the column grid line. A related problem occurs when attempting to assign a Beam-Girder connection at the beam intersection for this condition. A Beam-Column connection will be assigned instead. Offsetting the secondary beam from the column grid line will also resolve this issue.

RAM Connection requires the column to be a wide flange or a rectangular or square HSS. Round HSS or Pipes are not yet available. 

RAM Connection requires that the webs of I-shaped columns in column cap plate connections are parallel to the beam span. In RC-SA, the following error is displayed if the column orientation is changed to 90 degrees:

In RC for RE or RC for RAM SS, a column cap connection will be assigned if the I-shaped column is orientated in the other direction. However, the connection will be displayed and designed as if the column was orientated in the opposite direction.

Column Splice Connections

Column splice joints are only allowed where there is only a column (vertical member) above and below the node. Where a beam or brace also intersects the same node the column splice is not allowed.

A sloped or canted column can still have a splice connection assigned, but only if the member local axis orientation spreadsheet is cleared (all zeros). When the orientation of the sloped column is set with a vector (NX, NY, NZ) then the joint assignment will always fail. 

The column shape needs to be the same nominal depth and the bottom column must be equal or larger in depth. 

Column splice connections are typically in two parts with a flange plates for moments and a web plate for shear.

Ram Connection for RAM Structural System Materials Problem

Some connection templates are limited to specific materials, eg. A36, A572 Gr50 only. In models imported from RAM SS only the yield stress Fy is known, so those connections types may not be allowed. For example, the Direct Weld template is limited to A36, A529 or A572 materials. A fix is in progress to allow RamFy50 or RamFy 36 to work there as well.

Similarly, the Ry and Rt values are not provided by Ram SS to Ram Connection, so those values should be checked closely. Imported Ram SS material constants can be edited through Ram Connection - Home ribbon menu - Databases - Materials. Do not edit the material names, however.

See Also

[[Can't Assign CCB_SP to some CBB Joints]]

What are the sign conventions for forces/moments in beams ?

The sign conventions are as follows:

Axial (FX) : Positive = Along local X axis, Negative = Opposite to local X
axis
Shear-Y (FY) : Positive = Along local Y axis, Negative = Opposite to local Y
axis
Shear-Z (FZ) : Positive = Along local Z axis, Negative = Opposite to local Z
axis

Torsion (MX) : Positive = Vector along local X axis, Negative = Vector opposite to local X
axis
Moment-Y (MY) : Positive = Vector along local Y axis, Negative = Vector opposite to local
Y axis
Moment-Z (MZ) : Positive = Vector along local Z axis, Negative = Vector opposite to local
Z axis

For axial forces,

Positive at the start node indicates compression at the start node.
Positive at the end node indicates tension at the end node.

Negative at the start node indicates tension at the start node.
Negative at the end node indicates compression at the end node.

This page is under construction.

STAAD Foundation Advanced

The version specific Release Notes for STAAD Foundation Advanced is presented below 

[[Connect Edition Update 4 v8.4.0 Release Notes]]

[[CONNECT Edition Update 3 v8.3.0 Release Notes]]

[[Connect Edition Update 2 v8.2.0 Release Notes]]

[[Connect Edition Update 1 v8.0.1 Release Notes]]

[[CONNECT Edition v8.0 Release Notes]]

The TechNotes, FAQs and Support solutions cover various topics that pertain to the CONNECT Edition of STAAD.pro, version 21.00.00.57 specifically. 

Release News

New Release STAAD.Pro CONNECT Edition (21.00.00.57)

New Release - STAAD.Pro CONNECT Edition Update 1 (21.00.01.12)

Installation and Licensing

[[User ID Missing from the Output Report]]

[[The .std files are not showing up with the STAAD.Pro CE icon]]

General

[[Error Unhandled Exception when trying to open the editor in STAAD.Pro Connect Edition]]

[[Existing custom steel section databases cannot opened in the STAAD.Pro Connect Edition]]

Graphical User Interface 

[[Black Force Diagrams, Fonts or Color Changes]]

[[Run Analysis option is greyed out]]

[[Error when trying to create analytical model from the physical model]]

[[When trying to import an ISM repository into STAAD.Pro, the Run option is grayed out]]

A "Failed to save document" error reported while creating a new model

[[The Parametric Models Fails to Generate Mesh]]

[[Crash when defining beam offsets]]

[[Members/Surfaces cannot be copied unless corresponding nodes are selected]]

Analysis and Design

[[Unity ratio displayed for only one member when designed as per AISC 360-16]]

See Also

STAAD.Pro Support Solutions

What floor-to-floor height should I enter in the story data?

Whatever story height you enter into RAM Modeler, that is where the centerline of the frame beams will fall in the finite element model and vertical braces always connect to a work point at the beam and column centerlines. This is done for simplicity in the finite element analysis.

For drift sensitive structures, using a first story height that is equal to the distance from the ground level (or foundation level) up to the top of steel - average frame beam depth / 2 is probably the most accurate modeling (see "Alternate Story El." below). But using a distance from ground level to beam top of steel (a.k.a. deck bearing) is more common practice and is conservative in most aspects (see "Common Story El." below).

The common story approach is also used when the RAM SS 3D model is exported to ISM. In the ISM model the beam locations are established relative to the story datum based on the following rules:

• Non composite deck – top of beam, deck bearing at story datum
• Composite deck – top of beam, deck bearing at story datum
• Concrete slab – top of slab at story datum

Keep in mind, story height can also affect the following calculations:

• Calculated wind exposure (and Kz factors)
• "h" in the vertical distribution of seismic loads calculation (wi*hi/Sum (wi*hi))
• Overturning moment (related to lateral force times story height)
• Unbraced length for columns
• Slope angle and length of braces
• Material takeoff quantities
• And the elevation of the beams shown in the 3D view, or exported out to Revit, ISM, or dxf, which are all artificially adjusted to show all beams with top of steel at the story height.

How can I model a structure with alternating layout types?

Regretfully, in RAM Modeler, typical layout types can only be used on consecutive floor types. Furthermore, any layout that includes a transfer beam can only be used once in the story data. Consequently, a building with alternating floor types requires a unique layout type for every story.

An enhancement request has been logged to allow alternating floor types, or other sequences, where a typical layout type could be used on non-consecutive stories, but this requires many changes to the architecture of the program and implementation of the "framing tables" so it won't be possible in the short term.

Models that are synchronized with ISM also must have a unique layout type for every story.

How can I model a continuous beam?

In Ram Structural System, the framing must all be determinate, so multi-span indeterminate framing is not directly possible. There are two approaches to modeling and designing continuous beams. 

The first is to model each span as a lateral beam. use the same size for each span and be sure to assign the ends to be fixed. The supporting columns also need to be lateral, but they may be pinned (in the plane of the framing). To see the accurate member forces or steel design of the beams, use Ram Frame analysis and the Steel Standard Provisions respectively.

Alternatively, for those that do not have Ram Frame, the system can be approximated using a cantilever and suspended span approach. In other words, model one span normally and add a cantilever extension into the second bay. Then add a suspended span from the end of the cantilever to the third support (or add a cantilever beam in every other bay for continuous beams more then 2 spans long). The length of the cantilever is important here since it dictates the inflection point or point of zero moment.

When using the cantilever approach one side effect is that the supporting columns will assume zero eccentricity in the design.

Can a beam cantilever directly from a support with no back-span?

Yes, the option to create a stub cantilever or beam with a single support was added in version 14.02.  Prior to that version a dummy column of near zero stiffness and a lateral beam with one end fixed was required.

How can I create a sloping floor or roof?

There are some basic limitations to what you can model with RAM Structural System, so it may not be possible to model some structures perfectly, but you can usually get close. The following guidelines should help

• Every beam must have exactly two supports, never 1 or 3, and those supports must be on the same level type. So you can't directly model a bent beam forming a gable unless there is a support at the peak.
• You must be able to model the structure as a flat (wedding cake) type structure first, then create the slopes by changing column (and wall) elevations.
• Any time you have a step (two beams framing into the same support at different elevations), two levels types and two stories are required and the higher beam must be on the higher story.
• You can raise or lower a column (or wall) using the Layout - Column - Modify elevation command and thus slope beams that connect to it. If you want to lower the column more than the story height, then you must also lower the same column on the next lower story. If you want to raise the column more than the story height of the level above, then you must also raise the same column on the level above. Think of the column like a string with beads on it at each story. As you modify the elevation you are lowering the bead, but you cannot cross another bead. In the end, the beads must be at least 0.1’ apart (more separation is preferred).

Other things to note:

• You can have a rigid diaphragm that is sloped, but in RAM Frame this is treated as a horizontal diaphragm. We don't analyze sloped rigid diaphragms. Furthermore, if your structure is subject to trust, diaphragms should be turned off at least while investigating gravity loads. Using a sloped semi-rigid diaphragm is an alternative.
• The gravity steel and concrete beam design will not include any effects of axial forces.

If the sloped framing causes anything to look incorrect in 3D, see [[RAM SS 3D viewer FAQ]]. 

For more on modeling ramps, see [[RAM SS - How to Model Ramps in RAM Structural System]].

How can I model a 2 story brace, or one that skips a level?

When a brace needs to skip a level use Layout - brace - Add Special and follow the prompts at the bottom left.

For details on how these braces effect frame story shear reporting, please reference [[RAM Frame - Building and Frame Story Shear]].

How do I model a transfer girder, or a column setting on a beam?

On the upper story level model the column as a standard column (not a hanger).

On the lower level model the beam passing through the location of the column above. This could also be a beam cantilever.

Use Reference layout types (under the options menu) or construction grids to aid in the alignment of the column and beam below.

Why am I unable to copy information or import a DXF into a layout?

The Copy and Import from DXF features (RAM Modeler - Layout - Type menu) are only active for layout types that contain no information. These commands are deactivated in RAM Modeler even if the layout contains only grids and no other objects. To use either command, create a new layout and then use the copy or import features before any other information is defined on the layout.

How can I change a Beam’s material property from Steel to Concrete?

In the RAM Modeler first change the material to “Concrete”. Then go to Layout>Beam>Change Material. This process also applies to columns and braces. The trick here is to set the material to what you want the member to become, not what material it initially is. This is backwards of other commands that only work on members that match the material setting.

See Also

RAM SS - Using DXF as a Reference Layout

[[Deleting a Brace that does not appear in Elevation]]

[[Multi-story sloped columns]]

[[Modeling 2D Frames in Ram Structural System]]

[[Modeling Grade Beams]]

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