when i use the truss design module within ram elements i get results that seem reasonable. when i model the same truss in ram elements from scratch, the results are no where close. can the truss
modeled using the truss design module be opened in ram elements? and if no, then why not? is there an example of a "theoretical truss" modeled in ram elements i can review.
Yes, but there is a trick to it. Navigate to the folder where your truss model lives. There should be a second file with the same name, but with a .FEM extension. That's the finite element model (meshed model) running behind the scenes. If you make a copy of that file, and rename the copy using the normal Ram Elements extension .retx, then you can open that file in Ram Elements natively.
Often with truss design, bending in the chords due to continuity is the issue that leads to failure, where idealized truss design considering axial forces only, would be OK.
Answer Verified By: F. MIchael Sikes