When BS 6399 is selected as the Building Code in RAM Manager, the option to export deck panel information to Studwelders, Ltd's CMF Deck Design Software is available. This feature can be used to export the deck and loading information in any area from the RAM Structural System model to that software, where the deck itself can be designed.

Process - Design All must be performed prior to this command being available.

To export the deck and load data, select the Process - Export Deck - CMF Deck command.

1. Select the Panel Width (it comes in standard sizes of 600mm, 900mm, and 1000mm). The maximum panel length is 12m, but shorter sections can be specified.
2. Select the beam or wall that supports the end of the panel, at the location along the beam or wall that corresponds to the deck support location. The beam or wall will be highlighted and a highlighted line segment will appear on both sides of the member, pointing in the direction corresponding to the deck orientation.
3. Drag the cursor in the direction of the deck span, to or beyond the beam or wall that supports the far end of the panel and release the mouse button. As the cursor is dragged a white outline of the panel is drawn and when the mouse button is released the rectangle snaps back to the nearest support member. The panel outline will be limited to 12m, maximum.
4. A confirmation dialog will appear showing the panel width and length. Select Yes to export the data.
5. The CMF Deck Design Software will be launched with the deck and load information within the panel outline exported to it.

The CMF Deck Design Software must be installed. The first time the export command is invoked a prompt for the location of the CMF.exe file will be given.

To view the loads on the deck, use the View - Set Show Options command and select the Loads or Snow Loads option. Decks can be viewed likewise.

Some processing of loads is done prior to export so that they are in a form accepted by the CMF Deck Design software. For example, skewed Line loads (that the CMF software does not recognize) are resolved into "equivalent" perpendicular or parallel loads (that the CMF software does recognize). See the RAM Steel Beam manual for more information. Data that is exported to the CMF software should be verified.

The CMF Deck Design Software can be downloaded from Studwelders, Ltd's website: http://www.studwelders.co.uk/home.html