RAM Structural System CONNECT Edition Version 17.01.01 SES Release Notes
Anticipated Release Date: July 2020
This document contains important information regarding changes to the RAM Structural System. It is important that all users are aware of these changes. Please distribute these Release Notes and make them available to all users of the RAM Structural System.
This is a minor release, correcting some issues that affected some users of v17.01. The Release Notes for that version contain important information not included here in these abbreviate Release Notes. They can be found at:
Installation Instructions:
If you have enabled the CONNECTION Client you will automatically be notified of the newest version and will be able to update through that service by simply selecting the update command.
Otherwise, this version can be found on the Bentley Software Fulfilment web page by logging into CONNECT Center and selecting the Software Downloads icon. Search for “RAM Structural System” and select the latest version.
Security Risk Advisory:
Not applicable to this release. Every effort is made to ensure that there are no security risks in the software. There are no known security issues, no issues were addressed in this version.
Error Corrections:
Some program errors have been corrected for this version. Corrections made to graphics, reports, Modeler functions, program crashes, etc., that were considered minor are not listed here. The noteworthy error corrections are listed here in order to notify you that they have been corrected or to assist you in determining the impact of those errors on previous designs. These errors were generally obscure and uncommon, affecting only a very small percentage of models, or had no impact on the results. The errors, when they occurred, were generally quite obvious. However, if there is any question, it may be advisable to reanalyze previous models to determine the impact, if any. In each case the error only occurred for the precise conditions indicated. Those errors that may have resulted in un-conservative designs are shown with an asterisk. We know these errors are disruptive, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Data Extractor
DATA EXTRACTOR - BEAM REACTIONS*: The reaction values listed in the GravLoadReactionsOnBeams section of the Data Extractor output (from the Post-Processing – Extract Data command in the Manager) were only correct for the first beam on that layout. The reactions for the first beam were erroneously listed repeatedly for all other beams on that floor type.
Effect: Incorrect beam reaction data was given in the Data Extractor output.
Concrete Column
CONCRETE COLUMN CRASH: When Version 17.01 was installed on a machine that had a previous version installed, a key component failed to install, resulting in the program crashing whenever View/Update or any design command was invoked.
Effect: Concrete columns could not be designed. Note that if the previous version was uninstalled through Control Panel prior to installation of v17.01, the problem did not occur. Also, if the program was installed on a machine that did not have a previous version, the problem did not occur.
Frame – Analysis
TORSIONAL IRREGULARITY IN DRIFT REPORT*: The program failed to consider all relevant load cases when determining the governing torsional irregularity values for each story.
Effect: Wrong load case, and its values, might have been identified in the report as the governing load case for the torsional irregularity condition.
TORSIONAL IRREGULARITY IN DRIFT REPORT: In calculation of torsional irregularities, the program included control points even if they were not located inside any diaphragm (or located inside of an opening) at a given level. In this case, the program correctly reported 0.0 for story drift at the control point, but still included that point during calculation of torsional irregularity.
Effect: A control point that is outside a diaphragm or inside an opening, with a reported drift of 0.0, may have been considered, resulting in erroneous values of controlling torsional irregularity ratios.
PROPERTY LABELS: If View/Update is invoked alternating between steel frames and concrete walls, the property labels would not correctly update to match the material. For example, the label for concrete f’c may have been listed as fy, or steel Fy may have been listed as f’c.
Effect: Confusion of property labels (the values were correct for the intended labels)
Frame – Steel Standard Provisions
UNBRACED LENGTH OF COLUMNS WITH SIDEPLATE CONNECTION*: The unbraced length of a column in a multi-story column line having a SidePlate connection was incorrect if the column was unbraced in a given axis at the level.
Effect: When columns having SidePlate connections were unbraced at a level, such as occurs when a level has a partial mezzanine, the unbraced length about the axis without bracing was incorrect and unconservative. The program checked that column using the column's story height, rather than length between braced levels, adjusted by rigid end zones. When the column was braced at each level in both axes, the program used the correct unbraced length. Columns with other beam connection types were unaffected.