RAM Concept uses envelopes of the reactions on the column to calculate the force envelopes for determining the critical case. The forces are enveloped about the punch check axes and the following cases are considered: Max F_z, Min F_z, Max M_r, Min M_r, Max M_s, Min M_s. The controlling envelope can be displayed by checking "controlling criteria" in the visible objects menu under "Punching Checks" on any plan that displays the Rule Set Design Layers or Design Status Layer.

Loads applied inside the critical sections

Any loads that are applied within the critical section shape could be excluded from the punching reaction since they do not contribute to the forces passing through the critical section. RAM Concept calculates the punching reaction by summing the column above and below reactions with any point loads applied within the column shape. The column shape is used for this calculation (instead of the critical section shape) as it guarantees a single set of punching reactions for each punching check. Line and area loads are not considered in this summation.

Punching Reactions for Lateral SE Loads

Loads of analysis type Lateral SE are appropriately included in the punching reactions. These loads are typically applied at the column/wall locations and normally consist of at least an applied out of plane concentrated force with a set of orthogonally applied moments. These forces typically represent the total joint forces applied from the supports to the slab for the given lateral loading. The correct punching reaction for this type of loading is simply the loading itself. Since RAM Concept internally removes the column and wall supports in the Lateral SE loading analysis, the resulting punching reaction will be the summation of any loads applied within the column shape.

Contribution from the Vertical Component of Prestress

Some building codes allow the vertical component of prestress to be considered in the punching calculations. This is normally accomplished by adding the contribution of the vertical prestress to the capacity at the critical section, or by subtracting the vertical prestress component from the punching reaction. RAM Concept can approximate this effect using the Calc Option Include Tendon Component in Punch Check Reaction. If this option is selected, after the tendons have been converted into equivalent concentrated balance loads RAM Concept will modify (normally reduce) the punching reaction by any concentrated forces located within the column shape.