Can I use a Leo in Ram Elements to model a concrete pan joist or at least a trapezoidal shape to model a concrete joist?
Next, is there a way to model a 2-way waffle slab with discrete members and area loads in Ram Elements? How about with a solid square head (shell element) around the column?
There is no tapered (trapezoidal) "T" shape in Ram Elements. You might be able to create a custom shape, but I don't think that would work for design (analysis only). If regular T shapes are good enough, then a grid of intersecting beams should work to simulate a waffle slab.
Using shells is another approach, but those can only have straight steps also.
Currently, there is solid slab around the columns about 9'x9' and the joists with reinforcing tie into this section. Could I model this as a shell and locate nodes at the perimeter to match the joist tee beam centerlines.
Once, I get this modeled. I want to check making a large opening for an atrium