Release Notes - RAM Elements v10.0.2

 

This document contains important information regarding changes to RAM Elements. It is important that all users are aware of these changes. Please distribute these release notes and make them available to all users of RAM Elements.

 

A few significant enhancements have been made in this version. The most significant of these enhancements are listed here:

 

• Backwards Compatibility: On early November, Bentley Systems will release RAM Elements v10.1 and also Bentley ISM Synchronizer V8i. This update allows models created in the upcoming version, to be opened in v10.0.x of RAM Elements.

 

• Effective Depth: The effective depth "d" in the Retaining Wall module is now printed in the report.

 

Also, some program errors have been identified in v10.0.1 and corrected for version 10.0.2. Corrections made to graphics, reports, program crashes, etc. that were considered minor are not listed here. The noteworthy error corrections are listed here in order to notify you that they have been corrected or to assist you in determining the impact of those errors on previous designs. These errors were generally obscure and uncommon, affecting only a very small percentage of models or had no impact on the results. The errors, when they occurred, were generally quite obvious. However, if there is any question, it may be advisable to reanalyze previous models to determine the impact, if any. In each case the error only occurred for the precise conditions indicated. Those errors that may have resulted in unconservative designs are shown with an asterisk (*). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause:

 

• k Dimension for BS 5950 Shapes: The k value (function of the radius between the web and the flanges of rolled I-shaped members) is non-existent in the BS 5950-1:2000 standard and thus, it has been eliminated from the cross section properties. *

 

• DXF Printing: The area and text width in the Masonry Wall, Tilt-Up Wall and Concrete Wall modules has been adjusted and won't be cut on paper.

 

• Area of Steel Required: The area of steel required in reinforced footings with two layers /top and bottom) of steel now includes the minimum area of steel required. Before it was required for each layer which produced designs with more steel than required.

 

• Pedestal Height: The height of the pedestal was incorrect in the design overturning moment calculation.*

 

• Maximum Bar Spacing: The maximum bar spacing in concrete footings has been corrected to reflect section 7.6.5 of ACI 318-05.

 

• Footing Configuration: User settings now are stored when you close the Footings module.

 

• Negative Moments in Lintel Design: There were some bugs related the optimization in lintels as the PM interaction was not being properly invalidated. This was creating conservative design. Besides, deflection was being considered for optimization but not for design check. This was also fixed.

 

• Parapet Pressure: Now the parapet pressure can be imported into the Masonry Wall module from the main RAM Elements screen (3D model).

 

• Steel Areas in Report: The values of AsReq and AsProv were not reported in the Retaining Wall module.