Bentley Structure Elements (formerly RAM Advanse) v9.5 is now available for download from Bentley SELECT (SELECT log in required).
New Features:
Hybrid Masonry/Steel Wall Design: This new feature allows you to model, analyze, and design a hybrid masonry/steel wall based on the International Masonry Institute and the National Concrete Masonry Association standards and included in the IBC. Design this new generation of structural masonry to your projects in just minutes.
New Limit for Masonry Wall Stories: This limit has been increased from 4 to N stories at a time per visit to the module.
ACI 530-05 Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (ASD): With important additions to tension in masonry walls and lintel design.
Prescriptive Reinforcement Around Openings: The reinforcement around openings in the Masonry Design Module is now available based on ACI 530-05.
Masonry Deflection Calculation: Deflections are now calculated based on masonry cracked section properties.
Masonry Joint Reinforcement: As an alternative to horizontal reinforcement with deformed bars, the user can now specify joint reinforcement (ladder and truss types) based on ACI 530-05.
Compression-Only Springs: Compression-only springs are now included to effectively model certain types of foundations.
Compression-Only Members: Besides the well known tension-only members available, version 9.5 now includes compression-only members too.