Understanding how a design strip works
RAM Concept generates design strips from span segments.
A design strip is normally the length of a span with a logical width.
RAM Concept subdivides each individual design strip segment according to the following parameters:
- minimum number of divisions
- maximum division spacing
- support width
- changes in concrete section along the span
RAM Concept locates a design strip cross section at the start of each division, plus one at the end. The length of each cross section equals the width of the design strip at that location.
RAM Concept modifies the geometrical properties of each design strip cross section according to the cross section trimming and inter cross section slope limit settings.
RAM Concept integrates the resultants for each load combination along the length of each design strip cross section (and hence across the width of the design strip).
RAM Concept uses some properties of each span segment to determine applicable code rules (beam or slab, post-tensioned or reinforced) for the corresponding design strip.
RAM Concept applies the code rules to the envelope of the load combination integrals within a rule set. Other span segment properties (reinforcement bar sizes, cover) facilitate the actual code rule calculations. See "Span segment properties" for more information.
RAM Concept separates design strips into two sets: latitude and longitude. The two sets are for convenience and recognize that concrete floors should be designed in two directions.
