RAM Concept Help

Defining Design Strips

Note: Design strips are perhaps the most important tool in RAM Concept . It is highly recommended that the designer takes the time to fully understand what a design strip does, and how to use them. If you use design strips improperly then the results will be meaningless.

Finite element analysis often produces high peak moments and stress concentrations which are inappropriate for calculation of reinforcement and evaluating performance.

Code rules are generally intended for strip methods that assume an averaging (or "smearing") of moment and shear across a designated width, such as a column strip. RAM Concept uses design strips and design sections to link finite element analysis with concrete code rules and concrete design.