RAM Concrete Analysis

RAM Concrete is completely integrated into the RAM Structural System. It uses the same model and database as RAM Frame and RAM Steel. While most of the information needed for concrete gravity analysis and design is taken from the database, some data does need to be entered in the Concrete program itself.

You must have a license to RAM Concrete to perform this part of the tutorial. If no license is available, skip to the next section, RAM Foundation. At this point, only the US codes are implemented in the RAM Concrete module. SI units will not be presented in this section, but an SI units model can still be used.

To invoke RAM Concrete from the RAM Manager:

Select Design > RAM Concrete or select the 5th square button depicting a concrete beam and column.

In order for the program to design the concrete members correctly, a separate gravity analysis needs to be performed. The lateral force results from RAM Frame are added to these gravity results automatically. For this reason you should always perform a RAM Frame analysis prior to running RAM Concrete.

Setting	Description
Concrete Program Organization	The RAM Concrete program is comprised of three modes: the Concrete Gravity Analysis Module, the Concrete Beam Design module and the Concrete Column Design module. When you enter RAM Concrete you will always be placed in the Concrete Gravity Analysis Module. These modules function as follows:
Concrete Gravity Analysis Module	When you select Design - RAM Concrete you will be placed in the Concrete Gravity Analysis Mode. The mode drop-down on the upper left toolbar will indicate you are in this mode. In this mode a finite element analysis of each story is performed. This analysis determines the gravity forces for both concrete column and beam design. In this module you have some control over the finite element analysis which will be discussed. You also assign beam lines which affects how the beams are detailed. It's important to note that the concrete analysis requires all members, even steel members to have an assigned size. If a model includes optimized members, then the RAM Steel Beam and Column design modules must be run prior to analyzing the model in RAM Concrete.
Concrete Beam Design Module	In this module the design of all concrete beams is performed. The gravity analysis forces are automatically combined with the lateral forces (from RAM Frame) to obtain design beam forces. The program automatically designs reinforcement considering user preferences and code requirements. An interactive view/update command provides a means of modifying the programs design.
Concrete Column Design Module	In this module the design of all concrete columns is performed. The gravity analysis forces are automatically combined with the lateral forces (from RAM Frame) to obtain design column forces. Column forces from the external program RAM Concept can also be utilized. A comprehensive moment interaction surface is calculated for the design of each column. Multiple reinforcement patterns can be considered for each column line, and the program automatically selects the optimal pattern and reinforcement size. An interactive view/update dialog provides a means of altering the programs designs.