RAM Structural System Help

Steel Member Layout - Typical Level

We'll start our work on the Typical Level, by copying all items from the 3rd floor type.

  • Select the Typical level type.
  • Copy the 3rd floor type to the typical level and select All items to copy.

We will not use the radial grids on this level so it is best to turn them off.

  • Go to Layout-Grids-Select
  • Uncheck the box beside Radial and click [OK].

Not all of the walls from the 3rd floor type are used on the Typical level so some need to be deleted.

  • Be sure the selected material mode is Concrete. If it is not, change to Concrete now using either of the methods shown previously.
  • Select Layout > Walls > Delete.
  • Click [Single] and delete the wall on grid line F

We will now add a beam where the wall had been.

  • Select Layout > Beams > Add on Grid.
  • Add a beam where the wall had been as shown previously.
    Note: At this time the beam is concrete, like the other members on the level.

The Typical floor is comprised of steel members but since we copied the framing from the 3rd floor, the members are currently all concrete. Change the material of the beams as follows:

  • Select Layout > Beams > Change Material.
  • Change Fy to 50 ksi (355).
  • Change the Shape to I section.
  • Set the framing to Composite.
  • Click [Fence] and fence the whole floor to change all of the concrete beams into steel.

Now, clear all of the user assigned sizes (assigned to concrete beams prior to copy).

  • Select Layout > Beams > Clear Size
  • Click [Fence] and fence all of the beams on the Typical floor type.
    Note: If the concrete sizes are not cleared from the steel beams, the Steel Beam Design Module will search for the user assigned sizes in the steel tables resulting in design errors.

Now change the columns from concrete to steel.

  • Select Layout > Columns > Change Material.
  • For the Fy value type 50 (355 for py).
  • Set Shape to I section.
  • Click [Fence] and in the graphics mode fence the entire framing.

    All of the columns are changed into Steel Wide flange shapes. The framing and orientation of the original columns are maintained.

Now we must change the lateral steel columns on grid line 5 to gravity and change their orientation to .

  • Select Layout-Columns-Change properties and checking the Orientation and Framing boxes and making the appropriate changes.
  • Click [Single]
  • Click on the columns at the ends of grid line 5.

Similarly, change the beam on grid A between grids 4 and 5 to gravity.

Move the columns on Gridline 5 by

  • Select Layout-Columns-Move.
  • Select the Top and Bottom option under Move
  • Select the Increment Current Coordinates option under Location.
  • Enter -8 (-2.5) in the Y text box, leaving the X box at 0.
  • Select Maintain Relative Spacing under options,
  • Click [Fence] and fence all the columns on Gridline 5.

We will now add a cantilevered balcony to the Typical level.

  • Select Layout-Beams-Add Cantilevers.
  • Choose the Input Value as Cantilever Length option
  • Enter 8 in the length box.
  • Click [Add/Change].
  • Select the girder on Grid A between grids 4 and 5. Click the north end of that girder to add the cantilever.
  • Repeat for the same girders on grids B, C, D, E and F.
  • Select Layout-Beams-Add Off Grid.
  • Choose the Beam-To-Beam (Dist, Dist).
  • Enter 0 for both distances
  • Click [Add].
  • Click on the end of the cantilever beam on Grid Line B, then on the north side of the same beam.
  • Next click on the cantilever on Grid Line C, and again on the north side. Notice the beam gets added to the ends of the cantilevered beams.
    Note: You can also use the Add On Grid command for this situation as snap points are assigned to the ends of all beams.
  • Repeat for all of the cantilevered beams.
  • Right Click to return to the Layout-Beam-Off Grid dialog.
  • Chose Beam-to-Beam (Dist,Angle),
  • Enter 4 (1.25) for dist
  • Enter 90 for Angle.
  • Click on the end of the cantilevered beams and into the bays to add a floor beam in those bays.
Verify the typical level framing in the picture below.

Complete Framing of the Typical Level

Now, we will place some lateral beam bracing for the moment frame beams.

  • Select Layout Beams > Add Off-Grid.
  • Select Gravity for the Framing
  • Select Composite for the Composite Flag.
  • Select the option Beam-To-Beam (Dist, Angle).
  • Select Angle Relative the Reference Beam 1 (0-90) as your Beam-To-Beam option.
  • Set the Dist. to 12.5 (4)
  • Enter 90 degrees for the Angle.
  • Click [Add].
  • With the target cursor, select the lateral beam from grid B-4 to C-4.
  • Click to the west end of that beam.
  • A white horizontal line will appear 12.5' from the left end of that beam. Click to the south side and the new beam will be placed on that side. This beam will brace the top and bottom flange of the lateral beam which will improve the design.
  • Repeat for the lateral beams on Grid 4.

    Lateral Beam bracing.