RAM Elements 2025 (v.25.00.00.208) Release Notes – Updated May 2025

Features:

1. Multiple Response Spectra Support. It is now possible to assign and analyze multiple response spectra within a single model. Previously, only a single response spectrum could be used, which limited flexibility when addressing different code and loading requirements. This enhancement allows users to apply distinct spectra to different load cases, enabling more accurate and code-compliant analysis for complex structural scenarios.

Support for multiple response spectrum definitions has been added, allowing users to define and manage several spectra within the same model.

Figure 1. New Response Spectrum definitions

The interface to create and edit response spectrum definitions follows a structure similar to other database elements such as materials and sections. The Response Spectrum Definitions dialog consists of two main sections. The upper section provides a table where users can input the period T [s] and the corresponding acceleration ratio a/g. The lower section features a graphical display of the spectrum, which updates dynamically based on the table inputs.

Figure 2. New Response Spectrum definition dialog

Response spectrum definitions must be assigned to load cases. This is done through the Earthquake Acceleration spreadsheet, where a new combo box has been added. The combo box displays a list of all defined response spectra, and the selected item will be used for the corresponding load condition.

Figure 3. New Response Spectrum combo box to define a response spectrum for a load condition

2. Design Only Selected Elements Option. A new option has been added to allow design of only the selected elements within a model. This is especially useful for large structures, where running the design on the entire model can be time-consuming. By focusing the design process on specific elements, users can significantly reduce processing time and improve workflow efficiency during iterative design phases.

Figure 4. Design dialog with the options to design All or just the Selected members.

3. Upgraded RAM Structural System Integration Interfaces. The integration with RAM Structural System has been upgraded with new interfaces, replacing older versions that were no longer maintained and prone to compatibility issues. This improvement ensures more stable and reliable data exchange, particularly benefiting users who design specialized structures—such as masonry systems—modeled in RAM Structural System and designed using RAM Elements.

4. Enhanced GUI Layout for High-DPI (4K) Monitor Support. The graphical user interface has been updated to ensure compatibility with high-DPI (4K and higher) monitors. Previous issues with UI components not scaling or displaying correctly have been resolved, greatly improving usability and visual clarity. This update also introduces docking options for RAM Elements panels, allowing users to customize their workspace more effectively. As high-resolution displays become standard, this enhancement ensures a consistent and modern user experience across all supported screen types.

The different panels (e.g., Data Panel and Explorer) can now be docked to the left or right of the display area by dragging the panel title to one of the available docking zones that appear during the action.

Figure 5. Docking panels and docking zones

 

Resolved Issues:

Masonry Wall Module Design Moments for Masonry Columns: Fixed an issue where, under certain configurations, the design moments were switched. The moments are now correctly assigned, and the design and optimization processes function properly. (1614264)

Wood Design (NDS 2018) Web Crippling Demand: Corrected the demand calculation by properly evaluating shear variation and including concentrated loads and reactions. Uniformly distributed loads with no disturbances now correctly result in zero demand. (1595914)

Footing Design Module Access Violation Error: Fixed a crash caused by undefined transverse reinforcement. A validation check now ensures that each zone has defined reinforcement. (1568170)

Beam Design Module (ACI 318-19) Vc Calculation: Resolved an issue where the program always applied the size factor, using equation (c) regardless of Av ≥ Avmin. The module now evaluates both equations (b) and (c) and selects the larger value. (1626619)

iTwin Integration Crash with T-Shaped Concrete Beams: Fixed a crash during an iTwin model pull from a RAM Structural System repository with T-shaped reinforced concrete beams by adding support for T beams in RAM Elements side. (1652545)

Model Import from STAAD Reversed Support Restraints: Corrected reversed support restraint parameters. Added warnings for Plate Mat, Elastic Mat, and Footing support types. (1660370)