Problem Description

The program hangs and then crashes producing a MFC Application Error when attempting to design concrete columns using either Process - Design All or Process - View/Update.

In affected models, the columns can be designed once successfully. The problem occurs when attempting to design the columns or view/update after the initial design.

Reason

The program is checking that a valid set of bar patterns is assigned and is caught in an infinite loop.

Solution

Fixed in version 15.03.00.00 (August 2016) 

For users who cannot update the version for some reason, the following file, RamConcreteColumn.dll can be used on machines running version 15.02.00.00 x64 only (32 users should submit a service request to get a 32 bit version). To use the file download it to the hard drive and replace the file in the Ram Structural System program directory, normally located here:

C:\Program Files\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System\Prog

There is no need to register the file, but we do recommend making a backup copy of the original file first.

The following process may also be used as a work-around:

1. In RAM Concrete - Concrete Column, clear the column designs by clicking on Process - Clear Column Line - All.
2. Force a reframe of the model. This can be done by changing a setting in RAM Manager - Criteria - Member Loads, clicking OK to accept the change, and then re-opening dialog and changing the setting back.
3. Re-run the analyses in each module.
4. Design concrete columns.

The problem will occur again after the columns are re-designed, however.