RAM Concept - Mat Slab on grade - Reinforcement

1. To apply both top and reinforcement to the code minimum requirement, you can use user reinforcement and define the Slab Face = "Both." See the frequently asked question, "What is the significance of defining the reinforcement "Slab Face": Top, Bottom, or Both?" on the web page below for more discussion:

http://communities.bentley.com/products/structural/structural_analysis___design/w/structural_analysis_and_design__wiki/8362

2. The ACI equations used to calculate the punching shear capacity are discussed in Section 68.5.2 "ACI 318 Specific Provisions" in the RAM Concept Manual. The equation used to calculate the punching shear demand is listed in Section 68.5.1 "Critical Section Properties and Equations for Actual Stress."

1. I actually think now it's considered a "structural slab" per 10.5.4 and R10.5.4, so it does need checked for temperature and shrinkage reinforcement minimums. However, RAM Concept does not appear to be considering both layers (top and bottom of mat slab) for distribution of temperature and shrinkage reinforcement. Is there a way to check how the programs distributes temperature and shrinkage reinforcement between more than one layer?

2. How is RAM Concept calculating the "USR"? With which ACI formulas? A simple hand calculation showed that our mat depth was ok, but the program has "Failed USR" for some fictitious columns we modeled on top of the mat for silo support base plates.

1. ACI 7.12 is included in the Code Minimum Designer for both Elevated and Mat Foundations. The application to mat foundations follows from ACI 10.5.4, which is also waived for soil-supported slabs. To disable this check, you can either delete the Code Minimum Rule Set or edit the span segments and set Code Minimum Reinforcement Location to "None." Both of these options will completely disable all code minimum reinforcement checks.

2. Please see the frequently asked question, "How can I change the format of reinforcement on the Reinforcement Layer?" on the web page below for details:

http://communities.bentley.com/products/structural/structural_analysis___design/w/structural_analysis_and_design__wiki/8362

3. Unfortunately, RAM Concept does not report detailed formulas like RAM Connection. The Cross Section Auditor in RAM Concept summarizes details of each design check. See Chapter 32 "Using the Auditor" in the RAM Concept Manual for more information on the Cross Section Auditor.