Column element properties
The following is a list of RAM Concept column element properties:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | User-defined label used to identify the column in output. |
| Concrete Mix | Type of concrete used (defined in Materials Specification). |
| Height | Vertical distance from centroid of slab element to far end of column. |
| Support Set | Defines the column as below or above the floor. |
| Width | Measured along the column’s r-axis. Set to zero for round columns. |
| Depth / Diameter | Measured along the column’s s-axis. |
| Angle | Plan angle measured counterclockwise from the global x-axis. It determines the column’s r-axis (and is usually zero). |
| Bending Stiffness Factor | Used to modify the bending stiffness without changing the dimensions or height. For example, you may expect an edge column to crack and rotate more than an internal column and so you might consider setting this value to 0.5. You could use the BSF to increase a column’s stiffness, but this is an unlikely scenario. |
| Roller at Far End | Results in zero horizontal shear in column. |
| Fixed Near | Provides a moment connection (about x- and y-axes) between column and slab; otherwise pinned. |
| Fixed Far | Provides a moment connection (about x- and y-axes) at far end; otherwise pinned. |
| Compressible | Allows for column to elongate in the z-direction according to Hooke’s law; otherwise incompressible. Compressible columns usually produce results that are more accurate. |