RAM Connection 2025 (25.00.00.205) Release Notes – Updated May 2025

Features:

1. Horizontal Bracing Connections Now Available for AS 4100. This release introduces support for horizontal bracing connections in compliance with the AS 4100 design standard. The new beam-beam-brace configuration includes a web side plate connector for single braces and an end plate connector for double braces. It supports various brace shapes, including T-sections, channels, single angles, and double angles. The connection design covers all critical interfaces: brace-to-gusset, gusset-to-beams, and beams-to-girder.

Figure 1. New Horizontal-Beam-Beam-Brace connection for single and double braces.

 

2. Assign and Report Connections by Joint Groups.  Now it is possible to assign connections and generate reports based on joint groups, allowing users to organize and apply connection designs more efficiently. Previously, reporting was limited to individual joints or the entire model; now, users can select specific groups of joints, assign connection to all joints in a group, and generate reports that include detailed design data such as material quantities, and design checks.

Using the joint grouping feature introduced in previous releases, you can now assign a connection to an entire group of joints.

Figure 2. Joint selected in a joint group.

When a joint that belongs to a group is selected, the Assign Connection dialog includes a new option to choose whether to assign the connection to Current joint or to the Current joint group.

Figure 3. New option to select between Current joint or Current joint group to assign the connection.

Selecting the group option will apply the chosen connection to all joints within that group, streamlining the modeling process and ensuring consistent detailing across similar joints.

Figure 4. All connections assigned at once to all joints in the group.

All report types in General under the Output tab, including the Connection Elements Summary (Bill of Materials), now support flexible joint selection. You can choose to generate reports for:

• The current joint
• The current group
• All joints
• Or a custom list of joints (e.g., 1,3,5-7)

This enhancement gives the user full control over which joints are included in each report, improving efficiency and usability.

Figure 5. Joint selection dialog for reports.

 

3. Updated Base Plate Design per AISC Design Guide 1, Third Edition. This release updates the base plate connection design to align with the latest AISC Design Guide 1 (DG1), Third Edition. As part of this update, the following enhancements were included: 

Anchor Bolt Design per AISC 360 Chapter J: Users can now design anchors using the provisions of AISC 360 Chapter J. This includes automatic checks for shear, tension, and combined shear and tension, providing more robust anchorage design.

Figure 6. AISC anchor bolt checks according to AISC chapter J.

Washer Plates: The option to define washer plates has been added. When used, flexural capacity of anchor bolts is considered in the design calculations.

Figure 7. New top washer plates.

Seismic Provisions per AISC 341 Section D2.6c: The base plate now supports seismic design checks based on AISC 341, including the calculation of required shear and flexural strengths for anchor rods in accordance with Section D2.6c for moment frames.

Figure 8. Seismic provisions for moment frames according to AISC 341.

4. AISC Base Plate option to consider reinforcement for shear lug concrete breakout. A new option "Use anchor reinforcement for shear breakout" is now available for AISC base plates with shear lugs. When enabled, the defined anchor reinforcement is considered effective in resisting concrete breakout due to the shear lug in agreement with Anchorage Design for Petrochemical and Other Industrial Facilities (ASCE, 2nd Ed., 2022). As RAM Connection does not yet include reinforcement location, for more detailed procedure refer to the ASCE publication.

Figure 9. New reinforcement option for shear breakout for shear lugs.

5. Enhanced Web Side Plate Design per AS 4100. This version enhances the design of web side plate shear connections under the AS 4100, incorporating checks for supporting web capacities and out-of-plane shear. 

 

6. Optional Weld Strength Reduction to Match Base Metal Shear per AISC. This release reinstates the weld rupture check and introduces a new optional setting that reduces the weld capacity to match the shear strength of the connected base metal, following AISC provisions. When the option is enabled, a minimum required thickness for the connected elements is calculated using the equations provided in Part 9 of the AISC Steel Construction Manual. If the actual thickness is less than the required minimum, the weld strength is reduced proportionally by the ratio of the provided thickness to the minimum required thickness (Rf = t / tₘᵢₙ). This check ensures more accurate and conservative designs in accordance with AISC, particularly where base metal rupture may control the connection strength.

Figure 10. Weld Strength Reduction to Match Base Metal

 

7. Slip Resistance for All Bolted Connections and Improved Bolt Interaction Equations (EN 1993). Bolted connections under EN 1993 code include now the slip resistance (slip-critical) option across all bolted connection types. Previously, this feature was only available for a limited set of connections.

 

8. Export Connections with Multiple DXF Views into a Single File. This release introduces the ability to export multiple connection views—such as gusset, side, and top views—into a single DXF file. This enhancement eliminates the need to export each view separately, saving time and effort for designers and detailers working with complex steel connections. It improves productivity and streamlines the creation of detailed fabrication drawings.

Figure 11. Multiple DXF gussets view in a single file.

 

Resolved Issues: