Did You Know? RAM Concept Plans and Perspectives

 

RAM Concept is an information behemoth.   There’s an incredible amount of information available for input and review in the software.  The tree structure of layers does a fantastic job of sorting it all out into easily digestible views.  Folders are prepopulated in RAM Concept for geometry, loads, design strips, reinforcement, deflections, etc.

 

But what if there’s a certain piece of information that doesn’t exist on a layer?  Or maybe you’d like to see several pieces of information on the same layer?  Did you know that you can create your own plans (2-dimensional) and perspectives (3-dimensional)?  You can also add information to any existing layer.

 

Adding Information to an Existing Layer

The following plan is under Rule Set Designs -> Strength Design -> Max My Plan.

The moment values are reported in a color contour plot with a key at the top of the screen.  Since the actual design moments in RAM Concept are integrated across the design strips, you may want to display the strip moments on this plan as well.

To do this, right click on the screen and select Plot.  On the Strip tab, check the box to make the Strip information Active.  Then select Bending for the Value and check the box to show values.  In the Context area, check the box for Maximum Moment.  Click ok.

Now you have the strip design moments (displayed in force-distance) and the slab moments (displayed in force-distance/distance) visible on the same plan.

 

Creating a New Plan Layer

RAM Concept allows the user to define manual, or User,  reinforcing.  However, there isn’t a separate layer to view only user reinforcing.  To create one, go to the dropdown menu for Layers and select New Plan.

Name your new plan User Reinforcement and tell the program in which folder you want to create the layer by selecting Reinforcement from the drop down box.

The Visible Objects dialog box will open on the Reinf. tab.  Check all the reinforcement designated as “user” and uncheck all the reinforcement designated as “Program.”

When you click ok, you’ll have a new layer devoted solely to user reinforcing.

 

Creating a New Perspective Layer

Sometimes visualizing in 2D just doesn’t cut it.  I like to create a new 3D perspective showing me exactly where my line and point loads are applied.  To create one, go to the dropdown menu for Layers and select New Perspective.

Name your new perspective 3D Dead Loads and tell the program in which folder you want to create the layer by selecting Dead Load from the drop down box.

The Visible Objects dialog box will open.  The Dead Load layer should be selected.  Deselect the Area Loads. 

Switch to the Mesh Input tab and check Slab Areas.  Click ok.

Your new perspective layer clearly illustrates where your dead line and point loads are applied.

 

For more RAM tips and tricks, check out our new Insider Skills series.  RAM products are addressed on the 4th week of each month, with next week's session focusing on RAM Structural System and ISM.