Release Date: June 2025
This document contains essential information regarding changes to the RAM Structural System. It is important that all users are aware of these changes.
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 is a minor bug fix release and does not require model conversion.
Security Risk Advisory:
Bentley is committed to continuously investigating and rectifying security vulnerabilities affecting its products and services. There are no security related changes in this update.
Error Corrections:
This version corrects some significant errors, described below. We know errors are disruptive, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
General
REPORTS - PRINTER OPTION: This option was not working in version 2024 and 2025. This option should direct the report to a selected printer without any preview. This functionality is restored in version 25.00.01.
Effect: Reports had to be previewed to screen first.
Steel Beam
COMPOSITE JOIST DEFLECTION LIMIT: The live load deflection criteria limit imposed on Composite Joists was L/360. The general deflection criteria limits set by the user in the Deflection Criteria dialog box were not utilized in design but still shown in the report.
Effect: Although the design of composite joists were correctly performed, and the live load limit of L/360 was enforced, the design report erroneously showed the user set deflection criteria limits. Only the live load limit of L/360 is enforced.
Steel Column
BASE PLATE SUMMARY REPORT CODE MISMATCH: When using AISC 360-16 or AISC 360-22 LRFD design codes for base plates, the Base Plate Summary Report was showing ASD in the header.
Effect: Report error only, the design was performed according to LRFD.
Frame - Analysis
CRASH CONSIDERING ORTHOGONAL EFFECTS: Checking the option to generate the additional load cases for Orthogonal Effects based on ASCE 7 Seismic loading causes RAM Frame version 2025 to crash. It affected various editions of the ASCE 7 code. Models with existing seismic loads including orthogonal effects were unaffected.
Effect: Crash, using custom load combinations is a work-around.
Concrete Wall
SPECIAL WALL DEFLECTION ERROR: When designing Special Concrete Shear Wall Boundary Elements per 18.10.6.2, the design displacement considered was enlarged due to an error in the drift calculation. This could lead to a required boundary element where none is actually needed.
Effect: Incorrect design warnings for walls with very small displacement.
Foundation
FOUNDATION STATUS ARROWS MISSING: Previously, the orientation arrow would be shown and colored to indicate the passing or failing status of each foundation; red if the footing failed, green if passed. In version 2025 the status arrows were missing.
Effect: Difficult to determine the passing or failing status of foundations, especially when user assigned or frozen.
FOUNDATION ASSIGN SINGLE AND FENCE COMMANDS: The Assign commands (Base Plate, Soil and Surcharge) are not working consistently when picking a single foundation or using a fence. The Assign – All options work.
Effect: Where the foundations do not all have the same settings, assignments were difficult to apply.
FOUNDATION GEOEMTRY NOT UPDATED: Previously, when the footing geometry was updated, the size on screen was immediately adjusted, but in version 2025 the updated graphics would not appear until the Foundation Module was restarted.
Effect: Difficult to confirm updated geometry.