RAM Connection 2024 (v.24.00.01.237) Release Notes – Updated July 2024
Features:
1. New AISC Design Guide 39 for moment end plates replacing previous Design Guide 4 and 16 in AISC 360-22: Now moment end plates for AISC 360-22 are designed using the new Design Guide 39 merging the previous Design Guide 4 and Design Guide 16.
Figure 1. Moment end plate using Design Guide 39
Previous AISC 360 codes still have the option to select between Design Guide 4 and Design Guide 16.
2. New AISC bracing gusset with beam stub and splice connection including seismic provisions: Now the column-beam-brace gusset connection has the option to define a beam stub and a splice for both beam left and beam right interfaces, incorporating seismic provisions.
Figure 2. CBB gusset with beam stubs and splices.
3. Multisession Capability to Open Models Using Multiple Instances Simultaneously: Previously, users faced challenges when comparing different models or configurations due to the limitations of a single instance. With this enhancement, users can open multiple instances of RAM Connection concurrently, providing a more flexible and efficient workflow. This improvement empowers users to seamlessly analyze and compare connections from various models.
Figure 3. RAM Connection multisession options to compare connections.
4. Integration of moment connection information in shear connections to manage demands between connections in the same joint: Previously, joints with both shear and moment connections were conservatively considered to have axial loads in both connections. Now, when a shear connection in a joint detects the existence of a moment connection, the axial loads are treated correctly, ensuring more accurate and efficient load management between connections.
Figure 4. Moment connection info in shear connection.
5. ACI 318 anchoring to concrete enhancements to consider moment caused by shear lug and parallel shear breakout: Several enhancements have been made for anchoring to concrete design using ACI 318. Now, the parallel shear breakout is calculated and reported for both axes. This is particularly important for anchors with a larger longitudinal distance to the edge than the transverse edge distance, as the parallel shear breakout can become critical.
Figure 5. Parallel shear breakout for single and group of anchors.
Additionally, for ACI 318-19, the moment caused by the column shear and the shear lug bearing is considered when determining the tension acting on the anchors.
Resolved Issues:
AISC 360 Tubular Truss Connections: Corrected the classification of tubular truss connections for cases with two branches and a vertical branch. Now, any two-branch configuration is properly considered vertical. (1481912)
AISC 360 Lc-end Value: Resolved issues with the Lc-end value for beam bottom copes, beam splices, and bracing connections. The tear-out design check is now accurately calculated for all cases. (1379769)
AISC 360 Base Plate Anchoring: Addressed a problem in the design of base plate anchoring to concrete according to ACI 318-19. The demand calculation for shear breakout in case 3 was overly conservative in some anchor configurations. This issue has been fixed, and case 3 demand is now correctly determined. (1424966)
AISC 360 Column Panel Zone Loads: Fixed an issue where shear force for different beam sizes that were not aligned was not considered correctly. A new study section was added to account for all possible cases. (1402800)
AISC 360 Horizontal Beam-Beam-Brace Gusset: Fixed an issue where the brace angle was not correctly considered when integrated with RAM Elements. All brace angles are now accurately passed to RAM Connection. (1428732)
AS 4100 Base Plate: Corrected the consideration of maximum column weld size using clause 9.6.3.3. The maximum limit is only applicable for welds along the edge and is no longer incorrectly applied. (1479958)
EN 1993 Bolted End Plate: Fixed an error that occurred when using a bolt configuration with no internal bolt rows. The design now properly handles configurations without internal bolts. (1382858)
EN 1993 Base Plate Effective Area: Fixed the calculation of the effective area projection c for tension in base plates. The projection is now correctly considered as zero in these cases. (1382849)