Four standard joist tables based on the Steel Joist Institute's Standard Load Tables are provided with RAM Steel Beam. The Steel Joist Institute K-, LH-, and DLH-series joists comprise three of the tables: RAMSJIK.JST, RAMSJILH.JST, and RAMSJIDH.JST. These three tables are combined to create the forth joist table: RAMSJI.JST. This is perhaps the most convenient table to use because it automatically selects the most economical joist from any of the three series, rather than being limited to one particular series of joists. You may specify the table to be used for the selection of joists.

All tables are located in the RAM program data folder, typically C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System\Tables .

The joists in these tables are ordered from most economical to least economical (generally, by weight). RAM Steel Beam selects the first joist in the table that conforms to the capacity requirements and design criteria specified (e.g., deflection limits, depth restrictions, etc.). If no joist in the table meets all of the requirements, the label "xxSJxx" is assigned.

You can alter the order of selection RAM Steel Beam uses by changing the order of joists in the tables or deleting joists from the tables. You may also create custom tables of joists using the same format as the original tables. Instructions for editing and creating tables are located in Chapter 8 of the RAM Manager manual.

Some jurisdictions limit the allowable stresses in the steel joists to values less than those allowed by S.J.I. Since the tables are based on the S.J.I. allowable stresses, a means has been provided whereby you can limit the stresses and obtain acceptable joist selections. This is done by selecting Criteria > Joists and modifying the Allowable Stress Ratio. The value specified should be less than or equal to 1.0.

The Deflection Criteria specified for noncomposite beams is used as the deflection criteria for Steel Joists.

Selection of a joist size from the standard joist tables is based on the Total Load and Live Load capacities of the joist, deflection criteria, depth restrictions (if any), and the limit on the Allowable Stress Ratio (if any). You can modify the joist size selection by selecting Process > View/Update and then selecting a different joist size from the joist table. An example of a Standard Joist selection is 16K4.

Default and alternate joist tables and criteria are selected at the time of installation by the system administrator. These defaults can be modified by selecting Criteria > Joists.