Generally a model will contain both Frame and Gravity members. This is not required, however, depending on the type of analysis desired. If only a Gravity design is desired all of the members could be modeled as Gravity members, and they would all be designed as such, including those members that are actually Frame members. Generally, however, it is more convenient to model the Frame members as such, even if only a Gravity design is going to be performed.

It is also acceptable to only model the Frame members, without any Gravity members, for analysis in RAM Frame. This type of model would be analogous to the type of model analyzed by traditional frame analysis programs, which only include Frame members. This type of model does not take full advantage of the capabilities of the RAM Structural System, but provides a convenient method of quickly modeling and analyzing the 2-D or 3-D lateral frames. It is especially useful when trying to determine a preliminary lateral framing scheme, especially if precise gravity loads are not necessary.