RAM Frame, the finite element analysis (FEA) component of the RAM Structural System, performs state-of-the-art static and dynamic lateral analysis of building systems including frames and walls of any type, and of any building material: steel, concrete, masonry, or a combination of these materials.
Drawing from the database created by the RAM Modeler, RAM Frame quickly computes all parameters relevant to performing finite element analysis of the entire structure. In addition, it automatically computes all building code lateral design loads for wind and/or seismic forces. For seismic load cases, it will automatically compute the structure mass for each level, center of mass, mass moment of inertia, and the 5% eccentricity values for accidental torsion code requirements as needed.
 RAM Frame saved our hides on seismic analysis. It was seamless, RAM Frame let us analyze both criteria with the click of a button. We could see what the impacts were from one set of criteria on another set of criteria literally by changing input values. It made what could have been a huge headache very easy. 
– Tim Lack, Martin/Martin, Wheat Ridge CO |
Other valuable analysis options include structure periods and mode shapes and complete response spectra analysis. RAM Frame has the power to automatically check all steel member designs for all load combinations per the selected code, and allows the designer to modify and reanalyze in seconds. RAM Frame produces customized CAD drawings of frame and wall elevations.
For the lateral load resisting system for the Nanaimo Aquatic and Leisure Center, McClure utilized two concrete shear walls 18 inches thick by 6 feet long. This was just one of many details RAM helped iron out expeditiously. Because of architectural adjustments, that configuration changed many times and I was able to quickly adjust my designs. Making load and geometry changes with RAM are very easy. It makes us competitive in the sense that we’re able to check what the architect wants to do and give him an answer very quickly.
- Brian McClure, Herold Engineering Limited. |
Other time saving features include automatic generation of all load cases and combinations, automatic load transfer from the gravity members in the model, and automatic transfer of loads to RAM Foundation for spread or continuous footing design. Additional options are available for drift analysis and frame optimization as well as special seismic provision design for members, joints, and frames.
RAM Frame stands alone as a highly sophisticated analysis package with detailed design options and dozens of time saving features not available in competing packages, And of course, being fully integrated into the RAM Structural System allows for any structural changes to be handled in a fraction of the time.
 RAM Frame features:
- State-of-the-art Static and Dynamic analysis of moment frame, braced frame and shear wall structures
- Gravity loads automatically applied from structural model
- Live Load Reduction factors automatically calculated and applied to Live and Roof loads as applicable per specified Code
- Analysis of Dead, Live, Roof, Wind, Seismic and user-defined load cases
- Automatic generation of Wind story forces per IBC 2000, ASCE 7-98, BOCA 99, SBC 99, UBC 97, BS 6399, NBC of Canada, Eurocode, and others
- Automatic generation of Seismic story forces per IBC 2000, ASCE 7-95, BOCA 99, SBC 99, UBC 97, NBC of Canada, Eurocode, and others
- Optional inclusion of effects of +/-5% offset of center of mass to account for accidental torsional moments
- Response Spectra analysis per IBC, UBC and user-specified response spectra curves, with option for SRSS or CQC combination of modal results
- P-delta analysis option
- Automatic calculation of structural mass properties (story mass, center of mass and mass moment of inertia) from structural model
- Animated deflected shapes, and calculation of story drifts at any point in the structure
- Calculation of Redundancy factors and inclusion in Load Combinations where applicable
- Analysis of members of any material, including steel and concrete
- Code-checking of steel members per AISC ASD 9th with Supplement #1 and LRFD 3rd, BS 5950:2000, CAN/CSA-S16.1 and Eurocode, with color coding of interaction results for easy verification of design status
- Comprehensive checking and design of web doublers and stiffeners at beam-column joints
- Comprehensive checking of steel members for FEMA 350, AISC and UBC seismic requirements for Eccentrically-, Concentrically- and Special Concentrically Braced Frames (including consideration of Chevron and K bracing configurations), and Special-, Intermediate- and Ordinary Moment frames
- Option for extensive checking of steel beam-column joints for FEMA 350, AISC and UBC seismic requirements
- Automatic generation of steel design Load Combinations per specified Code, including IBC, ASCE 7, BOCA, SBC, UBC, AISC, BS 5950, CAN/CSA-S16.1 and Eurocode
- Automatic generation of concrete design Load Combinations per specified Code, including ACI 318 and BS 8110
- Load combinations can be customized and edited, and templates created for load combinations required by other codes
- Automatic calculation of K-factors (effective length factors) and unbraced lengths, with capability of user override
- Comprehensive set of reports, including detailed Design reports and concise Summary reports
- Analysis and Design results displayed graphically or in text format
- Comprehensive material takeoff, including piece count and steel tonnage allowing for comparison of various design schemes
- Automatic generation of CAD DXF export of frame and wall elevations
Steel Design
Two Fully Integrated Post-Processors
for RAM Frame
Two post-processors for steel design are now available for RAM Frame. They offer unparalleled capabilities to assist your design of steel framing members and moment frame joints.
The “Steel Standard Provisions” Module performs member and joint design checks based on numerous design codes, including AISC-ASD, AISC-LRFD, BS5950, CANADA CSA-S16.4 and Eurocode.
The “Steel Seismic Provisions” Module performs additional special seismic code design and detailing checks for members and joints, based on AISC 1997 - LRFD, UBC 1997 – LRFD or UBC 1997 – ASD.
 These modules are fully integrated with RAM Frame, requiring little additional user input, yet allowing you to fully refine your lateral system for stresses or capacities in the most productive manner possible. They provide graphical feedback on stress/capacity levels and joint status information indicating when joints require web plates (doublers) or column stiffeners, allowing you to interactively and efficiently refine, re-analyze, and re-check the system.
Both post processors automatically generate code required load combinations based on a user specified design code, and allow for user defined custom load combinations as well. Flexible user-defined design criteria allow you to get a preliminary design based on your standards or preferences, and to reach a final design with minimal effort.
RamSteel Seismic Provisions has paid for itself in one project, not only in the time savings but also the ability to hone in on a good economical design in a very short period of time.
- Douglas(Doug) G. Fitzpatrick |
Consider the features of the
RAM Structural System with the
RAM Frame Steel Design Post-Processors.
Steel Standard Provisions Module
- Designs column web plates (doublers) and stiffeners (continuity plates) for wind and low seismic applications
- A unique feature allows you to interactively change column sizes to eliminate web plates and stiffeners, all in a matter of seconds
- User overrides of all major design criteria on a member-by-member basis
- Automatically calculates effective length factors, flange bracing and unbraced lengths
- Full interactive control for review and refinement of your designs
- Full user control over selection of generated and custom load combinations used in design
- Quickly go from analysis and design to design drawings with powerful output and CAD options
Steel Seismic Provisions Module
- Automatic generation of seismic load combinations
- All concentric braced frame and moment frame structural systems supported
- Considers reduced beam sections (dogbone) where applicable in moment frame joint checks
- Option to perform FEMA 350 moment-frame joint requirements for UBC seismic code
- Supports all seismic zones for each seismic code
- Detailed output for all beams, columns, braces, and moment frame joints
- All output references the actual code section for each seismic provision checked, allowing for quick assessment of code compliance
- Exceptions to specific provisions are automatically performed when required
- All required information for seismic detailing requirements are reported
- Fully interactive, allowing you to change individual member sizes for rapid review and refinement of your designs
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