Gravity Load Properties

Except for self-weights, all gravity loads that occur in the structural model must be defined by using the PropTable - Loads - Surface, PropTable - Loads - Line, or PropTable - Loads - Point commands.

The Dead Load is the total dead load such as slab, deck, partitions, miscellaneous, etc. The value does not need to include slab and deck self-weight if the option to include Slab/Deck self-weight is selected in the Criteria - Self-Weight command in RAM Manager. Except for Steel Joists, member self-weights do not need to be included in this value if the options to calculate and include self-weight are selected in the Criteria - Self-Weight command in the RAM Manager. For Steel Joists, an approximation of the self-weight should be included, as the program does not include it automatically.

The Construction Dead Load, or Pre-composite Dead Load, is that portion of the Dead Load which is applied to the beam prior to composite action. Generally it must be less than or equal to the Dead Load. The value does not need to include slab and deck self-weight if the option to include Slab/Deck self-weight is selected in the Criteria - Self-Weight command in RAM Manager. Except for Steel Joists, member self-weights do not need to be included in this value if the options to calculate and include self-weight are selected in the Criteria - Self-Weight command in the RAM Manager. For Steel Joists, an approximation of the self-weight should be included, as the program does not include it automatically. This load is combined with the Construction Live Load when investigating the pre-composite beam. This value is used only in the RAM Steel Beam Design module when designing unshored ("unpropped") composite beams. When a column is supported by a composite beam, RAM Steel Beam Design assumes that the full column load is applied to the post-composite section; the column induces no Construction Dead Load on the pre-composite section. If this is not the desired behavior (that is, if it is desired to have the precomposite beam carry the column dead load), a Point load with a Dead Load value of 0.0 and a Construction Dead Load equal to the column's dead load can be created and applied at that location. This will cause the precomposite beam to be designed to carry the column dead load. This is the only case where the Construction Dead Load value defined in the PropTable - Loads command should be greater than the Dead Load value.

The Live Load is the total live load appropriate for the particular building based on the applicable Building Code and use of the building. Generally the Unreduced Live Load should be entered; the load will be reduced when applicable per the Live Load Reduction rules of the specified Code.

The Live Load type is specified by selecting either the Reducible, Storage, Unreducible, or Roof option buttons. These options are explained in the Technical Notes chapter in the various design module manuals.

The Partition load is an additional Live Load; it is treated as an unreducible Live Load and will not be reduced. Partition loads are defined variously by the Codes, some as Dead Load and some as Live Load. For those codes that define Partition loads as an unreducible Live Load, those should be specified here. For those Codes that define Partition loads as a Dead Load or as part of the regular Live Load, those should be included as part of the Dead Load or Live Load accordingly.

The Construction Live Load is a temporary live load which is applied to the beam prior to composite action. This load is combined with the Construction Dead Load when investigating the pre-composite beam. This value is used only in the RAM Steel Beam Design module when designing unshored ("unpropped") composite beams.

The Mass Dead Load is the load that will be used in calculating the diaphragm mass properties in RAM Frame. This value does not need to include slab weights and member self-weights if the options to include mass self-weight are selected in the Criteria – Self-Weight command in the RAM Manager. Like beams, columns and walls, self-weight of slabs and decks can be automatically calculated and included with the member loads and story masses. It is not necessary to include these loads as part of the surface Dead Load, Construction Dead Load, or Mass Dead Load. For more information regarding self-weight calculations, see the Self-Weight section in the RAM Manager manual.

Icon	Description
	Surface loads assigned to the slab will automatically be distributed to supporting members. The properties for each Surface Load must be defined using the PropTable - Loads - Surface command, which is also available through the Property Table >> button on the Surface Load Layout Mode dialog. Surface loads are distributed to supporting members based on tributary area and in the direction indicated by deck orientation for one-way decks, or by two-way action for two-way decks. If no slab or deck has been modeled, Surface loads will not be distributed to the supporting members, but must be modeled as Line loads on the members.
	Line loads such as exterior curtain wall loads are modeled by applying a user defined line load on the beams, joists, walls or slab. If placed on the slab, it will be automatically distributed to the supporting members. The properties for each Line Load must be defined using the PropTable - Loads - Line command, which is also available through the Property Table >> button on the Line Load Layout Mode dialog.
	Point loads resulting from beam or column reactions are applied automatically. Reactions from a column from the level above sitting on a transfer girder are also applied automatically. Externally applied point loads, such as a load due to a mechanical unit, may be modeled by applying a user input point load on the slab or member where the load occurs. Point loads can be placed anywhere on or off beam lines. If placed on the slab, it will be automatically distributed to the supporting members. The properties for each such point load must be defined using the PropTable - Loads - Point command, which is also available through the Property Table >> button on the Point Load Layout Mode dialog.

Any changes made to a Load Property after it has been assigned to a layout type automatically become effective wherever a load with that property has been assigned.