Where standard provision load combinations are referred to (such as in Section 4.1 in regard to the applicable building code), RAM Frame will use the current load combinations from the standard provision mode. The engineer is responsible for ensuring that an appropriate set of loads and combinations are defined in the standard provision mode prior to switching to special seismic mode and performing a code check. Amplified Seismic load combinations as referenced in Section 4.1 are generated within this mode.

The provisions of AISC 2002 are written for consistency with load combinations given in ASCE 7 (ASCE 2002) and IBC (ICC 2000). While AISC 2002 refers to the applicable building code as the source of the load combinations they should be consistent with the codes above to be applicable to the design provisions. Refer to the Section C4 in the commentary of the AISC 2002 specification for more information.

Nominal strengths are based on Load and Resistance Factor Design Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (December 27, 1999), published by the American Institute of Steel Construction in Manual of Steel Construction - Load and Resistance Factor Design (3rd Edition).