Can RAM Concept be used for lateral analysis of a podium?

Hi,

Can RAM Concept be used to analyze laterally applied load on a podium slab supported on concrete columns?

Some context:

I'm using RAM Concept to model a PT podium slab supporting multiple levels of wood construction. The podium is supported on concrete columns. I applying gravity loads to the podium via area, line, and point loads. I'm also adding gravity-DIRECTION point loads to the podium to represent the tension and compression forces in the wood shear wall chords/hold-downs due to lateral wind loading. I'm designing the podium slab/PT/reinforcing using Concept and I'm planning to export the column below reactions to another program to design the columns. Herein lies my problem. After I export the column forces to another program (e.g. RISA), I will be modeling the columns along with slab strips to capture the frame action of the system. In the process of doing so, the forces (moments, shears) will be redistributed to my slab elements and this, I believe, will yield unconservative results for the design of the columns and checks for drift. For this reason, I'm wondering if the actual lateral load can be added directly to my Concept model, from which accurate results for column reactions and deflection/drift can be extracted for the column design?

I've reviewed the Concept Help/Manual and come across mentions of 'Lateral SE'. Is this something to look into further?


I greatly appreciate any help or feedback provided.

Thanks,
-Cody