The Process-Joint View/Update command is a powerful feature that allows the user to check the capacity of an I-Section steel column at a moment (rigid) frame joint to resist the applied loads without requiring stiffeners or web plates. Design checks are based on the currently selected steel design code (in the Criteria-Code command). If desired, the columns size and yield strength can be modified and the Code Check repeated. The modified data can then be saved to the database without requiring returning to the RAM Modeler.

Selecting Joint View/Update causes the target cursor to appear. Click the cursor near a steel joint. This will cause the Joint View/Update dialog box to appear. The joint will be rendered in the dialog and the code check results displayed both in text and on the graphic. The header of this dialog box provides information about the joint selected: its floor type, number, story level, and plan coordinates.

The assigned column size is displayed in the Column Size dropdown. A new member size or new yield strength value can be analyzed by selecting the new size from the dropdown control or by entering a new yield strength value in the edit box and then issuing the Analyze command. Immediately after a new size has been selected or yield strength modified, but before Analyze is invoked, the stoplight will light up yellow and the joint results will be cleared. Once an analysis has been performed, if the joint can be adequately designed, the stoplight will light up green and new results will appear in black. If it does not pass the code check, the stoplight will light up red and the appropriate error message will be displayed.

To view a detailed report of the joint code check, click the View Results button. This includes Input Design Parameters, Controlling Load Combinations, and calculated values. A print out of this report is available when the report is displayed or by using the Reports - Member Code Check command.

Once a satisfactory joint column member has been found, click the Update Database button to save it. Notice that when a new size is saved to the database the status indicator light turns yellow and a reanalysis is suggested to obtain accurate member forces.