Examples

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RAM™

Elements V8i Release 12.5

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2011 Edition

Examples Manual _____________________________________________________________________

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LEGAL NOTICES ..................................................................................................................3

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................9

EXAMPLE 1: STEEL ........................................................................................................... 11

1) Starting a new structure .......................................................................................................................... 11 2) Entering node coordinates ...................................................................................................................... 13 3) Generation of frame members ................................................................................................................ 13 4) Assigning a description ........................................................................................................................... 14 5) Segmenting Members .............................................................................................................................. 16 6) Generation of vertical members.............................................................................................................. 18 7) Generation of diagonal members ........................................................................................................... 18 8) Assigning a Description to members ..................................................................................................... 19 9) Copying the structure .............................................................................................................................. 20 10) Generation of the roof beams (purlins) ................................................................................................ 22 11) Assigning a Description to roof beams ............................................................................................... 24 12) Supports .................................................................................................................................................. 25 13) Assigning sections to frame members. ............................................................................................... 26 14) Adding sections to the database. ......................................................................................................... 29 15) Assigning materials ............................................................................................................................... 33 16) Articulated joints (pinned joints) .......................................................................................................... 34 17) Rotating columns ................................................................................................................................... 36 18) Rotating beams 180 degrees ................................................................................................................. 37 19) Entering loads ......................................................................................................................................... 39

Load on frame members ............................................................................................................................................ 39 Load on nodes ............................................................................................................................................................ 41

20) Creating Wind in X load case ................................................................................................................ 42 21) Entering wind loads ............................................................................................................................... 43 22) Creating load combinations .................................................................................................................. 45 23) Analyzing the structure .......................................................................................................................... 47 24) Designing the structure ......................................................................................................................... 48 25) View results graphically ......................................................................................................................... 49 26) Deformed shape ..................................................................................................................................... 50 27) 3D Sections Deformed shape ................................................................................................................ 50 28) Stress ....................................................................................................................................................... 51 29) Stress and deformation ......................................................................................................................... 53 30) Forces diagrams ..................................................................................................................................... 53 31) Displacements of nodes ........................................................................................................................ 56 32) Reactions ................................................................................................................................................. 57 33) Deflections .............................................................................................................................................. 58 34) Deflection values .................................................................................................................................... 59 35) Design: Colored Interaction Values ...................................................................................................... 60 36) Design: Interaction Values .................................................................................................................... 61 37) Design: OK and NG (No Good) elements ............................................................................................. 61

EXAMPLE 2: REINFORCED CONCRETE .......................................................................... 63

1) Starting a new structure .......................................................................................................................... 63 2) Entering node coordinates ...................................................................................................................... 64 3) Nodes Generation ..................................................................................................................................... 65 4) Saving the structure ................................................................................................................................. 66 5) Enter the beams of the first floor ............................................................................................................ 67 6) Assigning sections to members ............................................................................................................. 70 7) Assigning materials ................................................................................................................................. 72

8) Entering loads ........................................................................................................................................... 74 Self weight .................................................................................................................................................................. 74 Live load ..................................................................................................................................................................... 77

a) A uniform load of 0.250 Ton/m (100plf) over the contour beams. ..................................................................... 77 b) Live loads that are transmitted by the slab/joists with a pressure of 0.25 Ton/m² (100psf). ............................. 78

Wind Loads ................................................................................................................................................................ 79 9) Copying part of the structure .................................................................................................................. 79 10) Columns generation ............................................................................................................................... 80 11) Assigning sections and materials to the columns ............................................................................. 81

Assigning a section ..................................................................................................................................................... 82 Assigning materials .................................................................................................................................................... 83

12) Rotating the columns ............................................................................................................................. 83 13) Supports .................................................................................................................................................. 85 14) Rigid diaphragm ..................................................................................................................................... 87 15) Wind loads .............................................................................................................................................. 88

Create a new load condition ....................................................................................................................................... 88 Generating wind loads ................................................................................................................................................ 88

16) Generating load combinations .............................................................................................................. 90 17) Analyzing the structure ......................................................................................................................... 91 18) Results ..................................................................................................................................................... 92

View results ................................................................................................................................................................ 92 19) Printing data and results ....................................................................................................................... 95 20) Detailing .................................................................................................................................................. 95

EXAMPLE 3: WOOD ........................................................................................................... 97

1) Starting a new structure .......................................................................................................................... 97 2) Entering basic node coordinates ............................................................................................................ 97 3) Nodes and members generation ............................................................................................................. 98 4) Saving the structure ............................................................................................................................... 101 5) Assigning sections to members ........................................................................................................... 101 6) Assigning materials ............................................................................................................................... 104 7) Entering loads ......................................................................................................................................... 106

Dead load .................................................................................................................................................................. 106 Live Load (snow)...................................................................................................................................................... 107 Load combinations ................................................................................................................................................... 108

8) Supports .................................................................................................................................................. 109 9) Design parameters ................................................................................................................................. 110 10) Analyzing the structure ....................................................................................................................... 110 11) Designing the structure ....................................................................................................................... 111 12) Results ................................................................................................................................................... 112

View results .............................................................................................................................................................. 112 13) Printing data and results ..................................................................................................................... 113 14) Detailing ................................................................................................................................................ 113

EXAMPLE 4: STEEL BEAM OF 2 SPANS ....................................................................... 115

1) Starting a new structure ........................................................................................................................ 115 2) Entering units ......................................................................................................................................... 115 3) Entering geometry .................................................................................................................................. 116 4) Assigning restraints ............................................................................................................................... 118 5) Entering loads ......................................................................................................................................... 119 6) Generating load combinations .............................................................................................................. 120 7) Assigning design data ........................................................................................................................... 122 8) Seeing results graphically ..................................................................................................................... 123 9) Seeing the report .................................................................................................................................... 124 10) Design: Status “Ok” and “ratio >1” .................................................................................................... 126 11) Design for reinforced concrete ........................................................................................................... 126 12) Seeing detailing .................................................................................................................................... 127

13) Design for wood.................................................................................................................................... 129

EXAMPLE 5: TAPERED RETAINING WALL .................................................................... 131

1) Starting a new structure ........................................................................................................................ 131 2) Entering units .......................................................................................................................................... 132 3) Entering general data and geometry .................................................................................................... 132 4) Entering soil data.................................................................................................................................... 133 5) Entering loads ......................................................................................................................................... 135 6) Generating load combinations .............................................................................................................. 136 7) Suggesting geometry ............................................................................................................................. 138 8) Detailing the wall .................................................................................................................................... 138 9) Seeing results graphically ..................................................................................................................... 139 10) Seeing the report .................................................................................................................................. 141 11) Design: Status “OK” and “N.G.” ......................................................................................................... 143

EXAMPLE 6: CONCRETE WALL ..................................................................................... 145

Starting a new structure ............................................................................................................................. 146 Entering units .............................................................................................................................................. 146 Entering geometry data .............................................................................................................................. 146 Entering rigidity elements .......................................................................................................................... 153 Defining load conditions ............................................................................................................................ 154 Entering loads ............................................................................................................................................. 155 Generating load combinations .................................................................................................................. 159 Entering design data .................................................................................................................................. 162 Entering Configuration values .................................................................................................................. 164 Seeing results graphically ......................................................................................................................... 164 Detailing the wall......................................................................................................................................... 167 Seeing the report ........................................................................................................................................ 168 Design Status .............................................................................................................................................. 171

EXAMPLE 7: TILT-UP WALL ............................................................................................ 173

Starting a new structure ............................................................................................................................. 173 Entering units .............................................................................................................................................. 174 Entering analysis method .......................................................................................................................... 174 Entering geometry data .............................................................................................................................. 174 Entering loads ............................................................................................................................................. 176 Generating load combinations .................................................................................................................. 180 Entering design data .................................................................................................................................. 182 Entering Configuration values .................................................................................................................. 183 Seeing results graphically ......................................................................................................................... 185 Detailing the wall......................................................................................................................................... 187 Seeing the report ........................................................................................................................................ 190 Design: Status “OK” and “N.G.” ............................................................................................................... 194 Analyzing with FEM .................................................................................................................................... 194

EXAMPLE 8: MASONRY WALL ....................................................................................... 197

Starting a new structure ............................................................................................................................. 197 Entering units .............................................................................................................................................. 198 Entering geometry data .............................................................................................................................. 198 Entering materials....................................................................................................................................... 200 Entering rigidity elements .......................................................................................................................... 201 Entering loads ............................................................................................................................................. 202 Generating load combinations .................................................................................................................. 206 Entering design data .................................................................................................................................. 208 Entering Configuration values .................................................................................................................. 211 Seeing results graphically ......................................................................................................................... 212 Detailing the wall......................................................................................................................................... 214

Seeing the report ........................................................................................................................................ 216 Design Status .............................................................................................................................................. 218

EXAMPLE 9: REINFORCED CONCRETE FOOTINGS .................................................... 219

1) Starting a new structure ........................................................................................................................ 220 2) Entering Units ......................................................................................................................................... 220 3) Design Code ............................................................................................................................................ 220 4) Foundation and column types .............................................................................................................. 220 5) Entering geometry data – Footing data ............................................................................................... 221 6) Entering geometry data – Column Data ............................................................................................... 221 7) Soil Data .................................................................................................................................................. 223 8) Generating load combinations .............................................................................................................. 223 9) Entering Loads ....................................................................................................................................... 227 10) Entering the design data ..................................................................................................................... 228 11) Entering Configuration values ............................................................................................................ 229 12) Suggest dimensions ............................................................................................................................ 230 13) Optimizing the reinforcement ............................................................................................................. 231 14) Checking the design ............................................................................................................................ 232 15) FEM diagram ......................................................................................................................................... 232 16) Footing detailing................................................................................................................................... 232 17) Seeing the report .................................................................................................................................. 233

Introduction

9

Introduction

This examples’ manual provides you with a brief outline of some basic capabilities of RAM

Elements. In order to address the different applications of the program, this tutorial includes several

examples. The first one is devoted to a steel truss, which will show mainly the general features of the

program with some specific characteristics for the design of steel members. The second example is

intended to show an application for reinforced concrete structures. It is a small building that will

illustrate some aspects related to the design of reinforced concrete structures.

The third example is devoted to a small 2D wood truss in order to illustrate the use of templates,

physical members and additional features related to wood design.

The rest of the examples are used to detail the use of the different design modules as retaining walls,

shear walls, tilt-up walls, etc.

It is strongly recommended to read first the chapters in the manual related to RAM Elements

interface before going throughout this examples’ manual. These chapters provide fundamental

information required to effectively use RAM Elements. It will also expose you to the program

philosophy and what makes it so powerful for you the engineer. In this way you will be able to get

the most benefit from the examples.

Example 1: Steel

11

Example 1: Steel

This example will explain step by step the creation of a basic 3D steel structure. This example will be

most effective if the user practice the illustrated skills as they are presented.

The structure to be entered in this example is shown below:

In order to simplify data entry, frame members are grouped as follows:

The assignment of the member descriptions shown here will be illustrated in this example.

1) Starting a new structure

Select New from the RAM Elements button menu.

In the event that there is an existing model open, RAM Elements will ask to save it.

Example 1: Steel

12

Press the button on the status bar, a menu will be displayed. Then, select the option Units

configuration.

Select the English default unit system in the window displayed.

Example 1: Steel

13

2) Entering node coordinates

In the coordinates spreadsheet enter the coordinates shown below:

Go to the Spreadsheet Nodes/Coordinates and enter the coordinates shown above.

The entered nodes are shown on the screen.

3) Generation of frame members

Select the "path" of the frame members. Select the nodes in the sequence shown below, and then

connect the selected nodes by pressing

Select the nodes in the order shown. To select several nodes remember to press the SHIFT key while

clicking with the mouse.

Example 1: Steel

14

Go to the Spreadsheet Members/Nodes and Description

Then press to generate the frame members.

As can be seen the frame members were generate.

NOTE. - Remember that it is possible to undo the last operation by pressing

4) Assigning a description

It is necessary to group frame members in order to simplify later operations such as selection of

elements, optimization, and others. To assign the same description to every member of a group

proceed as follows:

Select columns

Example 1: Steel

15

Then assign the description to the selected members selecting the Column (additive) option.

Note. – To view the member descriptions graphically (on the screen) go to View tab, Model group,

press the button and select the option Description by element from the menu displayed.

Repeat the steps explained previously to assign a Description to the other members:

Select members

Assign the description to the selected members selecting the Beam (additive) option.

Generate the beam as shown in the figure below. Assign BEAM2 description to this newly created

member:

Example 1: Steel

16

To create the horizontal beam, select the nodes shown in this figure and press

Assign the description to the selected members selecting the Beam (additive) option.

5) Segmenting Members

To segment frame members, follow these steps:

Select members to be segmented.

Example 1: Steel

17

Press from the menu displayed after pressing the button located in the ribbon

(visible when the Members tab is the current page in the spreadsheet and connectivity button is

pressed) and enter the desired number of segments (3 segments in this case). Then press OK. Notice

that in this case 3 physical elements will be created.

Next, segment the horizontal member BEAM2. To do this:

Select BEAM2 member.

Press and enter the desired number of segments. In this case, enter six segments. Then press OK

or the ENTER key.

Example 1: Steel

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NOTE. - Remember that it is possible to undo the last operation by pressing .

Notice that the segmented members have the same description as the original member and that each

member is treated as one physical member.

6) Generation of vertical members

To enter the vertical truss elements, follow these steps:

Select the nodes shown in this figure. Notice that it is not necessary to select the exterior nodes.

Press button to generate vertical members (plus y generates members in the vertical up

direction).

7) Generation of diagonal members

At first, generate the diagonal truss web members of the left side of the structure, and then the right

side.

Diagonal members on the left side:

Example 1: Steel

19

Select the nodes in the order shown in this figure.

Press from the ribbon (the button is visible when the Members tab is the current

page in the spreadsheet and connectivity button is pressed).

To enter diagonals on the right side proceed in the same way.

NOTE. - Remember that it is possible to undo the last operation by pressing .

The differences between the two buttons are as follows:

This button connects the selected nodes in a continuous line.

This button connects alternate pairs of nodes with a fragmented line. That is, the first member

is generated between the first pair of selected nodes, the second member between the second pair of

selected nodes, etc.

8) Assigning a Description to members

Follow these steps to assign a Description to the internal web members:

a) Select diagonal and vertical (internal) elements using the button (Home tab, Selection group)

Example 1: Steel

20

To select the elements select one member of each group and then press . Remember that this

button selects elements with a common description. In this case all internal elements belong to the

group that does not have a description yet. That is to say they all have the same empty description.

b) Internal elements will be assigned a DIAG1 description. Since there is no button available to

assign this description (as opposed to COL1 and BEAM1 buttons), it is necessary to enter it

manually:

Enter DIAG1 description and then press located at Spreadsheet tab, Spreadsheet group, to fill

the column with the value. Another way to do this would the access to command from the popup menu

displayed after right click on the spreadsheet area, having selected the desired rows to fill previously.

Important - Descriptions are very important to select groups of frame members. It is also important

to have entered the descriptions correctly. If this has not been done correctly the user may experience

some difficulty following the next steps in this example.

9) Copying the structure

It is advisable to enter all the descriptions of a structure before copying it, because when a structure is

copied the Descriptions are also copied.

To copy a structure, follow these steps:

Select all the elements that should be copied. In this case, press (Home tab, Data tab) to select

the entire structure.

Execute the Copy command (Home tab, Modeling group).

Example 1: Steel

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Enter the number of copies and the distances in X, Y, and Z between each copy. In this case, enter the

values shown in this figure. Then press OK.

Example 1: Steel

22

10) Generation of the roof beams (purlins)

To generate the roof beams, follow these steps:

Select the initial nodes or end nodes of the roof beams.

Then press (Press button if nothing occurs). Note that the +/- refers to the direction that

the members are projected.

Example 1: Steel

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Note. - Notice that the middle portal is not connected to the roof beams. The model can be left

without making any changes and the program will interpret the roof beams as continuous physical

members. However, if the roof beams are going to be modeled as simply supported beams (as they

normally are), it is necessary to segment the beams and connect one end to the middle portal. The

command Segment Selection may be applied in this case.

Notice that roof beams do not connect with the middle frame

With the roof beams selected, press to split roof beams and connect them with the middle

portal. It is necessary to select the member and the node of the middle portal that will become the

point of break.

Example 1: Steel

24

Choose the options shown in the figure. The members will be divided into two physical members.

11) Assigning a Description to roof beams

To assign a Description to roof beams, proceed as follows:

a) Select roof beams by description.

Select a member of the group and then press . Since the selected element does not have a

description, all members with empty description will be selected.

b) ROOF1 description will be assigned to roof beams. There is no button available to automatically

assign the description (as opposed to COL1 and BEAM1 descriptions). Therefore, the Description

has to be entered manually:

Example 1: Steel

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Enter ROOF 1 under description and then press to fill the column with the entered value.

Generating DIAG2 and BEAM3 members

Now proceed to enter the DIAG2 and BEAM3 members that are shown in the figure below. Generate

these elements as explained before.

12) Supports

To enter supports proceed as follows:

Select support nodes

Example 1: Steel

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Go to the Spreadsheet Nodes/Restraints and click on the corresponding support. In this case click on

the button.

The Supports have been entered

13) Assigning sections to frame members.

To assign a section to some member, and this section is available in the section database, proceed as

follows:

Select the members to which a section will be assigned. In this case, select all the columns.

Example 1: Steel

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To do this, first select one column and press .

Then go to the Spreadsheet Members/Sections. Select W10x12 profile and press (double click on

the profile will assign the selected item).

Assign sections to all members of the structure in a similar manner.

To select all the elements of the truss, select one element of each group and press .

Example 1: Steel

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Assign section T2L 2-1_2x2-1_2x1_4 to the truss elements.

Now assign sections to the DIAG2 and BEAM3 elements

Select the elements DIAG2 and BEAM3

Example 1: Steel

29

Assign section T2L 2x2x1_4

14) Adding sections to the database.

In this example, a cold-formed C-section will be assigned to the Roof beams. This cold-formed C

(with lips) profile is not available in the section database. Therefore, a new section should be added.

Proceed as follows:

Go to the Home tab, Databases group and execute the Sections button

Example 1: Steel

30

Press the button to add a New group to the database. After that, a name for the new group is

required in the displayed window:

Then, add a new Table by pressing the button. A new dialog will be displayed to enter the name

for the new table. It is also required to select the type of table, to perform this action press the

button and the following dialog will be shown:

Example 1: Steel

31

In the dialog window, select the desired type of profile and press OK. In this case, select the aisiClip

profile.

Once the type of table is selected, a LEO file for the definition of the type of sections is assigned to

the table.

Press the button to create a new item (section) for the current table.

Example 1: Steel

32

Select the units system (English) and enter the values of the profile. In this case, enter the values

shown in the figure. Do not forget to enter the name.

Note. - The name of a section should have the following format:

Type<space>description

For example, W 10x45, where W is the type and 10x45 the description.

The space character should be placed after the type name. A description of the section should be

entered. For example 10x25, 10x15x2 (the "/" character is not accepted. It should be replaced by "_"

(underscore) character)

Note – A section “Type” is determined by the characters entered before the space, e.g. W, C etc

Tip. - The Description of the profile should be self-explanatory containing the dimensions of the

profile or other pertinent data.

Example of valid names:

ROOF 10X15X25

W 10X25

2L 15x2 unequal

Example of non-valid names:

W10x25 (space between Type and Description is missing)

W15/22 ("/" character is not accepted. Replace it with "_" (underscore) character)

15x22 (Type is missing)

Press OK and notice that a new section "Roof 3x6x1" has been created and saved into the sections

database. A new "ROOF" group, which will contain all profiles of type "ROOF”, has been created.

Important. - The Type of a profile determines the group in which this profile will be saved. Thus a

"W 10x22" profile will be saved in a "W" group or type. In the same way a "TUBE 15x22" profile

will be saved in a "TUBE" group. If the group does not exist, RAM Elements automatically creates a

new group.

Example 1: Steel

33

Remark. Note that the program already has a section with the name “Roof 3x6x1”. The procedure

described previously explains adequately the manner to perform this operation. It is recommendable

that the user practices the creation of new sections for the structure in order to acquire proficiency in

this task.

To assign the new section to the roof beams proceed as follows:

Select roof beams

Assign the section by pressing .

15) Assigning materials

In this example, all material elements are of steel grade A36. To assign the material, proceed with

these steps:

Select elements to which a material will be assigned. In this case, select all the elements of the

structure by pressing .

Example 1: Steel

34

Go to the Spreadsheet Members/Materials. Double click on the desired material, or select it and

press

Material “A36” from folder Steel has been assigned to all elements.

Note. - To show/hide the section and material names on the screen, press the button and

the button from the View tab, Model group.

16) Articulated joints (pinned joints)

By default, all frame members are rigidly connected (fixed) to the nodes. This condition is

appropriate to model a fully welded joint.

For joints that cannot resist flexural moments it is necessary to release the respective moments so the

model adequately represents the real structure. An element is pinned when both ends of the members

are released to both bending moments. To pin a member proceed as follows:

Example 1: Steel

35

Select the members to be pinned. In this case, select DIAG1 and DIAG2 elements. To do this, select

one DIAG1 element and one DIAG2 element. Then press .

Go to the Spreadsheet Members/Hinges (Releases) and press button .

Note. - To rigidly connect pinned elements, press .

Elements have been pinned

Example 1: Steel

36

17) Rotating columns

Pressing (in the View tab, Model group) the elements with three-dimensional sections are

displayed. This allows the user to see whether the elements are orientated correctly in space or need

to be rotated. If necessary, sections can be rotated as required. Tool buttons are available to rotate a

member 90 and 180 degrees, or as required. In this case, the middle columns will be rotated by 90

degrees.

Press button to see the element profiles in 3D.

Columns in the middle will be rotated 90 degrees.

To rotate 90 degrees, proceed as follows:

Example 1: Steel

37

Select columns to be rotated

Go to the Spreadsheet Members/Local axes and press button .

18) Rotating beams 180 degrees

In this example, the elements shown below need to be rotated 180 degrees.

BEAM2, BEAM3 elements need to be rotated 180 degrees

To do this, follow the next steps:

Example 1: Steel

38

Select BEAM2 and BEAM3 elements (select one BEAM2 and BEAM3 elements and press button ).

Go to the Spreadsheet Members/Local axes, and press button to rotate 180 degrees.

Elements have been rotated 180 degrees.

Example 1: Steel

39

Note. - Notice that it is possible to rotate the members by entering the required angle in the

spreadsheet and pressing to fill the column with the entered value.

19) Entering loads

In this example, a 300 Lb/ft distributed force acting downward in the "Dead Load" case will be

introduced. Concentrated forces of 1200 Lb, which are acting downward on the nodes, will be added

as well.

Notice that RAM Elements automatically creates a load case named "Dead Load". Therefore, it isn't

necessary to create it. Later the user will see how to create a new load case and a load combination.

Before entering a load, determine if it is a:

1) Load on node

2) Load on frame members, or

3) Load on shell elements.

Load on frame members

To enter loads on frame members, proceed as follows:

Select frame members where the load is acting. In this case, select beams on top of the truss.

Example 1: Steel

40

Go to the Spreadsheet Members/Loads on members, select the adequate command tools by pressing

the button and then press the button.

Enter the value of the distributed load (do not enter the minus sign). Then press OK.

Example 1: Steel

41

The load has been entered.

Load on nodes

To enter load forces on nodes, follow the next steps:

Select the nodes on which the force is acting.

Go to the Spreadsheet Nodes/Forces and moments, enter a force value (enter the –1.2 value) and

press to fill-in the column.

Example 1: Steel

42

Notice that the force should include its sign. Forces on nodes have been entered.

20) Creating Wind in X load case

The Second load case acting on the structure is due to the wind force in the X direction. These steps

show how to create a new load case:

Execute the shown button located in the Home tab, Load conditions group to enter a new load case.

Then enter a load condition identifier consisting of 2-4 characters (first character should not be a

number), then enter a load description and the category. In this case, enter what is shown in the

figure. Press OK and the new load case in the drop-down list will be shown.

Example 1: Steel

43

Drop-down list for load cases at the status bar.

Note that it is necessary to select a category. This feature is very useful to generate load combinations

based on their categories. The user can create a template file for the local building code from which

load combinations can be generated (based on the load case category, DL for dead loads, LL for live

loads, etc.). The program is capable to generate load combinations according to the design standards

it handles and it has example files (located at main RAM Elements directory/combos) which have the

basic load combinations to consider for the different codes. For more details see the chapter of Other

Advanced Subjects in the program manual.

21) Entering wind loads

In this case, wind loads are applied perpendicular to the roof. There is a pressure of 150 Lb/ft on the

left side of the roof, and a suction of 200 Lb/ft on the right side of the roof. Wind load entry is similar

to the entry made before for the dead load condition. Notice that the distributed forces act

perpendicular to the elements, not parallel to Y-axis. To enter these loads, proceed as follows:

Select the elements on which the load acts. In this case, select one member of each portal and press

to select the aligned elements.

Go to the Spreadsheet Members/Loads on members and press the button.

Example 1: Steel

44

Enter the value of the distributed force (do not enter the minus sign), and press OK.

The distributed forces of the left side of the structure have been entered.

Example 1: Steel

45

To enter the forces on the right side of the structure proceed as before. The load should be seen as

illustrated in the figure.

Notice that it is necessary to press button instead of button to enter suction.

22) Creating load combinations

In this example, the following load combination will be created:

1.1dl + 1.2wx (1.1 times dead load plus 1.2 times wind in X)

To create it proceed as follows:

Execute the shown button located in the Home tab, Load conditions group to enter a new load case.

Fill the combination equation factors in the second spreadsheets in the dialog window that appears.

Example 1: Steel

46

In the dialog window, enter the information shown in the figure.

a) Enter a load condition identifier of two to four characters (the first character should not be a

number).

b) Enter the formula factors for the load combination (1.1 for dl and 1.2 for wx).

Then press OK and the new load combination in the drop-down list for load cases at the status bar

will be shown.

Example 1: Steel

47

Notice that the formula factors can contain the minus sign. For example, a -1.2 factor for wx load

case would define "1.1dl -1.2wx"

Note. - It is not possible to enter or edit loads data while a load combination is selected as the current

load condition. Notice that the spreadsheets are locked for edition to enter loads.

23) Analyzing the structure

After the structure has been defined, the model is ready to be analyzed, designed, optimized and the

results can be viewed.

To analyze the structure proceed as follows:

Execute Analyze model by pressing the shown button in the Process tab, Process group.

For this example a Second Order Analysis (P-Delta) will be performed. This analysis takes longer to

analyze a structure as it involves iteration, but it is more accurate. In addition, buckling instability is

detected in certain cases when P-Delta analysis is performed. For more about P-Delta analysis, see

the Chapter of Analysis in the Manual.

Example 1: Steel

48

Select the same options as shown in the figure above. Then press the Analyze button.

24) Designing the structure

Select the command Design all in the Process tab, Process group.

Example 1: Steel

49

After that, a dialog window will be shown to specify the design standard to be used in the design of

members. For this example select AISC 360-05, AISI-01 (ASD) for steel members. The other

material options may use the code defined by default.

Select the design code shown above and press the Design button.

Once the elements are designed, the user has the option to optimize the sections with the following

command.

Select the command Optimize model in the Process tab, Process group.

For this example the optimization is not performed.

25) View results graphically

As can be seen, several buttons (in the Analysis and Design groups of the View tab) are enabled once

the structure has been analyzed and designed. These newly enabled buttons allows the user to select

what results to display.

Result buttons from the Analysis and Design groups are enabled when the structure has been

analyzed/designed.

In order to see results graphically, press the button corresponding to those desired items, and then

select the elements to see the results.

Notice that the selected display options will only be seen on the selected elements.

Example 1: Steel

50

Select the load condition.

26) Deformed shape

One of the first display options that should be viewed is the deformed shape of the structure.

To see the deformed shape, press . The graphic shown corresponds to the Wind in

X load case.

In this view the elements are drawn as lines. To see the deformed shape with the original shape select

the option .

27) 3D Sections Deformed shape

It is possible to see the deformed shape with the extruded sections.

Activate the deformed shape accessing the option from the Rendering button menu (View tab, Model

group). Notice that this view may take a longer time to draw.

Example 1: Steel

51

The graphic shown corresponds to the Dead load case.

28) Stress

Another important view option is the information related to the element stress contour. This is of

particular importance in light gage structures where stress concentrations are significant to the design.

Press the button to see frame member stresses. Note that the button has a menu where

there are some options to see the stresses in the deformed shape or in shrunken members.

To select only those elements that are stressed within a certain range, mark a block of stresses with

the mouse and press .

Example 1: Steel

52

To see element stresses within a certain range, mark the range and press .

RAM Elements selects those elements whose maximum stress is within the marked range of stresses.

Note that the remaining members are recalibrated (color changes).

Note. – To see only the axial stress (without bending moments, press ).

Example 1: Steel

53

29) Stress and deformation

To view stress and deformation of the elements, activate these buttons .

30) Forces diagrams

The buttons shown above (View tab, Analysis group, Member forces displayed menu) allow the user

to see the forces diagrams of the frame members:

Bending moment around element axis 3 (Typically strong axis bending)

Example 1: Steel

54

Bending moment around element axis 2 (Typically weak axis bending)

Shear forces in element axis 2 (typically weak axis) (Dead load case)

Shear forces in element axis 3 (typically strong axis) (Dead load case)

Example 1: Steel

55

Torsion (Wind in X load case)

Axial forces (Dead load case)

Select the Show values option (Member forces menu) to simultaneously display the magnitude of the

forces.

Example 1: Steel

56

Select Show units option (menu displayed for units at the status bar) to display the units.

31) Displacements of nodes

To see the nodal displacement values, press (View tab, Analysis group) and

choose the degree of freedom to be viewed:

The relation between a degree of freedom and its respective displacement in the global coordinate

system is as follows:

1: Tx: X translation

Example 1: Steel

57

2: Ty: Y translation

3: Tz: Z translation

4: Rx: Rotation about X

5: Ry: Rotation about Y

6: Rz: Rotation about Z

Note. – Notice that X, Y, and Z represents the global coordinate system.

Each element has its own system of coordinates, named local axes. These axes are designated with

the numbers 1, 2 and 3, which are equivalent to X, Y, and Z-axis. Local axes are Cartesian and follow

the right hand rule. To see the local axes, press (View tab, Model group).

Press and the degree of freedom corresponding to the displacement.

To see the displacement units press the Show units option in the Units menu at the status bar.

.

32) Reactions

To see reactions, press (View tab, Analysis group) and the degree of freedom

corresponding to the desired action.

Example 1: Steel

58

This is the relation between degree of freedom and force:

1: Tx: X force

2: Ty: Y force

3: Tz: Z force

4: Rx: Moment about X

5: Ry: Moment about Y

6: Rz: Moment about Z

Press and the degree of freedom that corresponds to the desired reaction. (Case: Wind

in X)

33) Deflections

One of the most important results of an analysis is the ratio between deflection and length of the

element. To view this ratio press (View tab, Analysis group).

Options displayed in the Deflections button menu.

This ratio may vary across an element. RAM Elements displays the maximum ratio found within an

element.

Note. – The Defl/L ratio should never exceed a value suggested by the design code and judgement.

Example 1: Steel

59

Press to see the element colored Defl/L ratios.

In this panel mark a range of Defl/L ratios and press to select the elements that have slopes

within the marked range.

34) Deflection values

To see the Deflection values (in function of L) in local axis 2 direction, selection

option .

To see the Deflection values (in function of L) in local axis 3 direction, press

button .

Example 1: Steel

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Deflection in function of L for the Load combination C1.

35) Design: Colored Interaction Values

To view interaction values graphically, by color, press (View tab, Design group).

Important!

To view the interaction colors scaled from 0 to 1.0, press . To view the controlling

interaction value for all Load Combinations (not load cases) press

Press to see interaction values.

To select the elements with stress ratio within a certain range, mark a range of stress ratios and

press .

Mark a block with the mouse and press button to select elements with stress ratio within the

range.

Note that most of the results displayed to this point are for the selected load condition.

Example 1: Steel

61

36) Design: Interaction Values

To see interaction values for the currently selected load condition, press

Choose the Stress ratio option to view interaction values for the current load condition. The last

option of the menu should be enabled to see the ratios for the governing load combination.

37) Design: OK and NG (No Good) elements

To view the elements that failed code check (for the current load condition), press (View tab,

Design group):

Example 1: Steel

62

Press to view elements that failed code check.

Press button to see elements that pass code check.

Press button to quickly select all elements that failed code check.

The user can print the results of the steel design in a report. To print them, go to the Output tab,

Reports group. For more information about reports see the Printing Graphics and Reports Chapter in

the manual.

The user can also use the optimization feature that is valid only for steel and wood members. This

option allows the user to change the existing sections with sections that are recommended (based on

explicit criteria) from a collection of sections. In other words, the original section can be replaced

with another that resists the imposed loads with an allowable deflection and that is located above the

original section in the list of sections specified for the optimization. To use the optimization feature

go to the Process tab, Process group, Optimize model command. For more details see Chapter 11:

Steel and Wood Structure Optimization and Code Check of the Manual.

Example 2: Reinforced Concrete

63


This chapter will take you step by step through the creation of a basic 3D structure. The data for a

simply reinforced concrete moment frame building will be generated. The structure to be entered in

this chapter is shown below:

The building has 4 floors (each floor can be idealized as a rigid diaphragm). The columns are

considered perfectly fixed to the foundations and spaced at 4.5m (20ft) and 6.5m (30ft) apart. The

load cases to be considered are dead load, live load and wind in two directions, in the X and Z global

axes. A second order analysis will be performed.

This chapter will be most effective if you practice the illustrated skills as they are presented.


Select the New option in the RE button.


64

In the status bar press the Unit System button and select the Metric units.

A structure can be input in several ways. RAM Elements has several tools that help to the data

generation. For this example we are going to use the most common method of data entry.

2) Entering node coordinates

Go to the Nodes spreadsheet (1), select Coordinates (2) and enter the coordinates shown (3). The

nodes coordinates belong to the support nodes; the rest of the nodes of the structure will be generated

automatically by the tools provided by RAM Elements. Although only a few data is entered, it is

possible use the graphical display options to verify the data.

Right click in the graphic window and select the Front X-Z command of the Views options to set the

view to the plane X-Z.

To view the numbering of the nodes, select the Numbering/Nodes option pressing the Properties

command located in the Model group on the View tab. In the same way select the Dimensions/Nodal

coordinates option to view the coordinates of the nodes.


65

To switch off the display option(s) simply uncheck the options or press the Turn-off all display

options command to clear ALL the display options.

3) Nodes Generation

We will proceed to create the nodes of the first floor of the building.

We will copy the nodes entered previously. Select the nodes to be copied fencing the area where they

are located with the mouse (1) or pressing the Select all elements command (2) in the Selection group

on the Home tab.


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Go to the Nodes spreadsheet (1), select Coordinates (2) and press the Copy nodes command

located in the Active spreadsheet tools group in the Spreadsheet tab.

In the dialog box that appears enter the following data:

The value of 3.5m (12ft) in Delta Y, indicates that the copy of the nodes will be made in the vertical

Y direction a distance of 3.5 meters (12ft) above the original (foundation) nodes. We are entering a

story height of 3.5m (12ft).

4) Saving the structure

It is a good practice to periodically save your model. Press the RE button and select the Save

command to save your structures data. This command also is located in the Quick access toolbar.

The following dialog box will be displayed:


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Because your structure has not been saved previously, you have to select the directory where you

want to save your model (1), enter the filename (2) and press the Save (3) command.

5) Enter the beams of the first floor

We are going to enter the beams of the first floor by connecting the appropriate nodes. In order to

facilitate the work, it is better to select only the nodes that belong to the first floor.

Right click in the graphic window and select the Front X-Y command of the Views options to set the

view to the plane X-Y.


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Select the nodes of the first floor. Fence the area where the nodes of the first floor are located

To hide unselected elements (nodes in this case), press the hide unselected elements command in the

Selection group on the View tab.

Right click in the graphic window and select the Plane X-Z view command of the Views options to

set the view to the plane X-Z.

Select nodes 9, 10 and 11 (click with the mouse on each node). Note that you have to press the Shift

key in order to select multiple nodes individually. Note also that the order of the selection of the

nodes is very important because it defines the direction of the members to be generated.

Go to the Members (4) spreadsheet and select Connectivity and description (5). Then press the

Connect selected nodes with members (6) and Assign description (additive)/Beam (additive) (7)

commands in order to create two members and their description respectively. Both commands are


69

located in the Active spreadsheet tools group on the Spreadsheet tab. One beam connects nodes 9 and

10, and the other connects nodes 10 and 11. A description (BEAM 1) was assigned to both those

members.

Note that it is recommended to group frame members (give them the same description) in order to

simplify future operations, including the selection of elements based on their description. In this way

the selection of elements can be done rapidly. In the example we are going to assign the description

BEAM 1 to all members parallel to global X-axis and BEAM 2 to all members parallel to global Z-

axis. The diagonal members will be grouped with the DIAG 1 description and the columns with the

COL 1 descriptions. In order to view the descriptions of the members created, select

Properties/Description/By Element command located in the Model group on the View tab.

Select nodes 12, 13 and 14, right click on the graphic window and select Connect members with

nodes. Repeat this for nodes 15 and 16. Note that the last three members were generated without

description.

To assign the BEAM 1 description to the most recent generated members, select each of them (click

on each one of them while holding with the left button of the mouse with down the Shift key). Also

select one of the beams that already have the BEAM1 description. Right click in the cell that contains

the BEAM 1 description (1) in the spreadsheet and select fill the current column with the value at the

cursor location option (2).

Remark: To undo an action, right click in the spreadsheet and select the Undo command from

the menu displayed. If you press this command repeatedly the previous action will be undone.


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Repeat the above procedure to generate the beams parallel to the global Z-axis. You have to select

nodes 15, 12 and 9. Right click in the graphic window and select the Connect selected nodes with

members and Assign description (additive)/Beam (additive) commands in order to create

two members and their description respectively.

Select nodes 16, 13 and 10. Right click in the graphic window and select Connect selected nodes with

members command . Select nodes 14 and 11, right click in the graphic window and select

Connect selected nodes with members command again. As previously described, assign the

BEAM 2 description to the last three members.

In order to define the diagonal member, select nodes 16 and 14. Right click in the graphic window

and select Connect selected nodes with members command . Note that there are no special

commands to assign the DIAG description. Therefore the user will have to type this description in the

description column of the generated members.

Your structure should look as follows:

Now we will proceed to copy the entire floor in order to generate Floors 2, 3, and 4. However, it will

be more efficient if we finish the entry of the data for floor 1 first, because the geometry, loads,

sections and materials of the upper floors are exactly the same as the ones for Floor 1. We will then

copy all this information to the rest of the floors.

6) Assigning sections to members

We are going to assign a rectangular section 20cm x 50cm (8x20in²) to the members groups BEAM 1

and DIAG 1, while the section 15cm x 50cm (6x20in²) will be assigned to the BEAM 2 group.


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Select any beam with the BEAM 1 description (1). Go to the cell Description in the spreadsheet and

select Filter by cursor location option from the menu displayed by right click.

To also select the diagonal member you have to click on the diagonal bar while holding the Shift key

down (3). You should now have all the members shown below selected:

Go to Members/Sections (1). Select RCBeam 8x20in section (2) from the list and press the Assign

section to selected members (3) button . (You can also double click on the section):


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Remark: RAM Elements comes with an extensive list of available sections. If the section you need is

not already available you can create a new size and add it to the list (refer to the main manual).

Now, we will assign section RcBeam 6x20in to the members with BEAM 2 description. To do this,

select any of the beams that have BEAM2 description (with a left click of the mouse on the beam).

Go to the cell Description in the spreadsheet and select Filter by cursor location option from the

menu displayed by right click. Finally, assign the section RcBeam 6x20in in a similar manner as

described before.


In our case, all material elements are reinforced concrete C 3-60, with an f'c = 210 kg/cm² (3000psi)

and fy = 4200kg/cm² (60ksi).

Remark: RAM Elements comes with a list of materials that includes the most common materials

used in practice. If the material you need is not listed you can create a new material and add it to the

list (refer to the main manual).


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Select the elements to which a material will be assigned. In this case, select all the elements of the

structure by pressing Select all elements command in the Selection group on the Home tab. Go

to Members/Material (1) and select the desired folder and material (2). Finally, press Assign material

to selected members button (3).

So far we have entered all the data that belong to the first floor (without the loads). To verify that

they are OK you can use some of the display options located in the Model group on the View tab.


74

Sections (types).

Materials.

3D sections. While still right-click pressed move the mouse to rotate the 3D view. To pan (move the

drawing across the screen) press and hold the mouse wheel and move the mouse.

8) Entering loads

The load cases to be considered in this example are dead load (self weight), live load and wind load

parallel to the global X and Z-axes.

Self weight

The program creates the "Dead load" load case by default, but the self-weight inclusion is not

activated by default.


75

To activate the self-weight calculation, proceed as follows: Go to Gen/Self weight vector (1), and

enter the Y gravity multiplier (2) or press the Enable self weight in -Y direction command (3) in the

Active spreadsheet tools group on the Spreadsheet tab. This operation assigns a value of -1 to the Y

gravity multiplier. This value means that a gravity equivalent of 1g will act over the model in the -Y

direction.

In addition we have to add the effect of the slab and joist self-weight that acts in a defined direction

with a pressure of 0.30 Ton/m² (80 psf).

RAM Elements has the load areas that help in the automatic generation of the loads transmitted by

surface loads to the girders.

Go to the Areas/Connectivity and description spreadsheet. Select the beams that surround the area

loaded by the slab/joists (3, 4, 5, and 6). It is possible select them in a clockwise or counterclockwise

order. In order to create the load area with joists parallel to Z, press the Define load areas spanning in

Z command in the Active spreadsheet tools group on the Spreadsheet tab.

Repeat the same procedure to generate the load areas on the rest of the girders:

Note that by selecting all the surrounding beams you could define the four load areas in a

single step.

With the load areas selected, press the Assign description to selected areas command in the

Active spreadsheet tools group on the Spreadsheet tab.


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Assign a description to the generated load area.

Then go to Areas/Surface load and enter the pressure acting on the areas:

To see the load distribution, press Loads/Show values in the Model group on the View tab.

The results are shown in the following figure:

Remark: Note that on the center girder, the two uniform loads were summed. The load was

generated by the surface on both sides of the girder.


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Live load

We are going to consider the following loads for this load case:

A distributed load of 0.25 Ton/m (100plf) acting on all the contour beams.

The live loads transmitted by the joists with a pressure of 0.25 Ton/m² (100psf).

Press Add and edit load condition command in the Load conditions group on the Home tab, and enter

the following data in the displayed dialog box:

The LL category belongs to Live loads. The categories in the load cases will allow you to

automatically generate all the load combos required for the adopted code.

Once the load case "Live load" has been created you can proceed with the loading of the members for

this load condition selecting this from the Conditions option in the status bar:

a) A uniform load of 0.250 Ton/m (100plf) over the contour beams.

Select the contour beams (1), go to the Members/Loads on members spreadsheet (2) and select

Distributed force option (3). Finally press the Distributed loads towards -Y command in the



78

Enter the load magnitude and press OK.

Verify that you have correctly entered the data:

b) Live loads that are transmitted by the slab/joists with a pressure of 0.25 Ton/m² (100psf).

You have to proceed exactly in the same way as for the loads entered for the Dead load case. You

only have to change the magnitude of the load for this case.

Always verify that you have entered the desired loads correctly:


79

Wind Loads

The wind loads are going to be entered when the structure is complete and all floors entered. RAM

Elements will calculate these loads automatically as a function of the height between floors.

9) Copying part of the structure

You have completed the data entry for the first floor. You will now proceed to copy it to generate the

rest of the floors (Floors 2, 3 and 4).

Select all the members of the first floor by pressing Select all elements command in the

Selection group on the Home tab.

Press the Copy selected elements command in the Modeling group on the Home tab and enter the

required data in the displayed dialog box.


80

Remark: In the case of this example it is not recommended to execute the Purge and reconnect

model command at this time, because this command will erase the nodes of the foundation level as

they are not yet connected to the rest of the structure.

The result of the application of the previous command is:

Remark: The generated floors (2, 3 and 4) have exactly the same data as the original floor. That

means that the geometry, sections, materials, load areas and linear loads are all the same.

10) Columns generation

Press the Select all elements command to view the whole structure again. Right click in the

graphic window and select the Front X-Y command of the Views options to set the view to the

plane X-Y.

Select the support nodes (1), go to Members/Connectivity and description spreadsheet (2).


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Select the Generate members from selected nodes/y and Assign description (additive)/Column

(additive) options to create the members and assign their description respectively.

Note that the generated columns connect only the support nodes and the nodes of the upper floor

forming one physical member for each column. While you can leave the generated columns in the

current state, it is much better to segment the columns for the RC detailer. That means that the nodes

of the intermediate floors will be used to segment the columns. In order to segment the columns and

connect them to the intermediate nodes, press the Segment selection command in the Model

adjustments group on the Process tab. A dialog window will appear, select the following options:

.

11) Assigning sections and materials to the columns

Select all the columns (if they are not already selected, click on one column and go to the cell

Description in the spreadsheet and select Filter by cursor location option from the menu

displayed by right click).

Now you can proceed as we did with the beams.


82

Assigning a section

Go to Members/Sections spreadsheet (1), select the section RcCol 8x18in (2) and press Assign section

to all selected members command (3).


83

Assigning materials

Go to Members/Material spreadsheet (1). Select the desired material (RC/C 3-60 for the example) (2)

and press Assign material to selected members command (3).

Remark: Note that the generated columns are orientated with the local axis 3 parallel to the global Z-

axis. In order to view the local axes of the members, press the Local axes command in the

Model group on the View tab.

12) Rotating the columns

We are going to rotate the columns connected to the diagonal beam in order to set the local axis 2

parallel to the longitudinal direction of the diagonal member.


84

To rotate the columns, follow these steps:

Select the two lowest columns of the column lines to be rotated (1). Press the Select align members

command (2) .

Select the two lower nodes (3).


85

Go to Members/Local axes spreadsheet (4) and select the Local axis 2/Set local axis 2 parallel to two

selected nodes option (5) in the Active spreadsheet tools group on the Spreadsheet tab.

The user can verify the operation using the following display options: Local axes and Rendering

located on the View tab.

13) Supports

We are going to model the structure as being fixed to the foundations:

Select support nodes, dragging with the mouse over the desired nodes.


86

Go to Nodes/Restraints spreadsheet (1) and select the corresponding support. In this case press the

Fixed command (3) in the Active spreadsheet tools group on the Spreadsheet tab.

Verify that the right supports have been entered:


87

14) Rigid diaphragm

We are going to model the building with Rigid floor Diaphragms (rigid floors) in order to consider

the in plane (X-Z) rigidity produced by the slabs.

The rigid diaphragm constrains all nodes of a floor to translate in the X and Z axes, and to rotate

around Y with an infinitely rigid link between all nodes in the horizontal plane. When a rigid

diaphragm is considered the beams will not have axial forces. However, the rigid diaphragm will not

affect the vertical displacements of the nodes.

To enter a Rigid floor diaphragm, follow these steps:

Select the nodes of the first floor (dragging the area with the mouse).

Go to Nodes/Rigid floor diaphragm spreadsheet (1) and press Assign rigid diaphragm to selected

nodes command in the Active spreadsheet tools group on the Spreadsheet tab.

Repeat the same steps to enter the Rigid Floor number of the other floors and verify that the data

generated are correct:


88

15) Wind loads

Create a new load condition



Generating wind loads

Select the entire structure, go to the Nodes/Forces and moments spreadsheet and press Calculate wind

load and pressure center for multiple floors command in the Active spreadsheet tools group on

the Spreadsheet tab.

The following dialog box will be displayed:


89

For the Wind action in X press Calculate (1) and enter the data required for the calculation (2), press

OK and finally select the load condition for the wind action created. Similarly, the wind action in Z is

created and assigned following the same procedure.

Check that all the centers of pressure and the wind loads in X and Z have been correctly generated:

Remark: In this particular example the center of pressure will coincide with the middle node of each

floor. This is due to the symmetrical projection of the frame in the X-Y and Y-Z planes.


90

16) Generating load combinations

Press the Generate command located in the Load conditions group on the Home tab.

Select the following load generator file: ASCE 7-05 LRFD factored load combos.rag and press

Generate.


91

Check that all the required load combinations were generated and press OK.

The load combinations were generated.


To analyze your structure proceed as follows:

Press Analyze model command located in the Process group on the Process tab.


92

Enable the P-Delta analysis and press the Analyze button.

18) Results

Once the structure is analyzed, you are able to print or view graphically the results of the analysis.

You can additionally proceed with the design or the optimization of the structure and foundations.

View results

As you can see, several commands are enabled when the structure has been analyzed. These newly

enabled commands show results.

In order to see results graphically, simply click on the command corresponding to the result you wish

to see, and then select the load condition and elements for which you want to see the results. Notice

that the results will only be displayed on the selected elements.


93

Select the desired load case or combination.

Select a section of the structure and press Hide unselected elements command in the Selection

group on the Home tab.

Use the different display options to view the results. Some examples are given next:

Deformed shape


94

3D deformation.

Flexural moment 3’-3’.

Flexural moments 3’-3’, with units and magnitudes.


95

Vertical reactions (parallel to Y-axis).

19) Printing data and results

Go to the Output tab and select the option required.

20) Detailing

Select the members to be detailed (select the support nodes if you want to detail the foundations) and

go to the Modules tab. See the manual chapters corresponding to the detailing of reinforced concrete

in each module for more information.

Example 3: Wood

97

Example 3: Wood

This chapter will take you step by step through the creation of a basic 2D truss comprised of wood

members. The structure to be created in this chapter is shown below:

It is a parallel chord timber truss with the loads applied directly to the top chord through heavy timber

decking. The particularity of this structure is that the top and the bottom chord consist of two double

up (spaced column), continuous-length members, spliced at mid-span. Only snow load plus dead load

is considered in this example.


Select the New option in the RE button.

In the status bar press the Unit System command and select the English units.

A structure can be input in several ways. RAM Elements has several tools that help to the data

generation. For this example we are going to use the templates for the data entry.

2) Entering basic node coordinates

We need the following nodes:

Example 3: Wood

98

The wood truss generation requires a set of nodes.

Select the Nodes/Coordinates spreadsheet (1) and enter the coordinates shown (2) (25 ft in X

Direction, 7 ft in Y). The rest of the nodes of the structure will be generated automatically by the

template provided by RAM Elements.

3) Nodes and members generation

We will proceed to create the remaining nodes and members with a template.

Select the nodes and then press the Templates command in the Model group on the Home tab.

Example 3: Wood

99

Select the RoofTruss1 template from the Pitched group.

Example 3: Wood

100

Enter the number of segments (4) and press OK.

The following structure is generated:

Note that as we desire the upper and bottom chords to be continuous members spliced only at mid-

span, we need to define single physical members between nodes 1-2, 2-3, 4-5 and 5-6 (instead of the

current top and bottom members between each node).

In order to select the members of the top chord, select one instance of the members and then press the

Select align members command in the Selection group on the Home tab. Erase the selected

members (right click in the graphic window and then select the Selected elements/Delete option).

Note that only the top members have to be selected. Be careful to de-select all nodes before deleting

the members.

Then, select nodes 4, 5 and 6, the right click in the graphic window and select the Connect selected

nodes with members . Enter a description like "Top Chord".

Do the same for the bottom chords. First erase them and then select nodes 1, 2 and 3, (right click in

the graphic window and select the Connect selected nodes with members ). Enter a description

like "Bottom Chord".

Example 3: Wood

101

.

Enter new descriptions for the rest of the members:

4) Saving the structure

Press the RE button and select the command Save to save your structures data. This command also is

located in the Quick access toolbar.

5) Assigning sections to members

We are going to assign a double-up section SPCa 3x8 to the top and bottom chords and a section S4S

4x8 for the diagonals and verticals. The wood is assumed a seasoned untreated lumber.

The SPCa 3x8 section is shipped as a standard section and so we will create it now. Press the Sections

command in the Databases group on the Home tab.

Press the button to add a New group to the database. After that, a name for the new group is

required in the displayed window:

Example 3: Wood

102

Then, add a new Table by pressing the button. A new dialog will be displayed to enter the name

for the new table. It is also required to select the type of table, to perform this action press the

button and the following dialog will be shown:

Select the SPCa section type.

Example 3: Wood

103

Once the type of table is selected, a LEO file for the definition of the type of sections is assigned to

the table.

Press the button to create a new item (section) for the current table.

Enter the data related to the section and press OK.

Remark. Note that the program already has a section with the name “SPCa 3x8”. The procedure

described previously explains adequately the manner to perform this operation. It is recommendable

that the user practices the creation of new sections for the structure in order to acquire proficiency in

this task.

Example 3: Wood

104

Select the top chords and go to the Members/Sections spreadsheet (1). Select the SPCa 3x8 (2)

section from the SPCa folder. Press the button to assign the sections. Repeat the same procedure for

the bottom chords.

Select the rest of the members and assign the S4S 4x8 section from the S4S folder.


In our case, the material to be adopted is Douglas fir-larch with the tabulated design values. This

material is part of the standard RE materials and it is found in folder Dimension Lumber with the

name DFir-L_Select Str:

Example 3: Wood

105

Material adopted for the example.

Remark: RAM Elements comes with a list of materials that includes the most common materials

used in practice. If the material needed is not listed, it is possible create a new material and add it to

the list (refer to the main manual).

Example 3: Wood

106

Select all the elements of the structure by pressing Select all elements command in the Selection

group on the Home tab. Go to Members/Material spreadsheet (1), select the desired folder and

material (2) and press Assign material to selected members (3).

7) Entering loads

The load cases to be considered in this example are Dead load, Snow load 1 and Snow load 2. The

loads are going to be applied only to the top chords.

Dead load

We are going to consider a distributed load of 288 lb/ft.

To assign the loads, follow the next procedure:

Example 3: Wood

107

Select the top chords and go to Members/Loads on members spreadsheet (1) and select the

Distributed loads option (2). Finally press the Distributed loads towards -Y command in the


Enter the value and press OK.

Live Load (snow)

For this example, two snow loads will be considered



Example 3: Wood

108

The SNOW category belongs to snow loads. The categories in the load cases will allow you to

automatically generate all the load combinations required for the adopted code.

Once the load case "sl1" has been created you can proceed in the same manner with the loading "sl2":

As wood design is dependent on the load duration the engineer should specify the load duration for

each of the load cases.

Load combinations

After creating the load cases, you are ready to enter the load combinations.


the following load combinations: C1=DL+sl1, C2=DL+sl2, and C3=DL+sl1+sl2

Example 3: Wood

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8) Supports

We are going to model the structure as being pinned at both end nodes.

Select support node 1, go to the Nodes/Restraints spreadsheet and press the Pinned command in the


Select node 3, go to the Nodes /Restraints spreadsheet and press the Roller in X and Z command in

the Active spreadsheet tools group on the Spreadsheet tab.

Example 3: Wood

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9) Design parameters

Enter the wood design parameters. Since loads are applied to the top chord through heavy timber

decking, it is assumed that the top chord is continuously laterally braced. Go to Members/Wood

design parameters spreadsheet and enter 0.1 for L22 for the top chords. Any other special

characteristics to be accounted for design may be entered in this spreadsheet.

If the truss is going to be exposed to humid conditions the Wet service factor could be specified in

this spreadsheet. For this specific structure we will not enter any other special parameters (modifiers).


To analyze your structure proceed as follows:

Press Analyze model command located in the Process group on the Process tab.

For this example a P-Delta analysis not is required.

Example 3: Wood

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Press Analyze

11) Designing the structure

Press Design all command located in the Process group on the Process tab.

Example 3: Wood

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Select the design code required from the dialog.

Note.- In the same way the user could optimize the sections by pressing the command Optimize

model in the Process group on the Process tab.

12) Results

Once the structure is analyzed, the user can print or view graphically the results of the analysis.

Additionally, proceed with the design or the optimization of the structure.

View results

As you can see, several commands are enabled when the structure has been analyzed. These newly

enabled commands show result data.

The user can see the strength ratio of each member with the commands located in the Design group

on the View tab.

Example 3: Wood

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13) Printing data and results

Select the members for which you want to view the results. Press the Design/Wood command in the

Reports group on the Output tab and select the desired options.

14) Detailing

If you want to perform a detailed design of a member, select it first and press the Wood command in

the Members group on the Modules tab.

Similarly, double click in the desired member to access to the detailing of the wood member.

Example 3: Wood

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Wood design module. Note the status semaphore at the status bar in the left down corner of the

window shows the status of the design.

See the help context in the detailer for more information.

Example 4: Continuous beam

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Example 4: Steel beam of 2 spans

This example will take you systematically through the creation of a 2-span steel beam. This example

will be most effective if you practice the illustrated skills as they are presented.

The structure to be entered is a simple steel beam loaded with two concentrated loads located at the

midpoint of the first span and at the far quarter point of the second span as illustrated:


Select the New option in the RE button to create a new footing.

If an opened model exists, the module will ask you if you wish to save your previous model.

Once opened the new file, you can proceed with the introduction of data in the left window,

following the order that is shown next.

Note.- The following example and the assumed values are simply illustrative.

2) Entering units

Select the option Units system. This action will display the following drop down menu.


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Select the English units system

3) Entering geometry

Select the option Geometry. This and the other files can be displayed or hidden for the user comfort.

Enter the Number of spans

As you will see the spans were generated.

Select the option Spans of equal length. In this case the spans will have different lengths. Therefore

uncheck the spans of equal length option.

Uncheck the Spans of equal length option.

Select the option Lengths. A spreadsheet will appear, in which the user will be able to enter the

lengths for the corresponding spans.

Enter 20 ft for the length of the span 1 and 15 ft for the length of the span 2. Finally press OK.

Note.- Remember that you can edit the cells of the spreadsheet any time that you want or undo the

changes

(In order to undo an action, right click in the spreadsheet and select the Undo command from

the menu displayed).

Next, check the same material for all spans option.

Check the Same sections for all spans option.

Select the Material option and choose one. For the example, try Steel A992 Gr50.


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Select the material: Steel/A992 Gr50. Press OK.

Then check the option same section for all spans.

Check same sections for all spans option.

Next, select the Section option and choose one. Every time you select a section type, you will see its

different dimensions.

Look for the section table W, select the section W6X20 and press the OK button.

Note. - When there is more than one selection, select the material, section or others and press the

button to assign or double-click on the same one.

Select the option Code design in which you will the available design codes in the module:


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AISC 360-05 ASD (Allowable Stress Design).

AISC 360-10 ASD (Allowable Stress Design).

AISC 360-05 LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design).

AISC 360-10 LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design).

BS_5950 (only for steel members).

AS_4100 (only for steel members).

Select the Design code option and choose AISC 360-05 LRFD.

4) Assigning restraints

Next, select the option Restraints/Use same restriction.

Check the Restraints/Use same restriction option

To assign the restrictions select the option Type and choose the restriction type required. It is not

necessary to first select the nodes in the graph.

Select the Pinned restraint.

Note.- When the restrictions are different, you will find a spreadsheet in the Type option, which by

pressing twice in the cells with the mouse, and you will have 5 possible restrictions to choose.

Leave the option Cantilever end as it is because this beam example doesn't present a cantilever.

Select none for the Cantilever end option.


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5) Entering loads

In this example, a concentrated load of 7 Kips will be introduced in the direction of the negative

vertical axis (Y) as Dead load. Additionally, a concentrated force of 8 Kips of Live load will be

applied.

To assign loads, follow the following steps:

Select the Dead load/ Concentrated option and press Assign concentrated load.

Enter the data as shown in the figure. Then press OK.

Note.- The value of the load should be input without a sign . The sign will be given by the direction

Downwards or Upwards.

The distance to the load can be assigned as a magnitude or percentage of the total length, according to

the user’s preference.

It is possible uncheck the assignation of the distance to the load by magnitude.

In this example, the self-weight won't be considered.

Uncheck the Include self weight option.


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We will follow the same procedure to assign a concentrated live load as shown in the figure.

Select Live load/Concentrated and press Assign concentrated load.

Enter the data as shown in the figure. Then press OK.

Press OK again.

Leave number by default.


The program provides the different load combinations for each code for both service and design

combinations. The user will be able to load these combinations automatically or program them

manually.


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Select the Combinations/Strength design load combinations option and then press the Generate

load combinations button to generate the load combinations.

Select the load combination according to the code. In this case select ASCE 7-05 LRFD factored

Load Combos and press Generate.

Press Generate and the load combinations will be generated.


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Keep selected combos and press OK.

A message will appear with the number of generated load combination and then press OK.

All generated loads will be visible at the top of the spreadsheet.

Do the same procedure for the service load combinations.

7) Assigning design data

Change the value for Relative limit for deflection (l/value) to 180.


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Leave data as default data.

8) Seeing results graphically

Once you finished the data introduction, it is possible to see the analysis and design results.

It is recommended that the user examine the results with the example: Example 5 Steel.RCB that

comes with the program. After analyzing the beam, check the data input that was previously

explained. If there are differences in the results, please check the input data.

To see the stress diagrams:

Select the Diagrams tab to see the stress diagrams.

In the window you will see shear and moment diagrams for the current load condition.


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In order to choose the load condition and/or the stress diagram that you want to see, select the

appropriate command on the Diagrams tab.

In order to select the load condition, choose the Condition command in the Load conditions group.

Similarly, to select the stress diagram select the Diagram and the stress diagram required in the

Diagrams group.

Note.-

These diagrams can be exported to a CAD program pressing the RE button and selecting the Export

to DXF option. . Then open the file from a CAD program and you will obtain the saved

diagrams.

9) Seeing the report

The whole data and result sets can be seen in the report:

Press the Report command in the Process group on the Home tab.

In the report you can see 3 big parts:

The input data of the beam is reported as: geometry, load condition, assigned loads


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The analysis results are reported as: reactions, member forces and inflection points,

deflections and envelopes;

The design results are reported as: design parameters, verifications and calculated parameters.


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The user can print the report by pressing the Print command in the Print group in the report

window.

10) Design: Status “Ok” and “ratio >1”

After a detailed description of the parameters and calculation results, the report presents a status for

each span of the beam. It can be two possible options:

“OK” when the element fulfills all the bending moment and shear code verifications.

“ratio > 1” when the element fails one or more code verifications.

11) Design for reinforced concrete

Following the same steps of the previous exercise, we will enter a reinforced concrete beam of 2

spans loaded with distributed uniform loads as shown below:

Data:

L1=20 ft

L2=15 ft

f'c = 3000 psi, fy = 40 ksi

Dead load = 0.75kip/ft


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Live load = 1.0 kip/ft

Section: RcBeam 12x20in

Code design: LRFD

Category combinations: ACI 318 - 99

First, the user must enter the data remembering that the analysis will not automatically include the

self-weight. Then you will proceed to the introduction of data for design. Therefore:

Enter the design data as shown in the figure.

Once finished inputting the data, you are ready to see the analysis and design results as indicated in

sections 8 and 9 of this example.

12) Seeing detailing

After observing the stress diagrams, select the Detailing tab. In this tab you will find a beam

reinforcement detail according to the design.


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In order to see the reinforcement detail, select the Detailing tab.

As you can see at the left window, you have a spreadsheet where you can change the suggested

reinforcement. The reinforcement data can be modified by clicking in the spreadsheet of the left

window as follows:

Select the reinforcing to edit by clicking on its description.

Select the cell denominated Qnty. and enter the new quantity of bars.

In order to specify the data of reinforcement, use the commands in the Generate reinforcement group

on the Detailing tab. As you can see the number of bars has changed in the graphic window

immediately.


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Notes.-

In order to check the design or generate an automatically optimum reinforcement, select the Check

command and the Optimize command respectively. Both commands are located in the

Quick access toolbar and in the Process group on the Home tab.

13) Design for wood

Following the same steps of the previous exercise, enter a wood beam with 2 spans and loaded with

distributed uniform loads as shown below:

Data:

L1 = 20 ft

L2 = 15 ft

Material: Lumber - Aspen No.2

Dead load = 0.2kip/ft

Live load = 0.1 kip/ft

Section: S4S 8x16in

Code design: ASD

First, the user must enter the data remembering that the analysis will not automatically include the

self-weight.

Then proceed to the data input for design. Therefore:


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Select the Design data/Moisture conditions and choose the Dry option.

Assign a value of 5 inches to the Notch length, 1 inch to the Notch depth and leave the other values

by default.

Once finished inputting the data, you are ready to see the analysis and design results as indicated in

sections 8 and 9 of this example.

It is recommended that the user examine the results with the example: Example 5 Wood.RCB that

comes with the program. If there are differences in the results, please check the input data.

Example 5: Retaining Wall

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Example 5: Tapered Retaining Wall

This example will take you systematically through the creation of a tapered retaining wall. This

example will be more effective if you practice the illustrated skills as they are presented.

The structure to be entered is a simple tapered retaining wall, loaded with a backfill surcharge located

on the soil surface and an axial dead load over the stem with an eccentricity. See illustration below:


Select the New option in the RE button to create a new model of a retaining wall.


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If an existing model is open, Retaining Wall asks the user to save the current model.

Once the new file is open, the user can proceed to the introduction of data in the left window,


Note.- The following example and the assumed values are simply illustrative.

2) Entering units

Select the option Units system. This action will allow the drop-down menu to be enabled.

Select the English units system.

3) Entering general data and geometry

Next, go to the option General. This and the other files can be displayed or hidden depending on the

user’s preference.

Leave the parameters by default.

Then go to the option Geometry data and materials. In this case, the retained height will be 12 ft and

it will not have a wall height above the retained soil. Therefore leave the value as zero.

Enter 12 ft and leave zero by default

The entered data are generated immediately in the illustration.

Next, select to the option Base and enter the following data.


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Enter the geometry data as shown above.

Note.- Remember that you can edit the cells of the spreadsheet any time that you want.

To enter the material, select the option Foundation base material, where you will find a menu with

all of the available materials. For this example, it will be concrete (RC) C4-60.

Select the material: RC and C4-60. Press OK.

In a similar manner, select the option Block 1, and edit the values as shown in the next figure:

4) Entering soil data

The next step is to enter soil data and parameters. For that, go to Backfill data and enter 2 in the

option Number of soil layers. Immediately, you will obtain additional soil folders under Backfill

data that correspond to the number of soil layers that is entered.


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Additional options created according to the number of soil layers entered.

Now enter the following data:

Click on each cell and edit the values as shown in the figure.

Note.- The value you have entered will correspond to the default units. If you want to enter data in

other units of the same system, type the value followed by the units you want to use and press Enter.

Click in the cell to highlight the value.

Type the value followed by its unit and presses Enter.

Next, you will enter data for the foundation soil in the option Foundation soil data.

Go to the option Calculate soil bearing capacity and uncheck the option.

Immediately, the option Allowable soil stress will appear where you will enter 4000 Lb/ft2.


135

Select each of the cells and enter the values shown above.

5) Entering loads

The module presents different kinds of loads that may be applied to the soil, such as:

1. Backfill surcharge (live load)

2. Toe surcharge (dead load)

3. Adjacent footing load (dead load)

It also allows for loads that could be applied to the stem, such as:

1. Axial load (live and dead load)

2. Wind pressure (over the wall height that extends above the retained soil)

3. Uniform lateral load (live and dead loads, independent of the earth pressures)

In this example, a backfill surcharge of 400 Lb/ft2 will be applied.

Enter 400 Lb/ft2.

Additionally, an axial dead load of 1000 Lb with an eccentricity of 4 in will be applied.

Select the option Axial dead load and enter 1000 Lb/ft. Select the option Eccentricity and enter 4 in.


136


The program provides the different load combinations for each code, accounting for both service and

strength combinations. The user will be able to generate these combinations automatically or define

them manually.

To generate automatically load combinations follow the next procedure:

1.- Select the Strength design load combinations option and press the command to generate the

load combinations.

Select the load combination for the appropriate code, in this case ASCE 7-05 Factored Load Combos.

Also, the user can access to the load combinations of the main program as follows:

Select the generator file displaying the RAM Elements files, selecting this option with the combo box

of this window.

Press Generate.


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Keep the checked combos and press OK.

A message with will appear with the number of generated load combinations. Press OK.

All generated load combinations will be visible at the top of the spreadsheet.

Generated load combinations. It is possible for the user to enter new load combinations manually by

entering values in the cells. Press OK.

Do the same procedure for service load combinations.


138

7) Suggesting geometry

Once all data is entered, the module allows the user to suggest the retaining wall geometry according

to the conditions of the model pressing the Suggest dimensions command located in Process

group on the Home tab

New dimensions.

Leave the values assigned by default for Design Data

8) Detailing the wall

The module has an option to Suggest reinforcement, which generates reinforcement according to the

bar size that the user selects for longitudinal and transverse reinforcement.

To enter the detailer, go to the Detailing tab. In the detailing tab the user have several tools and

options to manipulate the reinforcement.

Reinforcement spreadsheet

As you can see in the left window, you have a spreadsheet where you can add and/or edit the

suggested reinforcement at any moment.


139

Notice that the reinforcement was immediately generated at the graphic screen.

Generated reinforcement.

Note.- The reinforcement data can be modified by clicking on the spreadsheet in the left window as

follows:

Click in the cell that you want to modify, change the value or bar size and press Enter.

9) Seeing results graphically

Once you have finished entering the data, you are ready to see the analysis design results.


140

The user can check the results with Example 6 that comes with the program.

To see the stress diagrams go to the Diagrams tab:

The shear and moment diagrams for the current load condition will be displayed.

If you want to see the results for another load condition:


141

Pull down the Condition option in the Load Conditions group in the Diagrams tab and select the

desired load condition.

If you want to see deflection or other diagrams:

Pull down the Diagram option in the Diagrams group on the Diagrams tab, and select the desired

diagram to be displayed.

Likewise, you may see diagrams for each element of the wall or one for all of them.

Pull down the Element option in the Elements group on the Diagrams tab, and select the desired

elements to be displayed.

Note.- These diagrams can be exported to a CAD program pressing the RE button and selecting the

Export to DXF option .

Then, open the file from a CAD program and you will obtain the diagrams.


The entire data and result sets can be seen in the report:


In the report you can see 2 parts:

General information of the wall such as geometry, materials, load conditions, assigned loads,

etc.;


142

Analysis and design results such as calculation of resisting and acting forces and moments for

stability, shear and moment stresses, reinforcement, code verifications, etc.


143


screen.

11) Design: Status “OK” and “N.G.”

The report presents a general status for the wall. There are two possible options:

“OK” when the element fulfills all the bending moment and shear code verifications.

“N.G.” when one or more elements fail one or more code verifications

Example 6: Concrete Wall

145


This example shows systematically the creation of a concrete wall. This example will be most

effective if the user practices the illustrated skills as they are presented.

The structure is an example of a six-story office building with reinforcement concrete walls as lateral-

force-resisting system. It includes openings and boundary elements at the edges. It is a modified

example of the one presented in IBC 2005, Structural/Seismic Design Manual, Vol.3, Design

example 6.

Example of a concrete wall.


146

Starting a new structure

If the Concrete wall module is not already open, execute the command (Modules tab, Walls

group) from RAM Elements. A default wall model will appear in the module main window. If an

existing model is open, the program will ask to save the new model.

After pressing the RE button, a menu is displayed showing the options to create a New file, Open an

existing file, Save changes to models, options for printing and export graphics to DXF. In the right

side, a list of recently opened files is shown. The user may pick an item from this list to quickly open

the file.

Once the new file is open, proceed to the entering of data in the properties edition area of the

window, following the order that is shown below.

Entering units



Entering geometry data

Then go to the option Geometry. This and the other data folders will drop-down for user’s comfort.


147

Enter wall dimensions as shown in the figure above. For this example, the wall thickness is set to 16

in.

Note - All entered values correspond to the default units. If other units of the same system are

required, type the value followed by the desired unit, as shown below.


Type the desired value followed by its units and press Enter.

To enter the heights click on heights and a new window will appear to enter the data:

Enter the heights of every story

Note that in this window there are available several tools to delete, undo, copy, cut and paste values

and other options to edit the spreadsheet data. To use these tools, right-click over the spreadsheet will

display a popup menu.


148

Popup menu with tools to edit spreadsheet data.

Select the option Materials and a menu with concrete reinforcement materials will appear with all the

available materials. In this example only concrete and C4-60 will be used for this example.

Choose C 4-60 for the example.

The next step is entering the Openings; choose this option and a spreadsheet will appear to define

one or several openings in the wall at the same time.


149

In the option Openings open the spreadsheet and enter the values shown in the figure above.

Note – Remember that it is possible to edit the cell of the spreadsheet as many times as the user

wants. Use the button (from the popup menu displayed with right click over the spreadsheet area)

to undo changes.

Note that some of the openings in this example have the same shape in different levels. For these

cases, there is a practical tool to enter openings at any position in many levels. First, clear all the data

previously entered using (from the popup menu displayed with right click over the spreadsheet

area), and click on the button.

Edit the position and dimensions of the openings.


150

Note - If All levels with equal openings option is selected as NO, a new option will be available to

choose the levels in which is desired to assign openings with the same position and dimensions.

Now click OK in the dialog window and in the spreadsheet as well. At this moment the concrete wall

should look like the next figure.

One opening was assigned to each level.

Only the openings at the left side were assigned. To assign the openings at the right side choose again

the option Openings, then the press the tool , and enter the data following the information shown

in the figure below.


151

Note that it is necessary to specify which levels will have equal openings. For this example, the three

lower levels have equal openings.

Complete the shown values in the spreadsheet, to generate the biggest opening in the wall model

following the information displayed in the figure below.


152

All the openings are defined in the concrete wall.


153

Note: Those values that appear in red in the graphic area of the window can be modified directly in

the graphic.

Entering rigidity elements

Rigidity elements are commonly used to increase the stiffness of the concrete wall. The module

allows using boundary elements, columns or flanges (perpendicular walls) at the edges of the wall.

Introduce concrete column sections.

For the example, columns of 24x24 in are needed. To change the column section, select Rigidity

Elements/Rigidity elements, then click in Columns and in the Columns option proceed entering the

data.

The geometry now is complete. The following picture shows the wall model.


154

Defining load conditions

Before entering the loads, it is necessary to define the load conditions to be used during the design. In

this example, three load conditions will be used: Dead Load (DL), Live Load (LL), and Seismic load

(EQ).

In order to define the load conditions, press the (Home tab, Load management group) button,

and introduce the load conditions as it is shown in the figure.


155

Load conditions for the example.

Entering loads

The module presents different types of loads that may be applied to the wall as:

1. Vertical loads

2. Self weight of the wall

Concentrated

Distributed

In-plane lateral loads

Concentrated

Distributed

Seismic weight

Out of plane lateral loads

Pressure loads

Seismic weight

In this example, there are vertical loads for the dead load and live load conditions in the columns at

the edges and at the middle of the wall.

In order to enter the concentrated loads for the dead load conditions (DL) select Vertical

loads/Concentrated; then, the spreadsheet, where the values of the loads can be introduced, will

appear, or using the button . As in this example the vertical loads.


156

Enter the concentrated loads as it is shown in the figure at the border columns and at the middle of

the wall.

A concentrated load is defined by the following:

The Level to apply the load.

The Load case of the concentrated load.

The Magnitude of the concentrated load.

The Eccentricity of the load; this is used to define in-plane moments in the wall.

The Distance measured from the left to the right side of the wall; it could be defined as a real

distance (option % unchecked) or as a percentage of the total length of the wall (option %

checked).

Once the concentrated dead loads are assigned, click OK and the loads will appear in the graphic

area:


157

Concentrated dead loads in the concrete wall

Additionally, the wall self weight will be considered for the analysis.


158

Select the option Include self weight and click on the checkbox.

Now, select Vertical loads /Concentrated; and introduce the following concentrated loads for the

Live Load (LL) conditions as it is shown below:

Enter concentrated live loads and click OK.

Next, the lateral loads will be entered for the Seismic Load Condition (EQ). These loads may be

assigned as concentrate loads or as distributed loads. However, it is recommended to apply lateral

loads as distributed loads, in order to avoid stress concentration in the application point.


159

Select Loads /Lateral in-plane loads/Distributed and introduce these values for the Seismic load

condition (EQ).

Remember that there is an available tool called Assign distributed load used to enter the same

lateral load to many levels.

Generating load combinations

The program provides different load combination files for each design code. The user will be able to

generate these combinations automatically or define them manually.

In the example, the following design combinations will be entered manually:

1.41DL+EQ+0.5LL

0.686DL+EQ

Therefore, press the button and introduce or edit the desired combinations.

Edit the default combinations and press OK.

Load combinations can be also automatically entered. Press the button (Home tab, Load

management group) to generate load combinations.

Select the file with the combinations that will be generated.


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List of loads combinations according to the design code. For the example, select ASCE 7-05 factored

load combos and ASCE 7-05 service load combos.

The next figure shows, how the load combinations will be added.


161

ASCE 7-05 service load combos.

ASCE 7-05 factored load combos.


162

Load combinations added through the automatic generator of load combinations.

Entering design data

For this example, the elements to design will be bearing walls, shear wall and columns, two

reinforced layers will be used and spacing will be selected as Design criterion as it is shown in the

next figure.


163

Design data for concrete walls and boundary columns.


164

Note: If Spacing is selected as Design criterion, the module will check every spacing value in a

descendent order with the complete range of bar sizes until it finds an optimum result. On the other

hand, if Bar size is selected as Design criterion, the module will check every selected bar size in an

ascendant order with different spacing values until it finds an optimum result.

Entering Configuration values

After entering all general data, the user should verify if all values by default of the Advanced options

are correct for the model and the design requirements.

Press the button located in the Home tab, Options group.

Verify that all by default values are correct for the model and the design requirements

Seeing results graphically

Once all the data is entered, the model is ready for the analysis and design.


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Click on the FEM tab to see the analysis result.

Note: When pressing for the first time one of the following buttons: , , , or

when activating the analysis results FEM tab, the Diagrams tab or the Detailing tab, the module will

analyze the model, optimize the reinforced and verify it according to the design code; therefore, the

program may take some minutes depending on the model size.

Once the model is analyzed and the reinforcement is optimized, the module will show, if this is the

case, analysis errors or warnings.

Analysis results obtained by the Finite Element Method (FEM)


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At the top of the screen the load condition, from which the results are presented, is shown (FEM tab,

Load conditions group). To see the results from another load conditions drop-down the list and select

it.

Select the desired load condition.

This window, also allows seeing the results of displacements of the wall along the X and Y direction,

stresses and resultant forces in the wall. Remember that forces values are shown as force per length

(e.g. kip/ft).

Select the desired graph type

Note: Axial forces are given by Fy; shear forces are given Fxy and in-plane moments are obtained

using the Fy forces respect the middle of the wall portion in consideration.

At the top of the window there is a group of buttons that manage options for the graphs.


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Buttons for FEM results graphic options.

Detailing the wall

Once the wall have been analyzed and designed, the user will be able to see the obtained

reinforcement in the detailing screen.

Press the Detailing tab to enter to the detailing window.

Detailing window.

This window displays a spreadsheet with the reinforcement results. During the design, the program

performs an optimization of the reinforcement in which it obtains the minimum steel area to satisfy

the requirements according to the design parameters the user has entered in the data screen.

Remember that the reinforcement can be edited, changed or deleted at any moment according to the

user requirements. Press the (quick access toolbar) button to verify quickly the influence of these


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changes. The traffic light, at the lower right corner of the window , is used to check the

design status after any changes.

This spreadsheet has five tabs: Wall Vertical reinforcement, Wall Horizontal reinforcement,

Columns reinforcement, Hoops and Openings reinforcement. Each one of these tabs has buttons to

enter the reinforcement manually (all the commands are organized in the ribbon, Generate

reinforcement group).

The module has assigned different bar sizes and spaces for vertical and horizontal strips. If the user

needs to make sizes and spacing values uniform for reinforcement. Delete all the vertical

reinforcement using the button (from the popup menu displayed with right click over the

spreadsheet area).

Click on the button to enter a continuous vertical reinforcement.

A new vertical reinforcement was assigned to the whole wall and the traffic light is disabled due to

these changes. Now the user can verify if those changes fulfill the requirements and the limitations of

the design code by clicking on the button.

In the same way, it is possible to modify any reinforcement in the different tabs; just make any

change and click on the button. If the traffic light is not green, this means that some of the

changes were not correct according to the code or strength.

Note - If the user wants to return to the initial results of automatic design, the Optimize button

(quick access toolbar) can be used.

Seeing the report

The entire data and results can be seen in the report:


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Press the button shown in the figure.

The report is divided in 2 parts: general information and design.

General information. This part of the report shows the wall geometry, rigidity elements,

materials, load conditions, and loads.

General information.


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Design. This second part of the report shows the design results. It is subdivided in:

Design results of the shear walls

Design results of the boundary columns

Bearing walls design results report

Shear walls design results report.


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Boundary columns design results report.

Note: The user can print, save or export the report by pressing the buttons at the top side of the report

screen.

Design Status

The report presents a general status for each story. There are three possible options:

“OK” when the concrete wall story fulfill all the requirements and limitations of the code

“Warnings.” when the concrete wall fails one or more limitations of the code.

“N.G.” when the concrete wall story fails one or more requirements of the code.

Example 7: Tilt-Up Wall

173


This example will take you systematically through the creation of a tilt-up wall. This example will be

more effective if you practice the illustrated skills as they are presented.

The structure to be entered is an example1 of a single-floor tilt-up wall with openings subject to a

seismic pressure load perpendicular to the wall (out-of-plane load) and an axial dead load (in-plane

load) over the fist level with an eccentricity. See illustration below:

Example of a tilt-up wall with openings




Once the new file is open, proceed to the entering of data in the left window, following the order that

is shown below.

1 � IBC 2000, Structural Seismic Design Manual, Design Example 6 – Tilt-Up Building with Openings.


174

Entering units



Entering analysis method

This example will be analyzed by two methods: Simplified and FEM. As the first method, we will use

the Simplified.

Select the Analysis method option and choose the Simplified method.


Then go to the option Geometry. This and the other files will drop-drown for user’s comfort.

Enter wall dimensions as shown in the figure above.

In this case, the tilt-up wall height will be 28 ft, the parapet will have 4 ft of height and wall width

will be 25 ft. As you will see, the entered data are generated immediately in the illustration.

Next, enter the wall thickness.

Enter the Thickness value. The example will not consider a bottom of panel, so enter zero.

Note - All values you have entered will correspond to the default units. If you want to enter data in

other units of the same system, type the value followed by the unit you want to use and press Enter,

as shown below.


Types the values followed by its unit and press Enter.


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To assign the restraints at the base of the wall, select the Fixity at foundation level option and choose

pinned or fixed according the wall restraints.

Select the Fixity at foundation level option and choose Pinned. The restraints at the base can be

defined as Fixed or Pinned for the simplified analysis.

The Level restraints can be defined as Pinned or none considering the combination of the degrees of

freedom of the levels and the restraints at the base, select the Pinned option.

Then, select the Materials/Material option. At this time you will have available a menu with all kind

of ready to use materials, for this case only reinforced concrete, so use RC/C 3-60.

Select the Materials/Material option and choose the RC/C 3-60, finally press OK.

The next step is to enter the Openings; select this option and you will find a spreadsheet to enter the

required data to define one or several openings in the wall at the same time. Double click in the cell

called Level reference corner and select the option Lower left; then assign to cell X offset a value of

3 ft, 0 ft for Y offset, 12 ft for Width and 14 ft for Height.

Double click in the option Openings and enter the values shown in the figure above.

The second opening could be entered in the same way in the next row of the spreadsheet, but there is

another tool that can be used to create openings. Here we will show you a practical tool to enter

openings at any position.


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Press the Assign equal openings to several levels button to assign equal openings to particular

levels

Note - Remember that you can edit the cells of the spreadsheet any time that you want or undo the

changes

(In order to undo an action, right click in the spreadsheet and select the Undo command from

the menu displayed).

Immediately, you will see a dialog window. Enter all data shown in the figure. For this example,

choosing YES or NO in the option All levels with equal openings will give you the same result,

because the example has only one level.

Edit the values by default in the dialog and press OK.

Note - If you select NO in the option All levels with equal openings, you should choose the levels in

which you want to assign openings with the same position and dimensions.

Review the opening data and press OK to close the opening spreadsheet.

Entering loads

The module presents different kinds of loads that may be applied to the wall, such as:

Vertical loads

Self weight


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Concentrated

Distributed

Lateral in-plane loads

Concentrated

Distributed

Seismic weight

Lateral out-of-plane loads

Pressure load

Seismic weight

Global forces

Coordinates

Magnitudes

In this example, a vertical distributed load equal to 0.69 kip/ft with an eccentricity of 8.25 in will be

applied, and a out out-of-plane seismic weight equivalent to 0.4 the wall weight.

Select Loads/Vertical loads/Distributed; press the drop-down menu to see a spreadsheet where you

can introduce loads typing the values or through a dialog window by pressing the button as

follows:

Select the Loads/Vertical loads/Distributed option and press the Assign distributed loads option .


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Select the option Eccentric and choose YES to define a load with eccentricity and enter the values

shown in the figure. Finally press OK.

Note - If you select the option NO for All levels with equal loads, you should choose the levels in

which you want to assign loads with the same magnitude and eccentricity. In this case, selecting YES

or NO will give the same results, because there is only one defined level.

Review the load data generated and press OK.

Immediately you will see the entered load graphically

Additionally, self weight will be considered for the analysis.

Select the Loads/Vertical loads/Self weight, choose the load case and press OK.

Next, the seismic load case will be created. In order to define the new load conditions go to the Load

management group in the Home tab and press the Add and edit load conditions command .


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The following dialog window is displayed:

Enter the new load condition and its category and press OK.

Next, select the option Loads/Lateral loads out of plane/Seismic weight enter 0.4 and assign the

EQop seismic load condition.

Select the Loads/Lateral out-of-plane loads/Seismic weight, assign the seismic load condition and

enter the coefficient value: 0.4.

Concentrated loads can be entered through a dialog by pressing the Assign concentrated loads button

of its corresponding spreadsheet.

The distance to which these loads are located can be assigned as a magnitude, or in percentage of the

total wall length, according to user’s requirements.


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Dialog window to enter concentrated loads.


The program provides the different load combinations for each code, accounting for both service and

strength combinations. The user will be able to generate these combinations automatically or define

them manually.

In the example, we will introduce manually one service and one design combination, such as:

Service load combination: DL+EQop

Strength design load combination: 1.4DL+EQop

Press Add and edit load condition command in the Load conditions group on the Home tab, and

enter the following data in the displayed dialog box:

Edit the existing service load combination by default and press OK.

In the same way, repeat the procedure and enter the design combination.

Edit the existing design load combination and press OK.

To automatically generate load combinations, follow the following steps:

1.- Press the Generate load combinations command in the Load management group on the Home

tab. The dialog to generate the load combinations will appear.

2.- Select the file for the generation, as it is shown in the following figure.


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Select the load combination for the appropriate code, in this case ASCE 7-05 service load

combos.rag. Finally press Generate.

Note – Old files that generate load combinations (files with .tug extension) can be retrieved.

Immediately, the user will have the load combinations according to the code, in this case ASCE 7-05.

In the dialog box that is displayed press OK.


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Keep the combos checked and press OK.

A message with the number of generated load combinations will appear. Press OK.

All generated load combinations will be visible at the top of the spreadsheet.

Do the same procedure for the factored load combinations. Therefore use the ASCE 7-05 factored

load combos.rag to generate the factored load combinations.


The Tilt Up module only designs according to ACI 318-05 standards.

In the design data, the elements to be designed should be introduced first. For this example the

elements will be designed as tilt up walls and shear walls.


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Select Design data/Elements to design, check the Tilt-up walls and Shear walls options and press

OK.

Next, select the number of reinforcement layers. For this example two layers will be utilized.

Select the Design data/Reinforcement layers option and choose two layers of reinforcement.

Select the Design data/Design criterion by option and choose the bar size as the design criterion.

Select the bar sizes which you want to be used in the design. Check the bar size #5.

Note - The user could select one or more bar sizes to be considering in the design. It will test one by

one in an ascendant order until obtain an optimum result.

Keep the Additional opening reinforcement values by default.

All data and values entered until this moment including Configuration values, will be saved with the

model.


After entering all general data, the user should verify if all values by default of the Configuration

dialog are correct for the model and the design requirements.

Press the Advanced command located in the Options group on the Home tab to display the

Advanced options dialog.


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The example will consider the influence of reveals in the wall design. Thus:

Check the Consider reveals option and enter 0.75 in for the Reveal size. Leave the other settings in

the General folder as the defaults and press OK.

Sometimes, it is necessary to consider the effect of the opening as pressure at the sides of themselves.

In the reference example, this effect is not considered.

Option to distribute pressure load to openings sides.

During the configuration is also possible to select the inertia to calculate the design moment. In the

reference example the cracked inertia was considered.

Select the cracked inertia to calculate the design moment.

To have a better idea of the values of spacing between bars that will be obtained from the design,

change the value of Round bar spacing to 0.5 in.


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Enter 0.5 in for the Round bar spacing to option and press OK.

Note - If you want that these values stay as values by default, check the Set these values as default

option.


Once you have finished entering the data, you are ready to see the analysis and design results.

It is recommended that the user compare the results with the example: “Example 7 TU Simplified

method.TUP” that comes with the program. After analyzing the wall, check the data input that was

previously explained. If there are differences in the results, please verify the input data with the

example.

To see the strength diagrams, in the case of Simplified Method:

In order to see the stress diagrams, select the Diagrams tab.

Immediately the user will see in the screen bending and axial diagrams for the current load condition.

If you want to see the results for another load condition:


186

Select the Condition command in the Load Conditions group on the Diagrams tab and choose the

load combination of which you want the see the results.


to DXF option. . Then open the file from a CAD program and you will obtain the saved

diagrams.

Also the user has the ability to select the strip from which he wants to see the results. In this case:

Select the strip number that you want to verify. For this example select the strip number 3

Besides you could select the diagrams you want to be displayed in the screen by clicking in the

names of the diagrams (red font) at the upper top part of the screen:

Select some of the stress diagram that you want to verify.


187

Out-of-

plane shears forces and out-of-plane moments forces in the strip number 3.

Detailing the wall

Once the analysis and design of the wall have been run, the design can be reviewed in the detailing

screen.

Select the Detailing tab.


188

This tab displays a spreadsheet with all reinforcement data of the design. The user can edit, change

or delete the reinforcement in any strip according to his requirements. After modifying the

reinforcement, check the design with the Check command in the Quick access toolbar.

The traffic light in the status bar can be used to check the results of design.

This spreadsheet has three tabs: Vertical Horizontal and Additional Reinforcement. The commands

in the Generate reinforcement group allow introduce the reinforcement manually

Currently in strip number 3, the content of the Quantity cell is 4 bars #5 for strip number 3. In order

to verify the result the reinforcement of this strip will be changed from 4 to 5 bars. To do this, select

the row in the spreadsheet with the reinforcement data of the strip number 3.

Note - During the design, the program performs an optimization of reinforcement, given as a result

the minimum steel area to satisfy the requirements of each strip according to the design parameters

introduced in the data screen by the user.

Click on Group 2 to select all content of the row and press Del to delete the data.

Next, press the Generate continuous vertical reinforcement button to enter to a dialog window

and insert a continuous reinforcement for this strip.

Drop-down the menu of the Strip option and press the Unselect all button to deselect all strips.


189

Select the strip number 3 and press OK.

Select bar #5 from the Bar option.

Drop-down the menu of the Bar data entry option and select By quantity.

Select Quantity, enter 5 and press OK.

As the user can see this tool allows enter continuous reinforcement for one or several strips at once

without worrying of the bar lengths.

Note - If the user wants to enter discontinuous reinforcement (vertical bars), (horizontal

bars), it will be necessary to enter additional data, such as: distances: 1 and 2 for new bars, measured

from a level or axis.


190

Review the new bar generated.

Each time any reinforcement data in the spreadsheet has changed, the traffic light will be disabled.

So, to obtain results that incorporate the changes, press the Check command in the Quick

access toolbar to verify if these changes fulfill all strength requirements and code limitations.

Note - If the user wants to return to the initial results of automatic design, press the Optimize

command in the Quick access toolbar or in the Process group on the Home tab.

Another way to change the reinforcement of strip number 3 is editing its cell of Quantity.

Double click on the cell Quantity, change the value to 5 and press Enter.

Finally, press the Check command in the Quick access toolbar to verify if these changes fulfill

all strength requirements and code limitations.

Seeing the report

The whole data and result sets can be seen in the report:


In the report you can see 3 parts:

General information as: global status, geometry, materials, number of levels, openings, load

conditions and loads.


191

General information

Data and results of the tilt up walls design per segment such as: status, analyzed segment division,

geometry of the segments, vertical reinforcement, vertical strengths, combined axial bending,

interaction diagrams P vs M for the critical segments, axial compression, axial tension, shear and

deflection.


192

Segments to be designed as tilt up walls.

Data and results of the shear walls design per segment such as: status, analyzed segment division,

geometry of the segments, reinforcement, combined axial bending, interaction diagrams P vs M for

the critical segments, axial compression, axial tension, and shear.


193

Segments to be designed as shear walls.

Results of stability such as: status, global stability, computing of destabilizing and resisting forces

and check of overturning.

Results of stability


window.


194

Design: Status “OK” and “N.G.”

The report presents a general status for the wall. There are two possible options:

“OK” when all strips fulfill all bending moment and shear code verifications.

“N.G.” when one or more strips fail one or more code verifications.

Each strip has also a status that will display warnings in the case of errors in the design.

Analyzing with FEM

The same example will be analyzed using FEM (Finite Element Method) to compare results of

analyzing and design to the Simplified method.

Drop-down the menu of the option Analysis method and select FEM.

Do the same procedure explained previously, but change Pinned to Compression only springs in the

option Fixity at foundation level. This is a more accurate option to simulate the conditions at the base

of the wall.

Select Compression only springs for the fixity at foundation level option.

If you have done the new example over the first one, the reinforcement will remain saved unless you

have modified some data of geometry or material, and you have deleted the current reinforcement, so

you should perform an optimum design by pressing the Optimize command , located in the

Process group on the Home tab and in the Quick access toolbar, to do an automatic design and obtain

a new reinforcement; otherwise the program will only verify the current reinforcement.

Note .-


195

The user should take in mind the use of Compression only springs will assume in the analysis an

iterative non-linear method, which in some cases will not converge. In this case the use will be

obligated to modify Bottom panel or reduce the load magnitude of the load condition which not

converges.

Reinforcement obtained with the Simplified analysis method is a little bit different of the obtained

with FEM, as it is shown below:

Rebar obtained by FEM.

These variations essentially are due to the distribution of internal stresses in the wall. During the

simplified analysis the determination of the moments is done in strips in which the weight of the wall

is distributed and concentrated stresses are obtained. During the FEM method, a more homogeneous

distribution of the stresses is obtained that causes these differences at the time of detailing.

Example 8: Masonry Wall

197


This example shows systematically the creation of a masonry wall. This example will be most

effective if the user practices the illustrated skills as they are presented.

The structure is an example of one-story industrial building of reinforcement masonry walls; it

includes the design of bearing walls, shear walls and lintels. It is an example presented in “Amrhein

J. 1983, Reinforced Masonry Engineering Handbook, Fourth edition, Section 10”.

Example of masonry wall


If the Masonry Wall module is not already open, select Masonry in the Walls group in the Modules

tab within RAM Elements.

Masonry Wall module

To start a new structure click in the RE Button, select New and a default wall will appear. If an

existing model is open, the module will ask to save it.


198

Select New in the RE Button to start a new wall

Once the new file is open, proceed to the entering of data in the left window, following the order that

is shown below.

Entering units




Then open the folder Geometry which will drop-drown the parameters needed to be entered.


199

Enter the above wall geometry.

Note - All entered values will correspond to the default units. If other units of the same system are

required, type the value followed by the desired unit, as shown below.


Type the value followed by its unit and press Enter.

To enter the Openings, choose this option and a spreadsheet will appear to define one or several

openings in the wall at the same time.

Numbe

r

Reference Corner X offset Y offset B:Width H: Height

1 Lower Left 28 0 16 20

2 Lower Left 104 0 3 7

3 Lower Left 76 0 16 20

Note – There are several tools available to manage the spreadsheets. In order to access them, the user

should do right click in a cell in the spreadsheet and all the options will pop up.


200

Spreadsheet managing tools

The user can undo changes in the spreadsheet anytime selecting the Undo option.

Now, the masonry wall has three different openings.

Note: Those values that appear in red can be modified directly in the graphic.

The openings in this example have different shapes and are in the same level. In case the user needs

to enter equal openings in several levels, it is possible to use the tool located at the right side of

the openings spreadsheet.

Assign equal openings to several levels tool

Entering materials

To define the masonry wall material the user should open the Materials folder which will drop-down

four parameters to be entered.


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Enter the values shown in the figure above.

The first one, Material, defines the type and strength of the material. Choose CMU 1.5-60, which

stands for Concrete masonry unit with 1500 psi of specific compressive strength and grade 60

reinforcement. The second one is the Mortar type. The Mortar bed type can be complete or face

shell, and the grouting can be complete or partial. If the partial grouting is chosen, only those cells

that have reinforcement are going to be grouted.

Entering rigidity elements

Rigidity elements are commonly used to increase the stiffness of the masonry wall. The module

allows choosing between None, Columns or flanges. For this examples choose flanges.

Select Flanges and enter the values that are shown in the table below.

Numbe

r

Distance Width Z Thicknes

s

Position Z Position X

1 0 55 9.63 Back Right

2 144 55 9.63 Back Left

The flanges are defined by the distance from the left side of the wall, the flanges width, and the

position along Z and X-direction. The flanges width is the flanges size along Z-direction, the user has

to enter the real width and the module will consider only the effective width (6 times the flange

thickness or the actual flange). The position along Z-direction defines if the flanges are at the back or


202

front side from the wall face. The position along X-direction defines if the flanges are aligned at the

left or right side from the point defined in Distance.

Entering loads

The module presents three different types of loads that may be applied to the wall, such as:

1. Vertical loads

2. In-plane lateral loads

3. Out-of-plane loads

4. Global forces

In this example, we have distributed dead and live vertical loads width eccentricity, in-plane lateral

loads, and out-of-plane wind loads.

Before entering the loads, it is necessary to create the required load conditions. To do that, press the

button Add/Edit in the Load management group to open the load condition manager, and create the

Live Load (LL) and Wind (W) and Wind out of plane (Wop) conditions as it is shown in the next

figure.

Add and edit load conditions button

Load conditions for the example

Initially, uncheck any load case in the Self weight parameter as the dead load will include the wall

weight.

None load condition was selected for self weight as the dead load will include the wall weight

Then, select Vertical loads/Distributed and a spreadsheet for the distributed loads will appear.


203

Distributed loads can be entered directly by this window or by using the button assign distributed

load . For this example this button is going to be used.

Numbe

r

Level Load

condition

Magnitud

e

Eccentricity

1 1 DL 1.008 6.5

2 1 LL 0.04 6.5

Click the button to enter a distributed load through a dialog window. Choose all levels with equal

loads, Eccentricity YES; and the load magnitude and eccentricity shown above for Dead Load (DL),

the dialog should look like below.


204

Distributed loads for DL load case

Once done for DL, press the button and enter the data for LL loads condition as follows.

Distributed load for LL load case

The vertical distributed loads will be depicted in the graphic window.


205

Distributed dead load defined.

Now, select Lateral in-plane loads /Distributed and enter manually a distributed load for Wind of

0.041 kip/ft and click OK.

Lateral in-plane distributed load

Finally enter manually an out of plane load/pressure load of wind 0.012 kip/ft and click OK.


206

Lateral out-of-plane load


The program provides the different load combination files for each code (rag extension). The user

will be able to generate these combinations automatically or define them manually.

Click on the Generate button in the Load management group to open the Generate load combination

dialog.

Choose the file “ACI 530-05 ASD factored load combos.rag”. Then press Generate and the load

combinations will be generated.


207

Select the desired combinations and press OK.


208

In the same way, service load combinations should be generated. Service load combinations are used

for deflections calculations. Open and generate the file “ACI 530-05 service load combos.rag”.

Finally, the Load conditions manager shows:

Generated load combinations


The first variable on the option Design data is Elements to design. This variable allows selecting

which elements of the complete masonry wall are going to be designed.


209

Select all the elements to design and press OK.

Although the option Columns was checked, the module is not going to design columns because there

are no columns in the actual example. In the same way, the module identifies which elements the

model should be designed.

The module has the option to design bearing and/or shear walls as reinforced or unreinforced. If the

variable reinforced wall is unchecked the other variable disappears and the module only performs a

validation of the wall under the applied loads. Only one reinforcement layer will be used.

There are three criteria to design the walls: Spacing, Bar size and Reinforced area. Select Spacing.

The spacing values are given by the spacing between block cells. Spacing of 8, 16 and 24 in will be

considered.

Select Spacing as a Design criterion


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Enter 16, 24 and 32 in as spacing.

Note: If Spacing is selected as Design criterion, the module will check every spacing value in a

descendent order with the complete range of bar sizes until it finds an optimum result. If Bar size is

selected as Design criterion, the module will check every selected bar size in an ascendant order with

different spacing values until it finds an optimum result. Finally, if Reinforced Area is selected the

module will find the optimum total reinforced area for each bar size, and it will select the minimum

as optimum.

For the lintel design, it is necessary to enter the lintel depth. In the case that the depth is the same for

all the lintels, there is an option to select equal lintel depth. Besides, it is required to enter the

longitudinal bar sizes.


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For the lintel design, enter the lintel depth and the list of longitudinal bar sizes.


After entering all general data, the user should verify if all values by default in the Advanced options

are correct for the model and the design requirements. The Advanced options are locates in the

Options group.



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Verify that all values by default are correct for the model and the design requirements.

For this example, change the Mesh size (FEM Method) to manual and a new variable is going to

appear, set 24 in for the Custom mesh size and press OK.


Once all the data is entered, the module is ready for the analysis and design. Press the Optimize

button in the Process group to design the wall with the optimum reinforcement.

Optimize de model design

In order to see the analysis results go to the FEM tab.


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Analysis results obtained by the Finite Element Method (FEM)

Note: When the user goes to the Diagram, FEM or Detailing tabs or press the buttons Optimize or

Report for the first time, the module analyzes the model, performs a reinforcement optimization and

verifies the reinforcement according to the code; therefore it can take some minutes depending on the

model size.

At the top side of the screen, the load Conditions for these results are available; if another load

condition is desired to see, dropdown the list and choose one:

Select the desired load condition.

At the right side several graph types can be chosen. The first four options show the wall

displacements; the next eight options show the stresses; and rest show the resultant forces in the wall,

remember that forces values are shown as force per length (e.g. kip/ft).


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Select the desired graph type

Note: Axial forces are given Fy; shear forces are given Fxy, out-of-plane moments are given by Mxx

and in-plane moments are obtained using the Fy forces respect the middle of the wall portion in

consideration.

There are several graphic options in the Graphic options group to customize the displayed view.

Detailing the wall

Once the analysis and design of the wall have been run, the design can be reviewed in the Detailing

tab.


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Detailing Tab

This screen displays a spreadsheet with the reinforcement data of the design. During the design, the

program makes an optimization of reinforcement, that is to say, it obtains the minimum steel area to

satisfy the requirements according to the design parameters the user has entered in the data screen.

Remember that the user may change, edit or delete reinforcement at any moment according its

requirements. After a change, press the button in the quick access menu to verify quickly the

influence of these changes. The traffic light, located in the status bar , is used to check the

results of any changes.

This spreadsheet has four tabs: Wall Vertical reinforcement, Wall Horizontal reinforcement, Lintel

reinforcement and column reinforcement. However the tab for columns is not shown because there is

no column in this model.

Now suppose the user needs spacing values of 72 inches with bar #5 for all vertical reinforcement.

For this, initially delete all the vertical reinforcement using the button Clear located in the

spreadsheet tools.


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Click on the button Continuous vertical in the Generate reinforcement group to enter a

continuous reinforcement. Select all the strips, bar #5 and 72 inches of spacing, and the click OK.

A new vertical reinforcement was assigned to the whole wall and the traffic light is disabled due to

these changes. Now the user can verify if those changes fulfill the requirements and the limitations of

the code by clicking on the button . In the same way, it is possible to modify any reinforcement in

the different tabs; just make any change and click on verify button. If the traffic light is not green, this

means that some of the changes were not correct according to the code.

Note - If the user wants to return to the initial results of automatic design, the Optimize design

button can be used from the quick access toolbar.

Seeing the report

The entire data and result sets can be seen in the report:


The report is divided in 5 parts: general information, bearing wall design, shear wall design, column

design and lintel design.

General information. This part of the report shows the wall geometry, material, openings,

rigidity elements, load conditions, and loads.


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General information.

Bearing wall Design. This second part of the report shows the design results of the walls

considered as bearing walls. It is subdivided in:

Bearing wall status and plot

Segment geometry

Vertical reinforcement

Results

Shear wall Design. It shows the design results of the walls considered as shear walls. It is

subdivided in:

Shear wall status and plot

Segment geometry

Vertical and horizontal reinforcement

Results

Column Design. It shows the design results of the columns. It is subdivided in:

Column status and plot

Column geometry


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Reinforcement

Results

Lintel Design. It shows the design results of the lintels. It is subdivided in:

Lintel status and plot

Lintel geometry

Reinforcement

Results

Design Status

The report presents a general status for bearing walls, shear walls, columns and lintels. There are

three possible options:

“OK” when all the elements fulfill the requirements and limitations of the code

“Warnings.” when some elements fail one or more limitations of the code.

“N.G.” when some elements fail one or more requirements of the code.

Example 9: Footing Design

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Example 9: Reinforced concrete footings

This example is conceived as a guide for the user in the design of reinforced concrete footings. The

example will be more effective if the user follows the different steps in the program. Although it only

describes the use of the module as a standalone program, it includes some explanations and remarks

related to the importation of the data from the main program.

The example is an isolated footing with a reinforced concrete column submitted to the action of axial

loads and bending moments at footing-column level, as it is illustrated in the next figure:

Example of Isolated Footing


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Once opened the new file, you can proceed with the introduction of data in the left window,


2) Entering Units



3) Design Code

Select the design code to be used.

Select the ACI 318-05 Code.

4) Foundation and column types

Select the foundation type and column type.

Select the Spread footing type and the Concrete column type


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5) Entering geometry data – Footing data

Select the Geometry option. Note that all the options are of the drop down type.

Go to the Material option of the Footing Data folder. Note that you have several available materials,

for this example use C3-60.

Select material C 3-60 and press OK.

Enter the depth of the base

Note. - The introduced value is in the default units. To enter data in other units of the same system,

type the value followed by the desired units to use and press Enter.

The footing base geometry (length, width and height) is not required to be defined because the

program may suggest it. Only enter values to use fixed and predefined values.

When initiating the module the displayed dimensions are default initial values.

6) Entering geometry data – Column Data

Go to the folder Column Data and enter the column design parameters.


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Select the option Column location relative to footing geometry c.g. to locate the column in the plane

of the footing.

Then choose the Centered option.

Enable the Consider column reinforcement and Show dowels options that will be used to determine

the splice lengths.

Enter the column dimensions.

The dowel reinforcement is defined by the user. Enter the Dowels longitudinal reinforcement.

Next define the Dowel transversal reinforcement (stirrups).

Enter the amount legs for each direction, the bar diameter to be used and the separation

between stirrups.

Note. - The introduction of these data is optional. To disable it, deactivate the check box Consider

column reinforcement and Show dowels.


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7) Soil Data

The first option in this folder is Calculate soil bearing capacity. By default the program displays the

option disabled. With this option checked the program will require other data necessary for

calculating the soil bearing capacity.

For this example, let this option disabled.

Enter the allowable soil stress. This will define basically the footing dimensions.

Establish the soil unit weight.

Enter the modulus of subgrade reaction; this will be used to determine the base elastic settlements.

Note. –Each variable or option has a sensitive help with its description and definition.


Before entering the loads, the load conditions and load combinations should be defined. The program

has tools to generate combinations automatically according to the used Specifications.

In order to define the load conditions go to the Load management group in the Home tab and press

the Add and edit load conditions command .

The following window is displayed:


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One load condition (dead load) and two load combinations (service and design) are defined by

default.

In this example we will add manually the condition of live load. Click in the first empty cell of the

column ID, enter an identifier of the condition (i.e., LL). Write a brief description of the load and

finally select a category by double clicking in the cell of the column Category (chose LL).


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Manually enter the new load condition. Notice that when entering a new load condition this is added

automatically in the combinations.

Note. - Also load conditions can easily be added by pressing the button , this option displays a

list of the more often used load conditions.

Next define the combinations:


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Enter the load factors and define the type (service or design).

To automatically generate load combinations, follow the following steps:

1.- Press the Generate load combinations command in the Load management group on the Home

tab. The dialog to generate the load combinations will appear.

2.- Select the file for the generation, as it is shown in the following figure.


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Select the load combination according to the code that is being used, in this case ASCE 7-05 service

load combos.rag, and immediately it will obtain a list of service combinations. Press Generate.

A message with the number of generated load combinations will appear. Press OK.

Notes

If the module is run from RAM Elements, the generation of load combinations or conditions will not

be necessary, because the main program may export all the loads directly to the module. In any case

the loads may be edited or changed in the module.

If it requires eliminate load conditions or combinations, this can easily be done by pressing the

button . A window will display where is possible to select the elements to eliminate.

9) Entering Loads

Locate the Loads folder and select the option Forces by load condition.

Click on the option <Loads>

The following window will appear:


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This window is used for entering the forces by load condition.

Note. - In case of combined footing, the program adds a new element to the above window, in order

to define the loads by column.

Select the Load case:

Choose the load case and enter the force data.

Assign the force data for each load case:

Press OK after entering the forces for the different load cases.

Note. – The loads may be imported directly from the main program.

Define the localization of the horizontal forces.

10) Entering the design data

Go to the Design data folder and enter the design data.

Select the data Design criterion of footing dimensions and choose Long/Width Ratio (default value)

from the drop menu.


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Select a Length/Width ratio = 1 to design a square footing.

Select the dowels force type. Use this option when the load is predominantly in compression.

Select the Bars size for footing optimization to be used in the optimization.

11) Entering Configuration values

This values should be eventually defined or only once. With this option, the user may define general

configuration values for concrete, reinforcement, soil and design.

Press the Advanced command located in the Options group on the Home tab to display the

Advanced options dialog.


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Configuration window. Leave it with the values by default and click in accept.

12) Suggest dimensions

In order to obtain the suggested dimensions of the base, press the Suggest footing dimensions

command located in the Process group on the Home tab.


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In the data window and in the detailing window the footing dimensions are shown.

Note. – When several load conditions or combinations are used there may be a small delay in the

calculations.

13) Optimizing the reinforcement

Press the Optimize command in the Process group on the Home tab. Note that the

reinforcement obtained will be according to the bars selected for the optimization (see step 10).


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14) Checking the design

Once the dimensions and reinforcement is obtained, the user should verify if such dimensions and

reinforcement fulfill all requirements of the Specifications. Press the Check command in the

Process group on the Home tab.

Check the traffic lights in the status bar located at the lower right of the screen.

Note. - Remember that a yellow traffic light indicates warnings, while a red light indicates errors.

15) FEM diagram

Go to the Soil pressure tab in order to see the following diagram:

FEM Diagram of contact pressures. Also it is possible to see a FEM diagram of settlements.

16) Footing detailing

Once the footing is analyzed and designed, go to the Detailing tab.


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This screen displays a spreadsheet with the reinforcement data that may be edited or changed

according to your requirements. After modifying the reinforcement, check the design with the Check

command in the Quick access toolbar.

The spreadsheet has two labels: Longitudinal (reinforcement parallel to the length of the footing) and

Transversal (reinforcement parallel to the width one of the footing).

Whenever you change the spreadsheet data, the traffic lights will be off, in order to remind you to

check design.

Notes

If the user wants to return to the initial results of automatic design, the Optimize command can

be used.

If the type of column is pedestal the program may suggest its reinforcement, too.


to DXF option. .


All results and data are included in the report:


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In order to see the report, press the Report command located in the Process group in the Home

tab and in the Quick access toolbar.

The report consists of 3 sections:

General data. Relative to the base geometry, the used materials, the soil foundation

properties, the provide reinforcement, etc.

Results. Relative to the footing-soil interaction and the footing strength as a reinforced

concrete element.

Explanatory notes

Press the Print command located in the group Print in order to print the report

Note.- If you wish to edit the report, you can easily export it to Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel

using the Export group options.


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Documents

Examples