Design with true 3D parametric modeling

• Develop even the most complex design models with a wide range of design modeling tools, including surface, mesh, feature, and solid modeling. Build parametric functional components with predefined variations to easily find and manage many similar components. Use drawing extraction tools which automatically immerse drawings within models for improved clarity and streamlined documentation workflows.

RAM Elements Capabilities

Analyze for time dependent effects

• Capture the time-varying properties of concrete in your analysis. Account for creep, shrinkage, and cracking at various time stages in the analysis, accurately predicting deflections with consideration for how concrete truly behaves.

Analyze gravity and lateral load

• Design and analyze simple or complex structures for a wide range of loading conditions, including those induced by gravity such as dead and live loads, including skip conditions, in combination with lateral loads including wind and seismic.

Calculate punching shear

• Calculate and design concrete slab/column connections for punching shear, including the effects of unbalanced joint moments.

Comply with seismic requirements

• Design and detail seismic force-resisting systems, generating seismic loads according to the relevant building code. Consider these forces in the design of elements and, where applicable, the design of frames and the larger structural system. Enforce the ductility requirements of the selected design code in element proportioning and detailing.

Design and analyze with finite elements

• Complete building analysis, design, and drafting for the entire structure accurately and efficiently using our state-of-the-art finite element analysis. Reduce or eliminate the time spent waiting for results using our fast solvers.

Design structural steel connections

• Design and detail structural steel connections, including beam-to-beam, beam-to-column, brace end, and complex multi-member connections. Simplify the arrangement of plates, stiffeners, bolts, and welds with a comprehensive library of standard connection types. Easily compare the economy and practicality of connection scenarios.

Design foundations to international standards

• Design a wide variety of foundations, from simple spread footings to complicated mats and specialized machinery pads. Complete your designs with confidence thanks to extensive support of international standards.

Design post-tensioned and conventional systems

• Design elevated concrete slabs with or without post-tensioning. Consider all major aspects of slab design including service, ductility, and strength limit states, code-prescribed requirements, long-term deflections, punching shear, and walking vibration.

Generate design loads and load combinations

• Apply code-prescribed wind and seismic loads to the structure using built-in load generators. Calculate relevant loading parameters automatically based on the structural geometry, mass, and selected building code provisions without the need for separate hand calculations. Combine these lateral load cases with gravity and other types of loads using load combination generators.

Model building structures

• Model, analyze, and design with intuitive applications tailored especially to the needs of building structures. Quickly obtain comprehensive and thorough designs that conform to international building code requirements.

Share structural models

• Transfer structural model geometry and design results from one application to another and synchronize changes over time. Quickly share the structural model, drawings, and information with the entire team for review.