In RAM Elements, what is Bentley's recommendations for modeling web members who's centerlines to not align with the chord centerlines ( reference AISC figure C-K2.4) in particular, when the 'pin' is outboard of the chord:
1) what do you recommend one uses for the 'extremely stiff member'
2) modeling recommendation where the web crosses the chord?
Also, RAM Connection contains Chord - Branches (CHB) joints, why can't I assign this connection to my Nodes in RAM Elements?
Thanks!
You can use a member offset if you like It is simpler than manually modeling stiff members in most cases. The only thing you lose is the ability to report on the forces in the links themselves. Here are a couple of other threads on interest:
https://communities.bentley.com/products/ram-staad/w/structural_analysis_and_design__wiki/15991/rigid-end-zones-offsets-and-hingeshttps://communities.bentley.com/products/ram-staad/f/ram-staad-forum/93138/rigid-end-offsets
The offsets might disallow a connection. I would test with center-line connected members to see if that's the case or if it's something else. https://communities.bentley.com/products/ram-staad/w/structural_analysis_and_design__wiki/8326/troubleshooting-errors-when-assigning-connections
Based on the image above, I would like to create multiple rigid offsets along the length of the chord (continuous member), perpendicular to the chord. Rigid offsets (on web members) allow me to get the webs connected to the 'offset' node, but I was looking for recommendations / suggestions to tie the node back to the HSS chord. In the enlarged image below does RAM have recommendations for the member in red, or as code states 'extremely stiff member'. IE does the program have a predefined rigid link?
Also, it is my understanding that I will need to segment my chords to assign a CHB connection to the joints?
I was thinking that the node would be on the chord line and the diagonals would be offset. I don't have the internal stiffness on a rigid link, but it is very stiff, very large area and inertia considered, but no weight.