RAM Connection 2024 (24.00.03.100) Release Notes – Updated November 2024

Features:

1. New Stiffened Seated Connection for High Shear Forces Between HSS Beams and HSS Columns. A new Stiffened Seated Connection has been introduced to address high shear forces for HSS (Hollow Structural Section) beam-to-column connections. The vertical stiffener plates transfer vertical shear to the column while the horizontal seat plate can be welded directly to the HSS column to transfer horizontal shear as shown below.

   

Figure 1. New stiffened seated connection for HSS beams and HSS columns

 

2. AISC Weld Capacity Check for Weld Size Based on Strength of Connecting Element. A separate capacity was added to all welded connection to check weld size based on the strength of the connecting element. This verification ensures that welds not only meet load requirements but also align with the capacity of the connecting elements.

Figure 2. Weld Capacity Check for Weld Size Based on Strength of Connecting Element

 

3. Expanded Support for Cleat Angles and Flange Plates on Tubular Columns (AS-CSA-NZS). RAM Connection now expands support for cleat angles and flange plates on Hollow Structural Section (HSS) columns across AS, CSA, and NZS standards, addressing a common user need for flexible connection designs beyond the traditional I-section column limitations.

   

Figure 3. Flange plate and cleat angles welded to tubular column

4. Enhancement for AISC Welded Unreinforced Flange-Welded Web (WUF-W) Moment connection. A seismic shear plate was added to the directly welded connection to complete the WUF-W prequalified seismic connection according to the AISC 358-22. All welds and geometric limitations were included for the shear plate. This option is only available when seismic provisions are considered and the moment frame is defined as IMF or SMF.

Figure 4. WUF - W moment connection including the shear plate

5. CSA S16 opposite beam force consideration for all shear connections. Now the effect of opposite beam forces in shear connections in accordance with CSA S16 has been included. This improvement ensures a more realistic and accurate design by accounting for the combined or counteracting forces from opposite beams framing into a supporting element, such as a column or girder.

6. NZS 3404 Weld Demand Calculations Aligned with Structural Steelwork Connection Guide. Weld demands calculations for connection design in accordance with NZS 3404 and the Steel Connect - Structural Steelwork Connection Guide have been included. This feature ensures compliance with New Zealand's industry standards and guidelines, enabling welds to handle the required forces effectively.  

 

Resolved Issues:

Connection Pad Editing in Chinese: Resolved an issue where the connection pad could not be opened for editing when the Chinese language was set. The glitch has been fixed, and a workaround has been provided for users still experiencing the issue. (1560488)