RAM SS - Ground Level Criteria

Check our FAQ on Ground level here: https://communities.bentley.com/products/ram-staad/w/structural_analysis_and_design__wiki/18422/ram-frame---criteria---ground-level

Thank you seth,

I have few follow up questions,

If I adjust my ground level to ground floor level, I should scale my 2nd floor level's dynamic to 2nd floor level's static?

supposedly we only consider the superstructure in static and dynamic base shear.

but modeling the structure up to the foundation or substructure is very beneficial in RAM SS.

Since after the frame analysis I can just import the model for detailing to RCDC for footing and RAM Concept for Mat.

Figuring out how ground level works will save me more time since I don't have to model/analyze superstructure and substructure separately.

few hours ago I tried to delete my ground floor in modeling story data, and the idea seems identical as setting my ground level to my ground floor if ever I model my structure up to foundation?

Modeling up to foundation and setting up my ground level, will not affect my detailing results?

even if I set my ground level, I still have a base shear written at the end of my report for substructure?

should I just ignore it right? or It will have a effect on further design such as detailing?

I apologize for having a lot of question.

thank you so much.

Yes, I suggest scaling dynamic rsp loads based on story shear above ground level, not base shear.

Modeling the structure with the subterranean levels is not equivalent to modeling the structure from the ground up only even if the applied loads are the same. The foundation level is softer than a fixed base. It's summarized in this sketch: 

Thank you so much seth,