The finite element library (RAMFE) is an object-oriented C++ library and it is analysis engine for several RAM Structural System programs. It provides a collection of frame and shell elements as well as static and dynamic solver. The library is also available for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

For very large models, the in-core solver might run into insufficient memory issues. For this reason, an out-of-core (OOC) direct sparse solver and some new optimization routines are also provided in the library. The program, however, does not automatically detect if OOC solution is required. Please note that for most models, it is not necessary to use OOC. This solution is only needed for very large models for which insufficient memory errors are given during analysis. Also note that since the OOC solution requires repeated access to the hard drive, this substantially increases analysis time. The default choice of the program (in-core direct solver) still provides the best performance if there is no memory limitation for models.

An improved version of subspace iteration method (Bathe, 1996; Hughes 2000) is implemented to find eigen modes shapes and Eigen values of structural models. Load Dependent Ritz Vectors is also supplied in the library (Wilson, E.L., 1983). Finally, another eigenvalue solver (Arnoldi/Lanczos) is added, which targets eigenvalue solution of large models (Rice University, ARPACK library).