When using RAM Elements for concrete structures, did you know that there are multiple ways to have the program perform design and detailing functions? Method #1 uses design options from directly within your 2D/3D model. Method #2 uses design and detailing options located in the Modules.
Let’s take a look at a sample concrete structure and review the design and detailing options available.
Our model is a two story structure with lateral concrete frames at the upper story and concrete shear walls at the lower story. The walls have integrated concrete pilasters that continue down from the columns above. I’ve modeled a two-way concrete slab to distribute the surface dead and live loads. For lateral loads, I’ve modeled equivalent wind point loads in the X direction as well as pressure component loads on the walls in the X direction. For scale, the bays are 20 ft x 30 ft, and the stories are 12’-6” floor to floor. The model has been analyzed and designed.
Method #1 – Slab, Wall, Beam, and Column Design within the 2D / 3D model
Slabs / Walls: Select the View tab and the Stresses button. For a concrete shell element, you may select AS1 or AS3 from the drop down menu to see a color-coded output of required area of flexural reinforcement in each of the principal directions, both top and bottom. This will NOT choose the bars, only provide an area of steel. Be sure to set your mechanical cover in your shells dialogue for correct output.
Beams / Columns: Select the beams and columns for which you wish to obtain design results. Then go to Output -> Design -> Reinforced Concrete. Make your selections in the dialog box and click OK. You will get a design report for each member’s required area of longitudinal steel and tie size and spacing. This will NOT choose the bars, only provide an area of steel.For beams, axial forces and weak axis shear and moments are not considered. For columns, torsion is ignored.
Method #2 –Wall, Beam, and Column Design within the Modules
Walls: In the 3D model, select walls and columns in a single plane. From the Modules tab, select the drop down menu to Asssign -> Concrete Wall. The entire wall element with pilasters will be imported into the Concrete Wall Design Module. Make your design selections for allowable bar sizes and spacing, and click Optimize. The program will choose bar layout for the walls and columns, which may be viewed on the Detailing tab.
Beams: In the 3D model, select beams in a horizontal line. From the Modules tab, select the drop down menu for Beams -> Concrete. The entire beam line, including support information, will be imported into the Concrete Beam Design Module. Make your design selections for allowable bar sizes and spacing, and click Optimize. The program will choose bar layout for the beams, which may be viewed on the Detailing tab.
Columns: In the 3D model, select columns in a single vertical line. From the Modules tab, select the Concrete Columns button. The entire column line, including supported beam information, will be imported into the Concrete Column Design Module. Make your design selections for allowable bar sizes and spacing, and click Optimize. The program will choose bar layout for the columns, which may be viewed on the Detailing tab.
Now that you know about RAM Elements’ concrete design and detailing options, be sure to put them to use with your next concrete structure!