How much time is needed to learn to build a structural model for a steel structure warehouse by RAM? 2

[ccpe]

I have been working as a drafter for an engineering firm for several years. Although I have structural engineering background, I haven't done any design work for a long time. My boss has promised me to give me some design work to do in the future. So I am studying how to use RAM through Youtube now. Can someone tell me how you study RAM to build models? Thank you in advance.

 

[KootK]

I'm not sure that there's anything to be done other than to jump into a real project and learn on the fly. One of the big differences between drafting and modelling is the importance of node / member connectivity in modelling. That said, you should be fine with that given your structural background.

A worthwhile exercise to do in advance of your modelling project might be to familiarize yourself with all of the non-modelled inputs that will govern member design. Unbraced lengths for LTB and that kind of thing.

 

[MintJulep]

Using a tool to build models and using the tool to build models correctly to producing useful and meaningful results are separate skills.

This:

Versus:

Make sure that you study both.

 

[BulbTheBuilder]

When you say RAM, I presume you mean RAM structural system. For YouTube videos, I'd recommend the Bentley official channel

https://www.youtube.com/@BentleyStructuralAnalysis/featured.

I prefer learning applications from official YouTube channels first as random videos don't often provide "quality insight".

The application also comes with tutorial documents which is similar to what you will learn from the Bentley YouTube channel. That alone should be a great starter activity for you as it covers both concrete and steel design modules.

 

[ccpe]

, Thank you for your encouragement. I do have 5 years' design work experience (a long time ago and in different region) but the projects were much smaller. I am working closely with our engineers and kind of familiar with the codes and standards (just know where to find the loads, calculation methods, etc. hard to remember them all without doing real projects.) provided useful information. I did not know that Bentley also has a channel teaching Structural Analysis. They are not merely selling RAM software. I'll definite go to the channel and upgrade my knowledge base. Thank you very much.

 

[Once20036]

Maybe I`m a little old fashioned, but I prefer a written tutorial, more on the textbook side of things. That way I can go through it step by step, and i can't zone out while someone on youtube "pushes buttons for me"
It's not well advertised, but RAM SS gives you a PDF tutorial. It's saved on your C drive when you install the software.

 

[ccpe]

I just want to be familiar with all these information / knowledge now and I haven't started any structural design work in this company yet. I don't need to study all these skills / knowledge like a rookie. I believe all I need is opportunities. But I don't want to stall there and can't draw any element for several days while I will really be assigned to a new project. Thank you again, Once20036. Your advice is very valuable.

 

[Joyaloorg]

As for me, a written tutorial is the basis. But sometimes you need to refresh your memory quickly, and then you need to use the original sources (short guidelines, videos, articles).

 

[human909]

When I started out I spent 18months in steel drafting before switching to structural design. Most of the advice above is applicable. I just went ahead and did a design that our company would normally have had externally engineered. I was just extremely cautious and sanity checked everything I did. (It did get externally reviewed but that was at a pretty late stage.)

Can someone tell me how you study RAM to build models? Thank you in advance.

As Kootk said jump into a project. If it isn't a real one then make one up. How about a warehouse that is 30m wide and 60m long, 6m high at the eaves. There you have so specification. Go do it.

I just want to be familiar with all these information / knowledge now and I haven't started any structural design work in this company yet. I don't need to study all these skills / knowledge like a rookie. I believe all I need is opportunities. But I don't want to stall there and can't draw any element for several days while I will really be assigned to a new project. Thank you again, Once20036. Your advice is very valuable.

If you are not a rookie you won't need several days. A couple hours should do it. But you probably still have plenty to learn so it will take you longer. But that is what you are asking for in this thread isn't is? The best way of "studying" is by DOING.

But like others have said. There are two distinct aspects you need to be competent in. The software and knowing the engineering suitably so you can use the software appropriately beyond just building a model