A load pattern creates a (invisible) pattern loading that contains only filtered loads for each standard loading. The On-Pattern and Off-Pattern factors control the filtering.

The inclusion and exclusion of loads within the pattern area defines the pattern loading. RAM Concept multiplies loads inside the pattern area by the on-pattern factor and multiplies loads outside the pattern area by the off-pattern factor. The actual pattern area is dependent upon the finite element mesh. See Creating Pattern Loading , for further explanation.

For the figures above, if the live load is 100 psf, the on-pattern factor is 0.8 and the off-pattern factor is 0.1 then two pattern loadings are created with a load of 80 psf on the hatched areas and a load of 10 psf on the remainder of the slab.

RAM Concept uses the load patterns for a loading - along with the full loading - to determine the design force envelopes for design strip segments, design sections and punching checks.