In addition to the mass values specified as part of the Surface, Line and Point loads, the self-weight of columns, beams, walls and slabs/decks can be automatically included in the mass by selecting the mass options of the Criteria – Self-Weight command in the RAM Manager. If the options are not selected, the self-masses are not included, even if values are specified in the Modeler.

This feature is similar to that of Self-weight.

Self-mass of Steel Joists is not automatically included. In order for the design to consider the self-mass for these members, it must be applied by the user as part of the surface load or as a series of separate line loads.

Self-mass of Braces is not automatically included.

For columns and walls there is an option to either split the mass of the column or wall between the two adjacent levels, half up and half down, or to apply all of the mass of the column or wall to the level above.

For walls with openings, the wall self- mass is reduced to account for the opening (i.e., the openings are considered when calculating wall self- mass).

When the top of a wall slopes, the wall self-mass is based on the average height of the wall at each end.

The self-mass of Concrete columns and beams is calculated using the value of Unit Weight for Self-Weight, specified by the user in the Modeler. This value of Unit Weight is separate from the value specified for Unit Weight used in the calculation of material properties (e.g., modulus of elasticity).

Note that self-masses are based on the center-to-center distance of supports and floor-to-floor heights of beams and columns respectively. This means that there is a duplication of self-mass at the joints. The program does not make any attempt to reduce this.