• RAM Frame Enhancement Request - Pseudo Flexible Diaphragms

    In RAM Frame, when assigning the load percentages for Pseudo Flexible diaphragms it will not recognize a frame number if that frame does not have a column in a particular diaphragm. Can we either get an enhancement to assign a column to multiple frames…
  • RAM Frame Diaphragm Stiffness Clarification

    I am working on a structure that has a flooring system of 3/4" concrete board spanning between cold-form metal joists at 16" O.C. The joists span up to 20' between wide-flange moment and braced frames. In an effort to simplify the modeling for this multi…
  • Modeling Slopped Roofs and Impacts on Wind Design

    Lately I've been running into issues with my lateral analysis on a large, square steel framed building. The roof is an 1-1/2" metal deck that slopes in one direction and drops 10' over the length of the building, which I've modeled as a semirigid diaphragm…
  • Diaphragm properties for Laminated Lockwood wood deck

    Could anyone please guide me on the properties that I should input for semi-rigid diaphragm in RAM Structural system, in the decking properties for the Laminated Lockwood wood deck? Effective thickness (in) - ______ Poisson's Ratio - ___________ …
  • RE: RAM Semi-Rigid Diaphragm Deflected Shape

    If it's only for Dynamic Response Spectrum analysis, it's probably a localized sign reversal. You can confirm by checking the forces in the column. More here: communities.bentley.com/.../4029.ram-frame-dynamic-analysis-faq
  • RE: Wall Frame Structural System

    What you can do in RAM Frame is set the diaphragm type to Pseudo-Flexible and then attribute 25% of the story force to the moment frames and 75% of the force to the walls (loads menu - Pseudo Flexible Diaphragm Properties...). For more tips on pseudo…
  • RE: Semi-Ridged Diaphragm With Sloped Roofs (Gables)

    The diaphragm forces were always calculated for sloping semirigid diaphragms. However, the way that the loads are applied can cause unintended behavior and lead to odd results. See the frequently asked question, " How do sloping semirigid diaphragms affect…
  • RE: RAM Frame Negative Change in Frame Shear

    We seem to get this kind of question pretty regularly so let me try to address it general terms and if you still need help seeing what's going on in your file send it over (use the Secure File Upload link below). The forces are indeed being redistributed…
  • RE: RAM Frame Story Shear with Multiple Diaphragms

    When the diaphragm is pseudo-flexible, the location of the graphic for the diaphragm shear is largely irrelevant. This wiki indicates that it's somewhere near the geometric center. If you look at the building story shear report, you'll see 4 lines in…
  • RE: Diaphragm Collector & Chord

    There is still no easy way to model and design collector beams or drag struts with RAM Frame. In order to model a drag strut taking axial load, the beam needs to be a lateral member supported by lateral frames (probably with pinned ends). But, even if…
  • RE: Story Drift Results Interpretation

    I'm not sure what program you are using or what kind of output, so I'll try to answer in general terms. For any finite element analysis application that uses a rigid diaphragm assumption, the horizontal displacement of the diaphragm can be given at…
  • RE: 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…