Can I assign a section such as a HSS or channel to a beam?

Currently, only I-shaped (wide flange) sections can be assigned to beams in RAM Connection. It is not possible to assign other section types, like HSS or channels, to beam members, though they can be used as columns or braces in many connection templates.

What is the difference between Basic Connections and Smart Connections?

The RAM Connection Manual defines these connections as follows:

Basic Connection:  A connection template that can automatically adjust the geometry (position or dimensions) of the connection pieces to fit the connection members. It does not calculate the quantity or dimensions of the connecting pieces (bolts, plates, etc) to resist the applied forces.

Smart Connection: A connection template that can automatically calculate the quantity and dimensions of the connecting pieces (bolts, welds, plate sizes etc) to resist the applied forces.

When basic connections are designed, the program searches through a list of predefined connection templates and selects the first connection in the list that satisfies the design requirements.

When smart connections are designed, the program optimizes the connection parameters. See the RAM Connection Manual for a list of parameters that are optimized for each connection type. If a parameter is not optimized, the program uses a default value that be modified in the Connection Pad as needed.

Some complex connection templates like gusset pate or base plates only have a smart variety. 

Where are the abbreviations used for joint types and connections defined?

The abbreviations are defined in the RAM Connection Manual (available from the help ? or as a pdf from the Windows Start menu). The naming conventions for both joints and connections are listed in Chapter 2, The Connection Database - Database organization. Here is a list of the joint types from that section:

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

How can I change the design code (AISC 360 or BS 5950) or the design method (ASD or LRFD)?

RAM Connection Standalone:

1. Click on the Design menu tab at the top of the program window.
2. Find the Assignment toolbar.
3. Double click on the small square box with arrow pointing to the lower right corner to open the Customize Connection Design dialog.
4. Edit the design code (or design method in version 8).

Note, in Ram Connection Stand-alone version 9.0, changing the design code does NOT retroactively alter the assigned code for the existing joints in the file. This was done intentionally so that the user can have some joints designed to one code and other joints designed to another code within a single file. Consequently, if the design code for existing joints needs to be changed, the code should first be changed, then reassign connections to the joints.

RAM Connection for RAM Structural System:

1. Click on the Design menu tab at the top of the program window.
2. Find the Assignment toolbar.
3. Double click on the small square box with arrow pointing to the lower right corner to open the Customize Connection Design dialog.
4. Edit the design code (or design method).

RAM Connection for Elements:

The design code and design method is controlled by the code selected for design when performing a design in the RAM Elements model. To change the design code or design method, redesign the model and choose the desired design code.

Changing the design code will not automatically update generated load combinations. After changing the design method, delete and regenerate the load combinations.

When designing a base plate connection, the ACI 318 Appendix D checks are not completed.

Since the ACI Appendix D checks are based on ultimate limit state design, RAM Connection will only complete the ACI Appendix D checks if LRFD is selected for the design method. See frequently asked question above for information on changing the design method.

Information that is modified in the Connection Pad is not saved after clicking the Save button and exiting the dialog.

Any item that has an icon with a red arrow* to the left of it (see figure below) is defined in a dialog outside the Connection Pad. These parameters can be edited in the Connection Pad, but the information will be lost after closing the dialog. To change the parameters permanently, modify the values in the dialog where the information is initially defined. Edit the Joint to modify loads, section, materials, etc. Edit the seismic provision options in the Customize Connection design dialog.

 * In Ram Connection 9.0 this arrow is blue.

Can I design a Gusset Connection using a Pipe Column?

No, currently in Column-Beam-Brace joints (CBB) only Wide flange (W) and Square or Rectangular Tube (HSS-rect) shaped sections can be used for columns. Circular shapes can be used for braces and as columns in some joints, but not the gusset type. A change request for pipe columns in these joints has been logged.

Why is the controlling load condition reported as a single load case?

RAM Connection completes a design check for all load conditions, including individual load cases and load combinations. For some connection types, such as a base plate connection with wind uplift, the design for an individual load case may control the design. The single load cases can be removed from consideration as follows:

RAM Connection Standalone or Ram Connection for RAM Structural System :

1. Click on the Design menu tab at the top of the program window.
2. Find the Assignment toolbar.
3. Double click on the small square box with arrow pointing to the lower right corner to open the Customize Connection Design dialog.
4. To have only the load combinations considered click the button, "Select all load combinations", or manually check the desired conditions.

Please note that this will not permanently delete the load case results from the worksheet. See frequently asked question above for details.

RAM Connection for Elements:

1. Click on the Modules ribbon menu.
2. Double click on the small square box with arrow pointing to the lower right corner to open the Customize Connection Design dialog.
3. To have only the load combinations considered click the button, "Select all load combinations", or manually check the desired conditions.

I'm designing a connection with seismic provisions, but the Ry and Rt values don't look right, what's wrong?

Ry (Yield strength ratio) and Rt (Tensile strength ratio) are properties of the material in Ram Connection. The can be reviewed using Home - Databases - Materials - Edit.

To add your own materials with different values, refer to the wiki Creating custom elements in RAM Elements which also applies to Ram Connection.

Note, imported materials from RAM Structural System or STAAD.pro may not have the expected values for Ry and Rt since those are not directly supplied by either of those applications. For Ram Elements users with imported RAM SS files, edit the imported RAM SS materials as shown below (or reassign different steel material to the members):

For STAAD users, be careful to define the proper values when using the RAM Materials dialog box within the connection mode.

For further details refer to Tips for Using RAM Connection within STAAD.Pro [TN]. and How to Customize a RAM Connection Template in STAAD.Pro 

See Also

Troubleshooting Errors when Assigning Connections

Product TechNotes and FAQs

Structural Product TechNotes And FAQs

External Links

Bentley Technical Support KnowledgeBase

Bentley LEARN Server

Comments or Corrections?

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