RAM Concept 2024 (24.00.02.66)

File Compatibility Warning
RAM Concept v24.00.02 can read all previous file formats, but it writes files in a format that cannot be read by older RAM Concept versions, including the previously released RAM Concept 2024 versions.

Resolved Issues
RAM Concept v24.00.02 includes fixes for the issues discussed below.

File Corruption and Performance Issues with Network Files
File corruption or long save times may have occurred when saving .cpt files to network directories. Corrupted files generated the error shown below when attempting to open them in another program session following the file save. This issue only affects previous RAM Concept 2024 releases (v24.00.00 and v24.00.01). Network files are now saved in a local temp directory and then copied to the network directory to resolve these issues.


ASCE7-22 Wind Loads Imported from RAM Structural System
When importing lateral loadings from RAM Structural System, ASCE7-22 wind loadings were imported with Loading Type set to Service Wind. ASCE7-22 wind loadings are now imported with Loading Type set to Ultimate Wind.
Program Error After Changing Size of Column with User SSR
The Analysis Error “Program Error (Geometry calculation issues in PunchDesignerHelper::maxTransverseRailSpacingSatisfied()” shown below occurred after changing dimensions of columns with associated User SSR and then attempting to run the calculations. This was a fatal error that prevented the calculations from completing.


Now the warning shown below is produced at affected locations with an option to automatically delete the User SSR and redesign with Program SSR.
Copying Design Strip Objects Referencing Deflection Checks Between Models
The error referencing “…[GET_PROP_Internal][DeflectionCheckList]” shown below occurred after copying/pasting span segments or deflection check lines with one or more deflection check selections between models and then attempting to view its properties.


The deflection checks and selections are now cleared when span segments or deflection checks are pasted into another model.

Other Changes
RAM Concept v24.00.02 also includes the changes discussed below.

File Locks for .cpt Files Saved in Network Directories
Files saved in network directories are now locked to a single user when the file is opened. When the file is locked and another user attempts to open the file, the warning below is displayed for the other user. The file lock is released when the file is closed. An option to acquire a permanent network file lock that remains in place after the file is closed is now available in File > Network File Lock. An option to release permanent file locks is available in the same menu.
ACI Design Moment Calculation for Flexural Design Sections at Punching Shear Checks
In previous versions, RAM Concept used the punching shear moment reaction as Msc, the factored slab moment resisted by the column, when designing flexural sections at punching shear checks. Now, Msc is calculated at the centroid of the punching shear perimeter and includes the moment induced by the eccentricity of the vertical punching shear reaction. This change ensures consistency with the internal force and moment equilibrium assumed in the ACI punching shear model. As a result of this change, the design moment acting on the flexural section may significantly increase or act in the opposite direction compared to previous versions. Refer to this article for more information and design guidance. This change affects the ACI 318-14 and 318-19 design codes only.
ACI Punching Check Flexural Design Section Outside Drop Panels and Shear Caps
In previous versions, flexural design sections at punching checks were generated only at the column face with effective slab widths equal to the column width plus 1.5x the slab thickness on each side. Now, flexural design sections are generated outside drop caps or other punching shear zones as required by ACI 318-19 8.4.2.2.3. An option to only consider flexural sections at the column has also been added. Refer to Generate Flexural Design Sections at Column Only option shown in the image below. This change affects the ACI 318-14 and 318-19 design codes only.
Option for Trimming ACI Punching Check Flexural Design Sections
An option to trim flexural design sections at punching checks is now available. Refer to Cross Section Trimming selection menu shown in the image below. The trimming options match those available for design strip span segments. This change affects the ACI 318-14 and 318-19 design codes only.
Option for Max Number of PT Strands for ACI Punching Check Flexural Design Sections
An option to limit the number of post-tensioning strands considered in the design of the flexural design sections at punching checks is now available. Refer to Max Number of PT Strands Considered option shown in the image below. This change affects the ACI 318-14 and 318-19 design codes only.


IBC 2024 and ASCE7-22 Live Load Reduction
IBC 2024 and ASCE7-22 are now available as live load reduction code options.
Error Identifying Slab Areas with Invalid Geometry During iTwin Pull
Invalid slab areas in ism.dgn files that prevent iTwin synchronization are now identified by ID number in the error message that is issued. IBC 2024 and ASCE7-22 Live Load Reduction.

Python Scripting API
RAM Concept API version 24.00.02 can be installed and used with this version of RAM Concept. Refer to the API Documentation (Help > API Documentation) for installation instructions.
RAM Concept API Version 24.00.02 includes the following changes:
- A method to perform a Calc Partial with all available Extent of Calculations options has been added.
- The Calc Options properties for ECR (Creep Factor and Shrinkage Strain) are now accessible.
- The Calc Option properties for Load History Convergence (Convergence Tolerance, Max Iterations to Use, and Accelerator Factor) are now accessible.