RAM Structural System Help

Assumptions and Limitations

RAM Structural system assumes that all beams framing into a joint have the same top of steel elevation. Where this is not true the engineer should not rely on the results of the design from RAM Frame. Joint checks can be performed on all valid steel beam-column joints. A valid joint is defined as one in which the column is an I-section (Wide Flange) and where at least one steel member (designated as a frame member) is rigidly connected to the flange of the column. If more than two rigidly connected steel sections frame into one flange of a steel I-Section column, or if there are no rigidly connected steel members attached to the flanges of the section then no checks are performed. RAM Frame considers two sides of the column and refers to them as Side A and Side B. Side A refers to the flange of the column orientated along the local axis of the member as shown in the figure below. Side B is the flange of the column located opposite Side A.

Designation of Side A and Side B of the joint.

Line parallel to column web indicates local axis direction