Release Date: January 11, 2012
This document contains important information regarding changes to the RAM Structural System. It is important that all users are aware of these changes. Please distribute these release notes and make them available to all users of the RAM Structural System.
Note: Release 14.04.04 was never released generally. Only some components were released on a very limited basis. There were no release notes for that version, and all corrections contained in that version are included in this version.
A new version of the RAM – Revit link program, Version 4.00, is simultaneously being released with this version. The main purpose for this patch version of the RAM Structural System is to make available some changes to the RAM DataAccess modules to enable enhancements in the RAM – Revit link program. The RAM – Revit Link V4.00 provides a more robust and seamless link between the two programs. It includes several powerful features, including the ability to handle multi-level continuous columns and walls, and a more straight-forward way of handling cantilevered beams. Several significant errors have been corrected, most notably some that were encountered when linking with Revit 2012. Download the new link to take advantage of the enhanced capabilities.
This version includes some refinements to some program features.
HSS SHEAR, MOMENT AND AXIAL CAPACITY: Previously the program conservatively used the full depth for h (instead of d-3tf) when calculating the h/t ratio for HSS square and rectangular sections, which was used in the determination of shear, moment, and axial capacity in the AISC360-05 and LRFD 3rd Edition specifications. The program has been enhanced to use the allowable value of h, which may now result in slightly higher capacities for HSS members.
AISC 341 COLUMN-BEAM MOMENT RATIO: AISC 341-05 Section 9.6 Column-Beam Moment Ratio has an Exception that says that if Prc < 0.3Pc and the column is the top story of a multistory building, the requirements of Section 9.6 do not apply. Previously the program took a more simplistic approach when investigating that Exception, in that any columns not in the very topmost level in the model were designated as not passing that exception. This meant that even in a stepped building, with roofs at various levels, columns in frames that terminated at lower roof levels were designated as not passing the exception. Now the program determines if the column is at the top level of the frame, with no frame or gravity columns immediately above it (that is, whether or not it is a column that terminates at a lower roof level); if so (and if Prc < 0.3Pc), that Exception is applied, making the column exempt from the requirements of Section 9.6.
WESTOK BEAM REACTIONS IN DXF: Beam reactions are now included on the Layout DXF for Westok beams when the option to include reactions is specified.
Some minor program errors have been identified in V14.04.0x and corrected for Version 14.04.05. The errors, when they occurred, were generally quite obvious, involving user interface and reports. Error that potentially could have produced unconservative results are marked with an asterisk. Some corrections were also made to some RAM DataAccess functions; these changes did not impact the RAM Structural System but may have affected third-party programs written to use these functions. We apologize for any inconvenience these may have caused.
HSS SHEAR CAPACITY*: In the calculation of the shear capacity of HSS square and rectangular sections per AISC 360-05, the entire depth of the section was used rather than h as required in Section G5.
Effect: Nominal shear strength, Vn, of HSS sections was incorrect for AISC 360-05.
CONCRETE DISPLACEMENTS: The Displacements command in RAM Concrete Analysis didn't apply displacements to the visible floor and wall meshes, although the colors did match the displacement magnitude.
Effect: Beams and Columns were visually displaced when a sufficiently high scale factor was selected, but walls and slabs remained in their original non-displaced location.
MANUAL REINFORCING*: When manual reinforcing was used for a wall panel, and the vertical zone(s) used a different number of reinforcing curtains than the horizontal reinforcing, the number of curtains used in the assessment of shear strength and in certain prescriptive code checks was incorrect.
Effect: Possibly incorrect (most commonly underestimated) shear strength calculation, and possible false warnings about reinforcing-related code provisions.