The gravity forces acting on all concrete columns are calculated in the RAM Concrete Analysis module as described in the Concrete Analysis Technical Manual. If the user has performed an analysis in RAM Frame prior to entering the Concrete modules, a second set of gravity forces for lateral columns (and lateral columns only) will be available from the RAM Frame analysis results. The user has the option to consider either set of analysis forces using the option under Criteria > Column Design – Design Checks/Forces – Gravity Forces on Lateral Columns (ACI) and Criteria – Column Design > Gravity Forces on Lateral Columns. Refer to the Concrete Analysis Technical Manual for a discussion of the differences between these two sets of analysis results. The user should note that the selection made with this option will not affect the lateral forces applied to the columns. The lateral forces calculated in RAM Frame will always be available in the RAM Concrete Column module as long as an analysis has been conducted in RAM Frame prior to entering the Concrete Column module.

Column forces that are exported from RAM Concept (optional) are integrated into the Concrete Analysis and will be considered in the column design. If a hyperstatic force is present in the RAM Concept analysis then an additional load case will be present in the Concrete Analysis and will also appear in the load combination dialog in the Concrete Column Module. Refer to the Concrete Gravity Analysis manual for more information on the integration of forces from RAM Concept.