Bentley Releases RAM Structural System Version 11.3
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Software Provides Powerful Automated and Integrated Tools that Enhance Structural Engineers’ Productivity
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January 14, 2008 – Bentley’s RAM International Solutions Center has released Version 11.3 of the RAM Structural System – Bentley’s modeling, analysis, and design software for structural engineers involved in the design of building structures of all types. The software provides powerful automated and integrated tools that enhance structural engineers’ productivity, allowing them to be more profitable and to more quickly produce economical designs.
RAM Structural System V11.3 includes several new design and usability features, including the following:
The latest steel design specifications – AISC 360-05 as published in the AISC “Steel Construction Manual” 13th Edition – have been implemented. The provisions for both ASD and LRFD have been implemented for the member and joint code checks. The provisions for slender members have also now been implemented. Design of composite and noncomposite beams, columns, baseplates, braces, and beam web openings has been updated.
The requirements of the Direct Analysis Method of AISC 360-05 have been implemented. Options for 2nd-order analysis include a P-delta analysis based on the Geometric Stiffness method, B1 factors, and B2 factors. Story loads for Notional Loads are automatically calculated, and Notional Loads can be generated. Options to use Reduced Stiffness are available. IBC 2006 Load Combinations can be automatically generated.
An RSS Feed on the main screen provides up-to-date announcements of program releases, downloads, seminars, and training events.
Slab edges can now be modeled as free-form slab edges, allowing for the modeling of more complex edges, including the ability to vary the slab edge distance along the length of the beam.
The steel design tables for the U.S. have been updated to reflect the properties of the currently available steel sections as outlined in the “Steel Construction Manual.” The HSS column tables have been refined to give better, more consistent column designs. The steel design tables for the U.K. have been updated to include the Corus Advance sections. The deck tables have been enhanced to include the Tegral ComFlor decks, with the capability of designing those decks with FibreFlor steel fiber reinforcing. The new Corus and Tegral ComFlor 60 deck has been added.
The baseplate design capabilities of the Steel Column Design module have been enhanced to allow the engineer to specify square baseplates, even though smaller, rectangular baseplates may be adequate; this conforms to common design practice. Also, baseplates of columns supported on concrete columns and walls are now designed, not just those that are supported directly on the footings.
RAM Frame has been enhanced with new usability features, including a Find Member and Find Joint command and a Hide/Show Gravity Members command.
Licensees of Bentley’s RAM International product line who are subscribers to Bentley’s SELECT Program can download the RAM Structural System Version 11.3 free of charge. All other users can contact their Bentley account manager or regional engineer for upgrade information.
Bentley Systems, Incorporated provides software for the lifecycle of the world’s infrastructure. The company’s comprehensive portfolio for the building, plant, civil, and geospatial verticals spans AEC and operations. With revenues now surpassing $400 million annually, and more than 2400 colleagues globally, Bentley is the leading provider of AEC software to the Engineering News-Record Top Design Firms and major owner-operators, and was named the world’s No. 2 provider of GIS/geospatial software solutions in a recent Daratech research study.
Civil engineering 
