Best Approach to Model and Design a Simple Four Sided Moment Frame Building in RAM SS

I was wondering if there is any literature on the best way to approach the design of a simple four sided moment frame building using RAM Structural System?

Thanks,

Scott

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  • It’s a little known fact that if the beams and columns are modeled as lateral members, but not assigned a specific size, the RAM Steel beam and column modules will pick a size for you, based on the same criteria used to select gravity members. So you can simplify your process and start with lateral members from the beginning. The thing to remember is that if circumstances change, like the criteria or loads, then you have to clear those sizes in Modeler in order to have the gravity modules select sizes again. Also note, the DataCheck will give a warning for unsized lateral members, but those warnings can be ignored.

    Regardless how the initial sizes are selected it’s always important to evaluate the design in RAM Frames Steel – Standard provisions if not also in the Seismic Provisions – where the gravity and lateral loads are considered together along with notional loads, P-Delta effects, etc.

    For a moment frame structure I would argue that the extra depth in the sections required to keep drift limits in check is more often than not the governing factor, however, so having the program select initial trial sizes to meet gravity design is not a lot of time savings. For drift sensitive structures the Drift Control mode of Frame is a powerful tool to help efficiently optimize the member area and inertia.



  • Ok, sounds great, but I currently have to manually select beams and columns based on the controlling criteria correct? Is there any thought of in the future having something like an auto-select list to base the iterations off of? Thanks for your speedy response.

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