Hi everyone,
We are trying to use RAM Steel to help us design the gravity system of a building utilizing a long span, deep deck system. Has anyone else used similar systems before and have any tips or tricks?
Additionally, does anyone know if RAM can analyze the composite action of the deck to give us accurate designs for our beams?
Thanks for your help!
Ana P
I see models with long span decks often. There is nothing really special to do, just define the deck properties and lay out the framing. We still require a complete perimeter of framing.
We don't design the one-way decks in the program, we only use them to calculates the tributary loads on the beams, joists, and walls. So you will have to ensure that you don't have any spans that are too long to work.
Composite design should work fine, but if you find that you need to limit the effective width, that's what slab penetrations are for.