Timber Design for Earthquake-Resilient Homes using RAM Elements
RAM Webinar series
Load tracing for residential timber structures can be simplified with the structural analysis capabilities of RAM Elements. The software designs gravity and lateral systems, along with ancillary components, using built-in parameters and design indexes tailored for timber construction. With automated calculations and clear documentation for load-carrying members, RAM Elements helps streamline the entire workflow—from concept to deliverables.
Join this webinar series to explore how RAM Elements can support your residential timber design projects with accuracy, efficiency, and confidence.
Available On Demand
In the first session, we’ll focus on designing the gravity load path. Starting at the roof, we’ll trace loads from ridge beams and sloped rafters down to joists, beams, and ultimately into the supporting columns and foundations. We’ll explore how to model and parameterize each structural component. And we’ll expose how RAM Elements automates the design of each member for both ultimate strength and serviceability, according to the NDS.
What you will learn:
- Load tracing from roof to foundation.
- How to parameterize structural components for efficient design.
- How to completely automate member design.
Available On Demand
In the second session, we’ll focus on the lateral force-resisting system. We’ll walk through the application of the equivalent lateral force procedure to account for seismic loads, beginning with calculating base shear and distributing those forces through each story level. You’ll see how RAM Elements help to parameterize the procedure for proper stiffness and load resistance. We’ll also expose how the software guides you through designing these elements to meet both strength and drift limits, per ASCE 7.
What you will learn about:
- Apply the equivalent lateral force procedure to account for seismic loads.
- Calculate base shear and distribute forces through each level.
- How to use RAM Elements to fully automate the design of lateral systems.
Available On Demand
In the final session, we’ll take the design all the way to the ground. We’ll focus on the design of spread footings and retaining walls. Starting with vertical and lateral load reactions from the superstructure, we’ll show how to model foundations with soil support conditions and bearing capacity considerations. You’ll learn how to parameterize footing geometry, reinforcement, and wall thicknesses. Finally, we’ll expose how RAM Elements automates the design checks for bearing, sliding, overturning, and structural strength.
What you will learn about:
- How to load trace and design spread footings and retaining walls.
- How to model foundations with soil support conditions and bearing capacity.
- How to automate design checks for bearing, sliding, and overturning using RAM Elements.
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Meet the Presenters
Qian Fang, Ph.D., P.E.
Product Sales Engineer (Structural)
Bentley Systems Inc.
With a background in Civil and Structural Engineering, Qian Fang serves as a product consultant for structural and pipe stress analysis software products at Bentley Systems. Qian is passionate about leveraging her expertise in structural engineering to help engineers solve their problems more efficiently and effectively, and be more productive in different kinds of engineering projects.
Basil Chemais
Application Engineer (Structural), Solution Engineering
Bentley Systems Inc.
I work with all the RAM products in the Bentley Structural Worksuite as an application engineer. It is my job to help engineers use our products to fulfill their engineering objectives! My education and experience in structural analysis and design in California have allowed me to work on a variety of different designs of seismically resilient structures. It has also exposed me to the demand for the seismic design of timber structures. Given what I’ve learned and my role at Bentley it would be a pleasure to show you the workflow for seismic design of residential timber structures in RAM Elements!
