RAM Frame

2. Automatic Generation of Lateral Loads and Load Combinations

RAM Frame includes automatic generation of all load cases and combinations based on current building design codes. It automatically computes all building code lateral design loads and combinations for wind and/or seismic forces. Also, it automatically transfers loads from gravity members from RAM Steel and RAM Concrete and distributes these loads to the lateral system.

For seismic and wind load cases, RAM Frame calculates story level lateral loads according to the selected seismic and wind design codes while users are provided the flexibility to manipulate the loads.

3. Advanced Dynamic Analysis

Regarding dynamic load cases, RAM Frame performs a complete Response Spectra Analysis (Modal Analysis) and computes structural periods, mode shapes, and other dynamic properties of the building. The Response Spectra analysis is per IBC, UBC and user-specified response spectra curves, with option for SRSS or CQC combination of modal results. Eccentricities for story masses are also considered during analysis.

4. Steel Standard Provisions

RAM Frame performs member and joint design checks based on numerous design codes, including AISC-ASD, AISC-LRFD, BS5950, CANADA CSA-S16.4, and Eurocode. The major features are:

• Designs column web plates (doublers) and stiffeners (continuity plates) for wind and low seismic applications
• Uniquely allows you to interactively change column sizes to eliminate web plates and stiffeners, all in a matter of seconds
• User overrides of all major design criteria on a member-by-member basis
• Automatically calculates effective length factors, flange bracing, and unbraced lengths
• Full interactive control for review and refinement of your designs
• Full user control over selection of generated and custom load combinations used in design
• Quickly go from analysis and design to design drawings with powerful output and CAD options
  

5. Steel Seismic Provisions

RAM Frame performs additional special seismic code design and detailing checks for members and joints, based on AISC 341-05, AISC 1997 - LRFD, UBC 1997 – LRFD or UBC 1997 – ASD. The major features are listed as follows:

• Automatic generation of seismic load combinations
• All concentric braced frame and moment frame structural systems supported
• Considers reduced beam sections (dogbone) where applicable in moment frame joint checks
• Option to perform FEMA 350 moment-frame joint requirements for UBC seismic code
• Supports all seismic zones for each seismic code
• Detailed output for all beams, columns, braces, and moment frame joints
• All output references the actual code section for each seismic provision checked, allowing for quick assessment of code compliance
• Exceptions to specific provisions are automatically performed when required
• All required information for seismic detailing requirements are reported
• Fully interactive, allowing you to change individual member sizes for rapid review and refinement of your designs
  

6. Drift Control Module

The Drift Control Module of RAM Frame provides a great functionality to study and control the drift behavior of buildings. It does not only help identify which member contributes the most to the drift at a point, but it also helps the user identify what sectional properties of a member to change to arrive at an optimized size. The break-down of a member contribution to the drift constitutes displacement components such as joint, axial, shear, flexure and torsion.

7.  Detailed Shear Wall Analysis

RAM Frame provides detailed analysis information about shear walls. You have the flexibility to define cross-sections at any vertical and horizontal positions on walls. This is very helpful, especially to obtain analysis results around openings. Cross-section forces are either calculated per load cases or per load combinations. A detailed report is also provided and can be displayed or exported into files.