Other Considerations

• Live load reduction for column design is calculated in RAM Structural System. RAM Structural System only automatically calculates live load reduction when one-way decks are modeled. If two-way decks are modeled, the live load reduction should be assigned manually (RAM Modeler – Layout – Columns – LL Reduction – Use (specify percentage). As of v14.02, RAM Structural System does not apply live load reduction to wall members.
• The K factor calculated by RAM Structural System is typically determined from the ACI nomographs for non-sway or sway frames. If a two-way, flat concrete slab is modeled as part of a sway frame, appropriate K factors should be entered manually for each column (RAM Concrete –Concrete Analysis mode – Assign – Columns – K factor – Use (specify factor). RAM Structural System only uses the stiffness of beams in deterring the stiffness of flexural members. If nomographs are used to calculate the K factor for this system, the stiffness of flexural members framing into the column will be taken as 0 and a K factor of 3 will be used by the program.
• If you are using Ram Foundation to design foundations supporting Concrete Columns, those foundations will not be designed including the Hyperstatic forces from post-tensioned levels above.

More Information

Please see RAM Concept-RAM Structural System Integration for additional help links.