Product(s):	RAM Structural System; RAM Frame
	Version(s):	Any
	Environment:	N/A
	Area:	Analysis

RAM Frame Troubleshooting

This document serves as a troubleshooting guide for resolving errors in Ram Frame. If you encounter an error entering Ram Frame or while executing an analysis, step through outline below to determine the underlying problem. Once the underlying problem has been found, click on the appropriate link to find detailed information on what is causing the error and how to resolve it.

 

1. Can you open the model in Ram Frame and initialize the lateral model?

Yes – Go to step 2.

No – The initialization halts at 20% or a polygon error is thrown while building the framing tables.
RAMSS Polygon Intersection Error

No – An error is encountered while meshing semirigid diaphragms or walls.
RAM Frame Meshing and Segmentation

 

2. Can you analyze the DL case without P-Delta?

Yes – Go to step 3.

No – Review any analysis log warnings.

No – Resolve any instabilities.
RAM Instability in Finite Element Analysis

 

3. Can you analyze the DL case with P-Delta?

Yes – Go to step 4.

No – Try using the regular solver instead of the sparse solver in Ram Frame - Criteria - General.  If the issue persists, you are experiencing a configuration related limitation with P-Delta.
RAM Frame P-Delta
 

4. Can you analyze the wind and/or seismic case without P-Delta?

Yes – Go to step 5.

No – If you get and instability or Eigen solution error, the program may be having problems with the Eigen Solution..
RAMSS Eigenvalue Error

 

5. Can you analyze the wind and/or seismic case with P-Delta?

Yes – Go to step 6.

No – Review the nodal and story displacements without P-Delta.  If the displacements are unreasonable, you have inadequate stiffness in your model.  If the displacements are reasonable, try using the regular solver instead of the sparse solver in Ram Frame - Criteria - General.  If the issue persists, the program may be having problems with the Eigen Solution.
RAMSS Eigenvalue Error

 

6. Do the forces and displacements make sense?

Yes – Successful analysis.

No – Alphanumeric forces and displacements generally indicate a meshing or segmentation issue.
RAM Frame Meshing and Segmentation