RAM SS - Check Self Weight of Deck

Question

Is there any easy way to see how RAM SS calculated the self-weight of a composite concrete on metal deck? I want to find out if it uses the full depth of the concrete or takes into account the corrugations of the deck profile. For example, a 5" slab would weigh about 62 psf, but Vulcraft lists the weight of a 3 1/2" topping on 1 1/2" VLI deck at only 51 psf. The heavier weight would be conservative in some cases, but un-conservative when considering resistance to uplift loads.

Seth Guthrie · Answer

Take a look at RAM Manager manual, section 7.2 Metal Deck Table File Format. There is a property called AcRib which is "the area of concrete in the rib per foot or per meter of deck width (in.2/ft. or cm2/m)." 
 This value is used for the calculation of the self-weight of the concrete in the deck ribs. 
 The AcRib plus the Ac for the topping times the concrete density + the metal deck self-weight determines the total unit self-weight area load for the deck. 
 Using normal or light-weight concrete is one significant factor, the topping thickness and metal deck self weight properties are others.