RAM Connection - opinions?
RAM Connection - opinions?
(OP)
We had an online demonstration of RAM Connection last week and it looks like it could save us a lot of time. Currently we model our structures (mostly industrial steel structures) in RISA-3D and design connections by hand based on the highest loaded members. Some of the other engineers in our office have used connection programs before (Descon I believe?) and said they were pretty limited in what you can do. RAM Connection currently uses ASD 3rd edition or LRFD 9th edition but will be upgrading to AISC 13th code checking next month. I'm wondering if anybody out there has used this before, or has any opinions? We are pretty convinced that we will be purchasing a few seats in the near future, but thought I would check to see if anyone has any personal experience with this program - Thanks!






RE: RAM Connection - opinions?
It has a lot of different connection types available. But you pretty much have to stick to conventional connections. It does a lot of checks I might ignore or not consider if I had done it by hand. Sometimes this is helpful, sometimes frustrating.
The output is nice. Good if you have to submit calculations. You get a nice 3d model of the connection and you can dxf the connection details to use in a CAD program.
By the way I am only referring to the standalone version. Trying to design a bunch of connections at once seems much more complicated.
It's the only connection software I have used, but I would recommend it. That's good to hear the 13th edition is being incorporated soon. It is less conservative on bolt shear capacities.
RE: RAM Connection - opinions?
I could see it for moment connections (cut out plates for HSS moment connections or something not as straightforward as a full pen weld of WF beam to WF column), but unless you do a lot of them, it might not be worth the investment.
RE: RAM Connection - opinions?
It is good for the basic/standard connection types. I love the 3d model of the connection that you can build. We use it alot to check shop drawings for our building designs. We can quickly assign connections and check the fabricator supplied connections, particulary helpful for the braced frame connections.
Non-Standard connections can be analyzed, but it is probably better to do in the stand-alone version.
It is the only connection software I have used, and i like it
RE: RAM Connection - opinions?
RE: RAM Connection - opinions?
RE: RAM Connection - opinions?