RAM Structural System Reviews

RAM saves a lot of time distributing loads to the various members in a building. I also like its built in wind load generation and seismic code checks in the RAM FRAME module. I also appreciate all the recent video tutorials they've added on YouTube and on their training platform. I get similar results from this software as others and have come to mostly trust it. This software definitely saves time designing a lot of members at once.

As of Feb 2025, foundation load reports are not very user-friendly. They don't have min and max rows!!! PLEASE ADD THOSE along with the combo number they came from. The foundation design report doesn't show moment loads on it; you have to go to the load cases/combos reports for the footing for that. Also, you can't print a calc report with all the equations written out, comparable to Hilti's "long" report in their anchorage software, or STAAD's footing design reports that can be used in a calc package. So it feels more like a black box when you're trying to figure out where numbers came from. Also, different modules have slight differences in how the user has to navigate them. For example, different ways of panning around. Right click brings up the most recent menu in some modules but not others. Viewing frame fixity or sizes has slightly different routes to get there on the beam module vs. the frame module. They need to pick one and make it all the same. Also, in RAM FRAME 3D view, you can only view member/frame loads, stresses and reactions one load combo at a time. I often wish I could just see the max axial on all my braces, for example, instead of having to go read the report. My last comment/ annoyance is that instead of one button to update everything after you make a change, you have to run each module separately. So if I went and added a brace in the modeling space, then I have to go run the beam design module, then the column design module, then the frame modules (analysis, steel, and steel seismic, etc.) before I can go run the footings module again. I wish I could push one button. I spend a lot of time running things again.

Saves a lot of busywork applying the right loads to the right members with correct trib areas. Very good for gravity design.

RAM structural system offers wide varity of tools to assist the engineer in analysing different types of structures of different materials. The UI is easy to use and straightforward.

There is a bit of a learning curve to this software before being able to fully utilize its full power.

RAM Structural System delivers a complete package for concrete and steel building systems. It is able to adress a;; key challenges that are faced throughout the design phases.

.The ease of use of the program and the fact that is very light in mahh cu ine power

Límites capabilities, but understandable due to pricing and size

Faster analytics and integranted to

The RAM Frame module might require some understanding. It is capable of producing the desired results. The Gravity module is intuitive and useful. Although there are a limitations, with RAM Connection, RAM SS meets our requirements well.

The software may not be ideal for buildings beyond the scope of commercial steel framed structures. Dealing with piece meal member design can be a bit tedious. The software sometimes makes assumptions that may not be entirely accurate.

It offers a solution for all our structural design needs. From analyzing structures to generating calculations RAM has streamlined our workflow and greatly improved overall efficiency. Its advanced features and user friendly interface have elevated the quality of our designs while reducing errors.

RAM Structural Systems helps condense the time it takes to design any size project. The program is reasonably intuitive, which allows for a streamlined process from Design Development to Construction.

The RAM Frame module is not as intuitive or helpful as the Gravity module. With the proper understanding of lateral design, you can produce the outputs that you are looking for, but sometimes it is quicker to do by hand.

Piece-mealing member design for any size project can be cumbersome. RAMSS allows me to build a project and get the proper designs for all of the structural members at once.

I like the graphical interface throughout all programs. The visuals make it easy and intuitive to understand and explain to others.

not much. RAM SS, RAM Concept, and RAM Elements fulfill our needs as structural engineers.

Explore everything RAM is capable of, and especially use RAM support (Seth Guthrie and Karl Gullerud specifically) for assistance throughout the process.

All structural analysis and design is modeled in RAM SS. The benefits we realize are fast modeling, accurate modeling, rapid revisions if necessary, and easily understood results.

This review is for RAM Structural System v17.04. RSS does composite beam design well. After 10 years of using RAM, I was surprised to see the lack of automatic composite beam design in other programs. Lateral load input is pretty simple and automated compared to other programs. Connection design integration is generally good with automatic import of all the load combos from the framing design modules, but it also has some significant shortcomings to be discussed. Open-web steel joists are readily usable, and there are even some ways to model them in moment frames. Several proprietary seismic systems have been incorporated, such as Simpson Yield-Link, SidePlate, DuraFuse, and CoreBrace, as well as typical nonproprietary systems like RBS.

The piecemeal development history of RAM from several different modules makes for an inconsistent user interface across the "system". Changing anything in the RAM Frame or Connection modules often requires going back to the Modeler module and then hitting each subsequent module to hit "run" in each one to get back to where you were. RAM Connection can't handle many of the framing configurations possible in RSS. You have to choose between running roof live loads OR running snow loads; you can't just input both and have the framing sized for whichever combination governs that member. So most models take 2 runs to complete: one with roof live load over everything, and one with base snow and drifts. It surprisingly also can't handle wind uplift at all. Sloped diaphragms are still painful. While Bentley is continuing to improve the program, development has generally been VERY slow.

It analyzes typical commercial building structures (particularly steel-framed, flat-roofed boxes) relatively quickly and speeds up the design of such buildings. It's not the best program for structures outside that area, but it takes care of the majority of our workload well.

THE EASE OF USE AND ABILITY TO MODEL SIMPLE STEEL AND CONCRETE BUILDINGS QUICKLY AND EASILY.

THE LIMITATIONS OF THE PROGRAM TO HANDLE COMPLEX FRAMING, AND IT SEEMS MOST BUILDING HAVE SOME "COMPLEX" FRAMING.

LACK OF MASONRY, CFS, AND WOOD MATERIALS.

Easy floor based structural analysis modeling of buildings. Makes common building analysis assumptions that require much more effort using general purpose finite element analysis software.

Some building structure configurations can be difficult to model.

Currently using RAM Structural System to help design light wood frame buildings with open fronts where I need a rigid diaphragm assumption. Using the application programming interface to pull forces into design spreadsheets.

Easy setup for simple, regular buildings. Support team is very responsive.

A lot of hidden gotchas.

Outdated API.

Support forum is difficult to navigate.