Ram Elements Merge Two Models

Question

What is the procedure for merging two Ram Elements models? I saw the menu selection "Import > OpenRE (merge model)", but i did not know how to use it and need some guidance. Or perhaps there is a better way to merge 2 models. For my project, I want to combine 3 models in total. I am using version 13.0.3.45.

Seth Guthrie · Accepted Answer

You have to change the node coordinates, but the "+" tool in the spreadsheet ribbon menu make it easy. Select the stuff you want to move in the graphics window, then use the + or - tools to add a constant to the X, Y or Z coordinates all at once. 
Here's a video: www.youtube.com/watch ;v=zAthK8Za68A

Seth Guthrie · Answer

Identify one model to be the primary model, and the others secondary. Export the secondary models to Open RE format (File - Export - OpenRE). Then return to the primary model and use File - Import - Open RE (Merge) to import those saved Open RE files into the primary model. If the models all have a consistent origin then no offset or rotation is required, but those tools are in there if you need to move the files as you import them.

Seth Guthrie · Answer

Load areas are not included in the plain export - import process either, so I would not expect them to be included in Merge. I'll check with the PM if that's an oversight. Meanwhile a copy and paste hack might help for you assuming you can work with a static set of member and node numbers (but that's also tricky). What other elements are missing? 
 With load mapping I find that the load ID (abbreviations) are the key that must match, but if the loads are applied to load areas, then you'll still be losing something.