I am trying to use RAM Connect to design gussets with a specific shape for a column-brace connection. However, it seems the program has the line of action centered on the weld length, hence, despite having the flexibility of determining the weld (gusset) length to the column and it's width at the side where the brace attaches, it appears one is limited to the other program calculated dimensions. Using the 'Le' variable for the distance to other elements has been to no avail.
Is there a way around this? Such as moving the work point away of the center of the weld length?
Thanks for your responses in advance.
The configuration may be set to manual to expose the gusset dimension parameters. If a shear plate or clip angles are used for attachment to the beam or column, then the connecting element dimensions and the eccentricity of the connecting element may be set. But it sounds like you're using a gusset welded to the column, in which case there is no way to define a partial weld length along the gusset in RAM Connection. Since the Uniform Force Method is based on lines of action drawn from the centroid of the attachment at each face and the weld is defined as full length, the gusset to column welded connection Beta dimension (See AISC SCM Fig 13-2) will be locked in as the center of the gusset length on column. The working point of the overall connection may be moved using the wpx and wpy parameters, but the working point of the column connection is defined as being at the center of the weld by the UFM. The only way to alter its location would be if a separate weld length parameter was added and the vertical eccentricity parameter enabled for this connection type. Even then, it would still be at the center of the weld.