RAM Frame Combining Gravity Loads and Masses

I have seen this issue before, but I'm not having a problem on my machine with version 14.06.01.00. I have two ideas to try.

1. Try changing two or more lines of information in the Loads - Masses dialog (not just a single row). Then re-open the same dialog and check if the changes are preserved. (Same approach for Gravity for Notional loads)

2. If that does not work, try going back to Modeler and break a segment out of each slab edge loop. Then patch it back together and rerun Ram Frame. This should force it to re-evaluate the various slabs/diaphragms.

If none of that works, then we'll surely need the file. Use this link for Secure File Upload instructions to send the file. If you use this option, reply to this post, or message me directly, with the file name once uploaded.

I have seen this issue before, but I'm not having a problem on my machine with version 14.06.01.00. I have two ideas to try.

1. Try changing two or more lines of information in the Loads - Masses dialog (not just a single row). Then re-open the same dialog and check if the changes are preserved. (Same approach for Gravity for Notional loads)

2. If that does not work, try going back to Modeler and break a segment out of each slab edge loop. Then patch it back together and rerun Ram Frame. This should force it to re-evaluate the various slabs/diaphragms.

If none of that works, then we'll surely need the file. Use this link for Secure File Upload instructions to send the file. If you use this option, reply to this post, or message me directly, with the file name once uploaded.

One other potential work around:

In the Gravity Load or Mass dialog, toggle "Use Specified Values." After doing this, the calculated values will be referenced in the spreadsheet so no modifications would need to be made unless a change was made to the model. With "Use Specified Values" selected, try changing the "Combine To" setting and check if the changes are preserved.

Thanks Seth and Karl.  I tried one suggested workaround, but it didn't work.

• I toggled 'Use Specified Values', combined masses on 3 levels, then clicked 'OK'.

• When I re-opened the 'Masses' dialog, the combined masses were still there.  Good so far.

• But after 'Analyzing' the structure, the 'Criteria, Masses & Exposure' report showed NO mass combinations.

So the 'Masses' dialog shows story masses being combined but the report does not.  Is this issue new to v14.06.01?  I didn't have this problem prior to updating.  I will try Seth's other workaround when I have time, but it seems that I shouldn't have to even toggle 'Use Specified Values' to combine masses.  Thank you.

Regarding the Criteria, Mass, and, Exposure Report:

The mass data should be grouped into two sections: Calculated Values and User Specified Values. The combination of mass is only reported in the Calculated Values section. The values should report the total mass at each level after combination.

If the user values in your Criteria, Mass, and Exposure Report do not reflect the combined masses, please upload the model for review.

Karl Gullerud

I see what you're saying, Karl.  After combining masses in the 'User Specified Values' section, I do see that the Criteria, Mass, and Exposure Data Report shows the masses being combined under 'User Specified Values'.  However, I should be able to combine masses in the 'Calculated Values' section,  right?  I've done it many times before.  Is this a glitch, or am I missing something?

Jeff

Yes, you should be able to combine masses with the calculated values. We have logged a program defect for this and will work to resolve it for a future release. In the models that I have seen, the problem occurs for layouts that do not contain a diaphragm. In the meantime, please use the "Use Specified Values" option to work around the problem.

Karl Gullerud