RAM Connection CONNECT Edition V13 Update 9 (v13.9.0) Release Notes – Updated November 2022

Features:

1. Update to AS4100:2020. The Australian steel design code has been updated to the latest AS4100:2020 for all connections. This update includes several enhancements like a new 10.9 bolt grade assembly and a new block shear limit state according to Cl. 9.1.9 (e).

Figure 1. New AS4100:2020 design code

2. Hollow structural section connections for CSA S16 and EN 1993. Including:

    HSS-to-HSS Truss Connections:

• Y-T connections
• K (or N) connections
• KT connections
• X (or cross) connections 

    HSS-to-HSS Moment Connections:

• T connections
• Y connections (for round HSS only)
• X (or cross) connections

Figure 2. Different tubular truss connections available for CSA S16 and EN 1993 (image based on AISC Design Guide 24)

3. New directly bolted coped web braces to gusset plate for NZS 3404, CSA S16, IS 800 and EN 1993. New brace to gusset interface connection for I shape section braces where the brace is partially coped to be directly bolted to the gusset.

Figure 3. Directly bolted coped web braces to gusset plate

4. New report navigation panel. All RAM Connection reports now have, locate at the left, a new navigation panel with all relevant navigation marks to improve the navigation experience specially for long reports or reports including formulas.

Figure 4. New navigation panel for all reports

5. AISC Base plate anchoring to concrete design was updated to ACI 318-19. There is a new Concrete design code option to select (ACI 318-19) that uses all provisions in ACI Chapter 17 including the shear lug design that, for previous design codes, was designed using the AISC Design Guide 1 recommendations.

Figure 6. New ACI 318-19 concrete design code for base plates

6. AS 4100 new analysis methods for splices. Now it is possible to select for column and beam splices between simplified, elastic or plastic analysis methods to distribute the loads according to ASI Design Guide 13.

Figure 7. New AS 4100 distribution loads methos for splices

Resolved Issues:

• AISC moment frames OMF demands are calculated using AISC 345-16 E.1.6b.(a) for FR connections where Vu calculated from load combinations including EQ load case.
  
  
• AISC bracing connections for I and T braces using angles or splices caused a crash when both angles and splice plates were unchecked. Now, this is validated as at least one connector is required.
  
  
• AISC CVR gusset-to-beam weld check was using incorrect thickness.
  
  
• EN 1993 base plate anchoring to concrete design was not considering the limits for the bearing length when calculating the shear concrete edge failure. The limit is determined now according with the fastener nominal diameter.
  
  
• AS4100 base plate tension yielding check not reported when several load conditions with tension and compression are defined.
  
  
• NZS3404 unstiffened column web geometric checks for moment connections no need to be considered when stiffeners are assigned.
  
  
• IS 800 base plate was not showing the column base weld shear capacity. This is fixed now, and the weld capacity is reported properly for tension and shear.