RAM Connection CONNECT Edition V13 Update 6 (v13.6.0) Release Notes – Updated October 2021

Features:

1. New truss-gusset-branch connection for AS4100, NZS3404 and AISC360.

This connection supports I and hollow structural sections (i.e. HSS) as chords and three branches at the top and three at the bottom that can be any allowable section for branches (i.e. angles, double angles, I, channels, HSS, Tees and rods).

 
Figure 1. New truss-gusset-branch connection

A new group for truss connections was added in the assignment buttons for all truss connection options.

Figure 2. New truss connection group

2. New tubular connections for mitred knee and beam and column splices joints for AISC360, CSAS16 and EN1993

   

                                Figure 3. Mitred knee and end plate (moment end plate) connections for tubular members                                                        

3. New joint dialog default values according to the selected design code.

Figure 4. Default sections and materials according to design code

4. Some connection enhancements like:

• Moment end plates (bolted end plates) now allow 4 bolt column configuration (two at each web side) for all design codes.
  
  

Figure 5. Moment end plate with four bolt columns

• Slope and skew angles were standardizes across all moment end plates for all design codes

Resolved Issues:

• Several items fixed for moment end plates when imported from a Limcon model.
  
  
• AISC SCBF column-beam-brace brace expected strength being compared erroneously with overstrength combination loads. This is fixed now and the expected tensile and compressive strength are considered in the design correctly.
  
  
• AISC double stiffener length not properly determined using the provisions. This is fixed for all possible doubler configuration for all moment connections.
  
  
• AISC wall chord plastification references fixed for all AISC codes.
  
  
• AISC hole types warnings for slotted holes where re-enabled for all bolted connections.
  
  
• AS Welded beam to column weld capacity now is calculated using the simplified approach to match all other moment connections.
  
  
• EN base plate fastener bearing area (Ah) is now calculated considering the head shape (i.e. square and hex).