Release Date: August 2026
Version Details: 26.00.00.222
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. The Bentley CONNECTION Client also provides notification of the newest version and can be used to update the installation file.
Models from older versions can be opened and converted to version 2026 format. Those files can no longer be used in older versions once saved, but a backup file is created.
This version will automatically convert files from version 2024 or 2025. Older files containing wall section cuts or openings may not convert directly. Those files can be converted in stages by using a separate computer with version 2024 or sent to Bentley technical support for conversion.
In version 2026, fundamental changes were made to the handling of multiple live load types, and the factoring of snow loads. The design results will change from prior versions for most models. We recommend reviewing the input roof and snow loads when using older project files in version 2026.
In prior versions, the program would consider snow or roof type live loads, but not concurrently in a single run. Starting with version 2026, both types of loads are always considered and combined according to the relevant building code combinations.
This will result in additional loads being considered in older models that are converted to version 2026 when they include both roof and snow loads.
The RAM Steel Beam and RAM Steel Column modules now consider reduced load factors for combinations of live load types based on the relevant building code. For example, when using the AISC 360-22 code, the program uses the combinations from ASCE 7-22. For details on the load combinations used in design, see the RAM Steel Beam manual.
These revised combinations are used in strength design, but some serviceability checks and reports are based on an unfactored combination including all gravity loads. The following features in the program are based on a simple sum of all the live loads:
The Data Extractor has been updated to include the snow load results in all tables.
RAM Structural System version 2026 models that are imported into RAM Elements or RAM Connection will not yet include the snow loads or reactions. A change in our API to get these results is required to obtain those forces and will be added to the next updates. RAM Concept did not previously import snow loads, but this change will enable that in a future release.
The RAM Steel Beam module now includes a Copy Size command to copy the beam section size from one beam to another. The selected source beam size is assigned to the target beam or beams. Once complete, the target beams are considered user assigned. Only the section size is assigned in this case. Beam camber and the number of studs for composite design are still determined individually.
Beam Groups can also be assigned. For beams in a group the program will indicate the original optimized design of each beam as well as the controlling group design result. Groups may include any number of beams, and can be applied across stories of the model, but groups are limited to a single member type and shape. As with copy design, only the section size is forced to be constant for grouped beams. Additional features are provided to highlight beam groups. The assigned groups can be cleared at any point to return to the original optimized designs. For details on these tools refer to the RAM Steel Beam manual.
RAM Concrete Beam, Column, Wall and Foundation modules are updated to include provisions from ACI 318-25.
The Bentley Copilot has been added to the program. The Bentley Copilot is accessed from RAM Manager but operates in a dedicated window and can be used to query the program official documentation for assistance in any module.
This version corrects some defects, described below. Some issues addressed with the changes in live load behavior are not specifically mentioned. Other minor defects that did not impact results are also omitted.
For models with an apostrophe character (') in the file name, exported results were missing. Similarly, models with a level type containing zero beams would export empty tales. Some models would crash when exporting the load tables.
Effect: Empty tables or program crash. Results could still be obtained from reports.
Changing beam properties from non-composite to composite also cleared any assigned size.
Effect: Beams would be reoptimized. Any specific user size had to be reassigned.
To better support high resolution monitors, the icons and toolbars in the RAM Steel Beam module are now installed with 2 scales. Some minor changes in the menu area of the GUI may be noticed.
The beam shear, bending and deflection diagrams control in the RAM Steel Beam module previously expanded to the entire screen and prevented the user from switching windows. The program now windows the diagram view and includes an option to select the load combination to display.
Buckling Restrained Braced Frame Columns designed according to the 341-22 Specification were checked as Moderately Ductile members rather than Highly Ductile members per Section D1.1.
Effect: BRBF Columns should have been checked as Highly Ductile members per Section D1.1 of AISC 341-22 which was a change from 341-16.
The web slenderness limit considered for Square or Rectangular HSS sections per Section E3.5a was incorrect. Furthermore, columns oriented at angles to the axis of the frame had incorrect slenderness ratios calculated.
Effect: The web slenderness check for HSS was incorrect and columns with orientations used incorrect slenderness ratios.
The yielding core length for braces, Lysc, was incorrectly applied in the determination of the design story strain. An Omega of value of 1.0 should have been applied when the brace was in compression.
Effect: An erroneous Omega was applied in the determination of Cmax and Tmax for braces where no positive yielding core length could be determined as a result of the brace being in compression. Consequentially, the net axial force impressed upon columns supporting these braces was incorrect.
The program was optimized for speed in the design and displaying DuraFuse Connections. The detailed joint code check report was updated on biaxial connections for seismic joint panel zone strength checks and enhanced reporting of Section E3.6e.
In ACI 318-14 or 318-19 codes, the plotted column axial and biaxial moment diagram (PMM curve) was sometimes inconsistent with the reported PhiMn values. The values in the report were conservatively based on the lowest phi factor. In version 2026, the PMM curve now reflects a variable phi factor based on table 21.2.2 and the reported design is based on the same controlling condition.
Effect: inconsistent conservative reported values
The Material Take-off report in RAM Foundation listed the wrong units or values in some sections of the report for imperial units. In the continuous footing the length of bars was 12x too large (in vs ft) which affected volume and weight of bars. In the total footing takeoff section, the volume was labeled in yd^3, but the values were in ft^3.
Effect: incorrect total weights or volumes might have been used in cost estimation.
To create or share iTwins from RAM Structural System also install the latest iTwin Analytical Synchronizer which is free to all Bentley subscribers. The ISM RAM Structural System Plug-in and ISM Revit plugins are both included in the iTwin Analytical Synchronizer installation.
RAM SBeam 2026 is modified to include the same changes in RAM Steel Beam.
Exporting a beam from RAM Steel now includes snow, but exports from existing RAM Elements and STAAD.pro versions will not yet include snow loads. That will be included in future releases. Refer to the RAM SBeam 2026 Release Notes for more information.
Bentley is committed to continuously investigating and rectifying security vulnerabilities affecting its products and services. Regular checks and security fixes are a part of our releases to ensure better resilience to security vulnerabilities.
Details of known security vulnerabilities in Bentley applications are published on the security advisory page in our Trust Center.