As in the analysis mode, the Steel Mode has a set of criteria that govern effect the design results of the structure. A complete discussion of these criteria appears in the RAM Frame documentation. It is recommended that you review and understand each of these criteria before accepting RAM Frame design results.

• To assign the characteristic of the building:
• Select Criteria > B1 and B2 Factors (Moment amplification factors).
  
• In the dialog box that opens, select Both Apply B1 Factors and Apply B2 Factors.
• Leave the Rmx and Rmy at 1.00.
  Note: Since P-delta was selected in the original analysis, these factors are not necessary to complete the Direct Analysis Method set forth by the AISC 360-05 design spec. If P-delta was not selected this step would be required to complete the selected analysis.
• Click [OK].

To assign Global Effective Length or K factors,

• Select Criteria > K Factors (Effective Length).
• In the K Factor dialog box that opens, notice the only values that can be modified are the braces. Again this is due to the analysis code chosen at the beginning. Different codes give different levels of control (for British code models use the defaults).
  
• Click [OK].

To set the flange bracing criteria for beams and columns:

• Select Criteria > Flange Bracing.
  
• Check Top Flange Continually Braced for Beams.
• Check Deck Braces Column for Columns.
• Uncheck the other options.
• Type 60 for Maximum angle from column axis for which beam or brace braces column.
• Click [OK].

The Column Moments criteria can be used if you wish for the moment connections in the building to transfer only a portion of the end moment to the supporting column. This can be helpful in designing partially restrained, Type 2 connections (Refer to AISC Steel Specifications for more information), but will not be covered in this Tutorial.

To turn off the Axial Slenderness limits prescribed by the code:

• Select Criteria > Axial Slenderness Limits.
  
• Check both options.
• Click [OK].

Besides member design criteria, RAM Frame also checks moment connections for stiffener and web plate (doubler) requirements.

To assign the criteria to be used in the Joint Design:

• Select Criteria > Joints.
• Click [OK] to accept all the defaults.

For the Special Moment Frames in this model, we can also assign Reduced Beam Section Criteria (US models only).

• Select Criteria > Reduced Beam Sections.
  
• For the W16X40, type 8,10 and 1.75 (200,, 250, 44) for a, b and c respectively.
• Click [OK].
• In order to have the reduced beam sections considered an assignment must be made to the Beams in the Special Moment Frames.
• Select View > Elevation and pick one of the moment frames.
• Select Assign > Beams > Reduced Beam Sections.
  
• Set the Action to Use Reduced Beam Section and select the beams with a single or fence option.
• Repeat for all other Moment Frame beams.