RAM Elements 2024 (v.24.00.03.117) Release Notes – Updated November 2024
Features:
1. Enhanced Force Calculation Using Node Forces in wall modules. RAM Elements now improves wall module calculations by using node forces instead of shell stresses, addressing user concerns related to integration errors wall design. This update delivers more precise and reliable results for wall analysis, enhancing accuracy and efficiency across all wall design modules, and ultimately providing a more robust solution for structural design.
Figure 1. Enhanced Force Calculation Using Node Forces in wall modules
2. Wind Load Definitions per AS/NZS 1170.2 Code. Wind load definitions are now available according to the AS/NZS 1170.2 code, enhancing the ANZ offering for steel design. With minor adjustments to the existing wind load generation system, this feature enables users in the ANZ region to generate wind loads directly within RAM Elements, eliminating the need for external tools.
Figure 2. New AS/NZS 1170.2 wind load generation
3. Expanded Analysis Results for Cable Members: The analysis capabilities for cable members have been enhanced to include response spectrum, modal analysis, and buckling analysis. Cable members now provide detailed analysis results across all available advanced analysis options in RAM Elements, offering more comprehensive insights into their behavior.
Figure 3. Cable results for a model analysis showing axial values only when in tension
4. Enhanced Spreadsheet Selection with ID Column and Multi-Element Copy-Paste. The spreadsheet now supports element selection using the ID column, along with the ability to select multiple elements at once through copy-paste.
Figure 4. Copy - Paste for multiple selection in the ID columns
4. Enhanced Thumbnail Previews for Model Files. Model file thumbnails now provide an improved, clearer preview, allowing for quick and easy identification of RAM Elements files. This enhancement helps users efficiently navigate and locate specific models and reducing time spent searching for files.
Figure 5. Preview thumbnail now clearly shows model file
Resolved Issues:
ADINA Export: Fixed a problem where exporting to ADINA failed if the export was performed twice on the same model within the same session. Exports can now be performed repeatedly without errors. (1535078)
Beam Design Module Flexural Capacity: Resolved an error where flexural capacities were switched for double-angle sections. The Alpha = 0 setting is now enabled for all sections with principal axes rotated 90 degrees from their local axes, ensuring accurate capacity reporting. (1529102)
Masonry Design Module Lintel Thickness: Corrected a calculation error in the Masonry Design Module where lintel thicknesses were incorrectly determined for non-equal level cases. The thickness calculation now works as intended. (1537440)
Wall Design Module Stresses in Strips with Openings: Fixed a snapping point error that caused incorrect stress calculations in strips with openings. Stress results are now accurate. (1537440)
Steel Design Module Unbraced Lengths for Tapered Members: Enhanced the handling of unbraced lengths in the Steel Design Module for tapered members. Previously, force locations were based on a single unbraced length that could lead to non-conservative results. Now, force locations are determined based on the member length, regardless of whether the unbraced length parameter is smaller or larger. To calculate exact force locations, users should define multiple unbraced lengths that sum to the total member length. (1555486)