I am trying to model a single larger precast column that basically gets split in order to support a steel truss on one side and a precast column with a moment frame on the other. How would you recommend we model this condition?
My best idea would be to put a wall in as the combined column with 2 individual columns extending up from either end of the wall. But if anyone has any better ideas I'd love to hear them.
I don't think RAM SS is your best option for a truss supported by a staggered precast column like this. Ram Elements and Staad are more versatile.
In RAM SS you could use some offset columns, rigid links and stub cantilevers to approximate the correct load path.
How would you recommend modeling these columns in RAM Elements? Would aligning cardinal points for the concrete columns suffice? How would I make that work between the concrete column below and the steel column above?
In RAM Elements, I would model the columns at coordinates associated with the respective section centroids and then use Rigid End Offsets (not Cardinal Points) to link the bottom of the columns above to the concrete column below.