Design shown after design errors

Question

Hi, 
 I am getting the following errors when I run a Design All in the RAM Steel BEAM/Joist module. In cases where I can't get true composite action, I still want to specify the minimum amount of shear studs. What does the module show when I view the design? The design as if the error didn't exist or taking into account the error? 
 1. Number of studs required exceeds maximum rows specified 
 2. Not enough studs for 25% composite action 
 3. Cannot fit enough studs for 25% composite action 
 4. Flange width inadequate for stud rows required 
 5. Rib spacing is greater than maximum stud spacing 
 6. Rib spacing is greater than user-specified maximum stud spacing 
 Also, why does the program specify zero studs sometimes (and then return error 2 above) when I haven't told it to do this? I have to go in and manually change it in these cases which is a hassle. 
 Thanks!

Seth Guthrie · Answer

Take a look at our Steel beam FAQ 
 In it the first tip is to allow <25% composite action in the criteria so that you can evaluate beams as composite with fewer studs. Note, you have to assign the stud number and analyze as the program will never optimize a beam with less than 25% composite action when using US design codes. 
 If you want to allow any stud spacing, regardless of deck flute spacing, use a split or modified deck (Assign menu - Ignore rib spacing). Having a beam skewed to the deck such that only a few flutes cross any segment of the beam is likely the problem for some of those errors. 
 Finally, don't specify a max stud spacing that is too small to accommodate moderately skewed beams.