RAM Structural System assumes that all beams framing into a joint have the same top of steel elevation. For the case of beams with different depths (and sloped beams) this assumption differs from the geometric assumption made in RAM Frame for analysis. As illustrated in below, in RAM Frame all members (beams and columns) at a joint are assumed to have coincident longitudinal axes. It is the engineers’ responsibility to determine the effect and validity of these assumptions with respect to their particular application.

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 following figure. Side B is the column flange located opposite Side A.