I have geometrical properties for a custom shape (C8x13.75 with 2-1/4"x8" plates on both top and bottom). I created a "Gen shape" in RAM Elements and assigned it to a beam that I am studying. RAM elements is able to analyze it, however, it is unable to design it. Is there a reason it is not able to design it?
Any insights on this matter is appreciated!
Thank you!
The Gen shape will allow you to generate a section with the desired properties, but the program will not know what kind of section it is so it cannot design it as anything.
See Also: Creating custom Sections, Materials etc. in RAM Elements [TN] - RAM | STAAD | ADINA Wiki - RAM | STAAD | ADINA - Bentley Communities
However, would the defined Section properties and material properties not be of any help? Is the inability of the program to design only applicable for "Gen section" or any type of built-up section?
Regretfully for the Gen section the properties are used by the analysis only. The Gen shape is a tool used by many to create a dummy member as you could assign low values so it is not interfering with the rest of the analysis.
Other section under the sections library can be designed as they have a defined shape assigned.
Thank you for clarifying my question Enrique!