RAM Concept performs most of the layer management automatically. Almost all of the layers you need to design a structure are already in place when you start a new file. RAM Concept adds appropriate layers when you create new Loadings, Load Combinations, and Rule Set Designs.

Drawing Import Layer

This layer contains all the imported CAD drawing information. RAM Concept automatically stores any imported drawings on this layer.

Mesh Input Layer

This layer contains the objects that define the geometry of the structure. RAM Concept uses these objects to generate corresponding finite element objects on the Element Layer.

Layer-Specific Objects: Column, Wall, Slab Area, Slab Opening, Beam, Point Support, Line Support, Point Spring, Line Spring, Area Spring.

Element Layer

This layer contains the finite element objects. These objects can be generated by RAM Concept based on the information on the Mesh Input Layer, or can be created by hand.

Layer-Specific Objects:Column Element, Wall Element, Slab Element, Point Support, Line Support, Point Spring, Line Spring, Area Spring.

Loading Layers (Self-dead, Balance, Hyperstatic, Temporary Construction (at Stressing), Other Dead, Live (Reducible), Live (Unreducible), Live (Storage), Live (Roof) and User-defined)

These layers contain all the information that defines the loads on the structure. In RAM Concept , a loading is a set of loads applied as a group, such as the live loads. The loading layers also contain the loading analysis results.

RAM Concept provides the self-dead, balance, and hyperstatic loading layers by default and you cannot delete them.

You can define an unlimited number of loadings and RAM Concept creates a corresponding layer for each.

Layer-Specific Objects:Point Loads, Line Loads, Area Loads.

Note: You cannot edit the load objects on the Self-Dead Loading Layer, Balance Loading Layer, and Hyperstatic Loading Layer.

Pattern Layer

This layer contains the load patterns for the structure.

Layer-Specific Objects:Load Patterns.

Design Strip Layer

This layer contains the design strips, design sections and punching checks for the structure.

Layer-Specific Objects:Span Segments, Span Boundaries, Strip Boundaries, Design Sections, Punching Checks.

Tendon Parameters Layers (Latitude and Longitude)

These layers contain high level post-tensioning objects. Although there are two tendon layers, Latitude and Longitude, there is no requirement to use both layers. You can draw tendon parameters on the tendon parameters layers in whatever manner you wish.

Layer-Specific Objects:Banded Tendon Polyline, Distributed Tendon Quadrilateral, Tendon Void, Profile Polyline.

Manual Tendon Layers (Latitude and Longitude)

These layers contain the layout of post-tensioning tendons and jacks for the structure. Although there are two tendon layers, Latitude and Longitude, there is no requirement to use both layers. You can draw tendons on the tendon layers in whatever manner you wish.

Layer-Specific Objects:Tendon, Jack.

Load Combination Layers (All Dead, Dead and Balance, Initial Service, Service, Sustained Service, Factored and User-defined)

These layers contain the load combination analysis results.

Note: The load combinations listed are for ACI318. Other codes use some different terminology.

Rule Set Design Layers (Code Minimum, User Minimum, Initial Service, Service, Sustained Service, Strength, Ductility)

These layers contain the rule set design analysis and design results.

Note: The rule set designs listed are for ACI318, other codes use some different terminology.

Load History Deflection Layers

These layers contain the results of the load history analyses.

Additional Mass Loading Layer

This layer contains loads that are converted to mass for the vibration analysis.

Layer-Specific Objects: Point Loads, Line Loads, Area Loads.

Vibration Analysis Layer

This layer contains vibration related analysis results.

Layer-Specific Objects: Excitation Areas.

Design Status Layer

This layer contains the summary of all the design results. The summary information is automatically created by RAM Concept when you Calc All. You cannot create, edit, or delete the objects on this layer but you can view them.

Optimization Layer

This layer contains the definition of all Optimization Regions. See the Optimization Chapter for further details.