Change Column Elevation

In our finite element model the column attaches to the slab objects at mid-depth. In the rendering it stops at slab soffit. For your case above there are some extra slab objects congruent with the column perimeter that are thicker and at a higher elevation than the slab around them. 

Hi Seth, 

Yes, that additional patch of slab is to simulate the rigid zone between the column and the slab.  I followed the recommendations from the RAM l STAAD Wiki : "It is recommended to model this patch with an elevated top of concrete elevation such that the slab centroid aligns with the mid-depth of the patch in order to avoid eccentricity at this joint."

I change the elevation of this patch to be at the same level of my slab and know the column doesn't go through the slab anymore (see image below, ignore the other columns). However, now there is a joint eccentricity between my slab and the "rigid-zone" slab. How will this affect the calculations? What would be better practice, properly attach the column to the slab or model the rigid zone so that there's no joint eccentricity with the slab?

Hi Seth, 

Yes, that additional patch of slab is to simulate the rigid zone between the column and the slab.  I followed the recommendations from the RAM l STAAD Wiki : "It is recommended to model this patch with an elevated top of concrete elevation such that the slab centroid aligns with the mid-depth of the patch in order to avoid eccentricity at this joint."

I change the elevation of this patch to be at the same level of my slab and know the column doesn't go through the slab anymore (see image below, ignore the other columns). However, now there is a joint eccentricity between my slab and the "rigid-zone" slab. How will this affect the calculations? What would be better practice, properly attach the column to the slab or model the rigid zone so that there's no joint eccentricity with the slab?

Actually, now the column is attach to the mid-depth of the "rigid-zone" slab and not the slab itself. Therefore, I imagine that it's better to model it as I did the first so that the centroids of the slab and the "rigid-zone" slab are aligned. That way the column will be attached to the slab centroid. I'm a bit confused on this matter. My question is, which case will deliver more accurate and realistic results?. 

There is a feature in version 8.02 to automatically make the elements within the column end zone more rigid that you should try. https://communities.bentley.com/products/ram-staad/w/structural_analysis_and_design__wiki/52277/ram-concept-connect-edition-v8-update-2-release-notes