Release Date: May 2025
This document contains essential information regarding changes to the RAM Structural System. It is important that all users are aware of these changes.
Bentley application versions are now identified by the year of release. This is the major annual release for 2025, enhancing and correcting issues in RAM Structural System 2024 and earlier.
Installation Instructions:
The CONNECTION Client provides notification of the newest version and can be used to update the installation. Otherwise, this version can be found on Bentley Software Downloads by logging into CONNECT Center and clicking Software Downloads. Search for “RAM Structural System” and select the latest version.
To share iTwins from RAM Structural System also install the latest iTwin Analytical Synchronizer which is free to all Bentley subscribers. Starting with the 2025 version, the ISM RAM Structural System Plug-in is now included in the iTwin Analytical Synchronizer installation, allowing the plug-in to be updated independently from the main program.
Important Notices:
This version automatically converts databases created in previous versions to the new database format. A backup file is created automatically when a database is converted to the same directory as the original file.
The previous steel tables and load combination templates supplied with the program will be replaced with new tables and templates of the same name. If you have customized any Master or Design tables or load combination templates supplied with the program without changing the file names, those file names should be renamed from the original RAM table names prior to installation to prevent your changes from being lost.
Security Risk Advisory:
Bentley is committed to continuously investigating and rectifying security vulnerabilities affecting its products and services. In this version, we have fully removed SQL Compact Edition from the installer.
New Features and Enhancements:
Multiple Reports
In all modules, it is now possible to view multiple reports at once, making it easier to compare information from multiple reports side-by-side, for example.
Composite Joist Design
Steel joists can now be designed as composite members using the design methods from Steel Joist Institute. For composite joists, the self-weight can automatically be applied. For details, see Specifying and Designing Composite Joists in the RAM Structural System
RAM Foundation Module Updated
RAM Foundation is now incorporated into the RAM Application Container making it a 3D module similar to RAM Frame or RAM Concrete providing a better user interface and consistency across modules.
ADINA Export Options
Options added to control the analysis methods used in ADINA. Models can now be configured to perform linear static analysis, eigenvalue analysis or time-history analysis using an imported time - acceleration spectrum.
Error Corrections:
This version corrects some significant errors, described below. We know errors are disruptive, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
3D View
LENGTH OF CANTILEVERS IN 3D GRAPHICS: The length of cantilevers extending to the right was shifted by a half column dimension making the cantilever appear too long in 3D rendered views.
Effect: Graphics only.
Steel Beam
ORANGE BEAM COLORATION: In models that include beam rigid offsets, the orange color for offsets was incorrectly applied to the beams in the area of the offset.
Effect: Graphics only.
Frame - Analysis
CRASH DISPLAYING V BRACE REACTIONS: Crash when trying to show the support reactions graphically for models with inverted chevron "V" brace configuration.
Effect: Crash, the reactions could still be obtained from reports.
CRASH WITH CRITERIA MASS AND EXPOSURE REPORT: The Criteria, Mass and Exposure Data report would crash with some models when utilizing semi-rigid diaphragms.
Effect: Report issue, the data was considered correctly in load generation.
RAM Frame – Seismic Mode
SECTION LABEL NOT IMMEDIATELY UPDATED: When updating a member size in the seismic provisions mode using the Update Database command within the member View/Update dialog, the on-screen label was not immediately updated.
Effect: Graphics only, the updated section size was applied to the model.
ASTM A500 GRADE C HSS ROUND: The Ry value was updated and correct for AISC 341-22 codes, but incorrect for AISC 341-16.
Effect: Ry=1.4 applied to ASTM A500 Grade C Round HSS rather than 1.3 in AISC 341-16.
Concrete Beam
AS 3600 CONCRETE BEAM OPTIMIZATION: AS 3600 beam design did not consider the full range of available bar sizes to satisfy code minimum design.
Effect: The program optimized design might fail to satisfy the code minimum requirements when another bar size is satisfactory. Manually assigned reinforcement was evaluated correctly.
Concrete Wall
When a subset of load combinations was selected from the Load Combinations list, the Section Cut Design Summary report referenced the position (order) of the combinations rather than their actual index.
Effect: The reported load combinations in the Section Cut Design Summary may be incorrect for design codes other than ACI 318.
Foundation
In an inverted chevron or "V" brace condition, where the braces connect to the continuous footing between the columns, the loads considered for the braces were 0.
Effect: Unconservative design for this rare configuration.