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.

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.

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

It may take a very long time to assign base plate connections, especially in models with a large number of load combinations. 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 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.

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

Structural Product TechNotes And FAQs