RAM Concept 2024 v24.00.00.93 Win x64

RAM Concept 2024 (24.00.00.93) Release Notes - Release Date: October 2024
RAM Concept 2024 can be installed concurrently with previous versions of RAM Concept. Installing this version will not automatically uninstall any previous versions of the program.
File Compatibility Warning
RAM Concept 2024 can read all previous file formats, but it writes files in a format that cannot be read by previous versions.
Enhancements
RAM Concept 2024 includes the enhancement discussed below.
User Defined Shear Stud Reinforcement (SSR)
Program SSR can now be changed to User SSR. After conversion to User SSR, the following properties can be modified by the user: SSR System, First Stud Spacing, Typical Stud Spacing, Max Studs/Rail.
During subsequent design calculations, only a final design check is completed at punching checks with User SSR. Additional program rails are never added to User SSR to achieve the required capacity. If the punching shear demand exceeds the reinforced punching shear capacity considering the User SSR, a design failure is indicated for the punching check.

SSR System Material Properties
The following changes have been made to SSR Systems defined in the Material Specification table (Criteria > Materials) for the purpose of limiting the variation of Program SSR designs for a given floor:
Added Code Max and Auto Calc options for Stud Spacing property.
When the Code Max option is selected, RAM Concept fixes the stud spacing to the maximum spacing permitted by the selected design code and adds additional rails during SSR design to achieve the required strength. This option forces RAM Concept to minimize the number of different Program SSR designs across the floor.
When the Auto Calc option is selected, RAM Concept reduces stud spacing during SSR design to achieve the required strength. The Auto Calc option is identical to the None selection that was available in previous versions. This option may force RAM Concept to generate Program SSR designs with many different stud spacings across the floor.
The Code Max option is the default selected in new models.
Added Stud Quantity Increment property
The Stud Quantity Increment property specifies an increment for the number of studs that RAM Concept designs on any rail. Specifying a larger number for this property forces RAM Concept to minimize the number of different rail lengths specified across the floor.
This property is automatically set to 4 in new models and 1 for models that were created in previous versions.

SSR Transverse Spacing Checks
Design code requirements for transverse spacing between peripheral lines of reinforcement are now checked for all SSR designs for all design codes implemented in RAM Concept. In previous versions, transverse spacing requirements were only enforced during the initial detailing of Program SSR. These requirements are now rigorously checked during the Final Check for both Program SSR and User SSR designs.
Audit Report for Unbalanced Slab Moment Transferred by Flexure at Punching Checks (ACI 318)
A detailed audit report is now available for the design of reinforcement required to transfer the direct flexural component of the unbalanced moment at column joints. These checks are available only for the ACI 318-14 and 318-19 design code selections and completed only when the Design Flexural Sections option is selected for punching checks (refer to ACI 318-19 8.4.2.2 and the RAM Concept v08.03.00 Release Notes).
The Audit Report is generated by selecting the new Auditing Punching Flexural Section tool and then clicking on a flexural section at a punching check.
Audit Report for Design Flexural Section Option at Punching Checks (ACI 318)
A detailed audit report is now available for the flexural reinforcement design checks completed at punching checks when the Design Flexural Sections option is selected. These checks are completed for ACI 318-14 and 318-19 only (refer to ACI 318-19 8.4.2.2 and the RAM Concept v08.03.00 Release Notes).
The Audit Report is generated by selecting the Design Flexural Section Auditor tool and clicking on a flexural section at a punching check.
Cloud-Based PT Design Optimization Improvements
The RAM Concept PT Design Optimization feature now uses a new cloud engine that offers better performance and stability than the previous cloud engine. Total optimization run times in this version may be 10x faster (or more) than previous versions.
This feature is now offered to select organizations as a limited access feature. Click here for more information about feature access rules.
If you are interested in using this feature during the limited access period, please use this form to request access.
The previously used cloud engine is now deprecated, and optimizations can no longer be run in RAM Concept 2023 or any previous version.
More information on these changes can be found here.
User Settings for AutoSave Frequency
Options for controlling the frequency of AutoSaves, including disabling that process, are now available in the User Settings dialog (Help > User Settings).
Other Changes
RAM Concept 2024 also includes the changes discussed below.
File Format Change (SQLite Database)
RAM Concept now writes data saved in .cpt files in a SQLite database instead of a binary file format.
Component and Dependency Upgrades
Several internal program components are updated, including the following:
- Qt - framework used for RAM Concept's graphical user interface and more
- RealDWG - component used for DWG import and export
- ISM API - component used for iTwin data synchronization
- Bentley Structural FEA Library - component used for vibration analysis
Microsoft.Net Framework v4.8.1, a program dependency, is automatically installed with this version (if required).
Resolved Issues
RAM Concept 2024 includes fixes for the issues discussed below.
No Design Strip Results Descriptionted on Rule Set Design Layer Plans
When new files were created, the Description Setting filters for both Latitude and Longitude Design Strips were unselected on any plan on the Rule Set Design Layers (example: Rule Set Desings > Service Design > Top Stress Plan). As result, no design strip results were displayed on those plans until the user selected one or both of those filters. This issue affected RAM Concept 2023 only (v23.00.00 and v23.00.01).
Offset Blocks in DWG Files Not Imported into RAM Concept at Correct Location
Blocks in DWG files were always imported into RAM Concept at the Insertion Point and the Offset property was ignored. As a result, offset block objects were imported at incorrect locations.
Python Scripting API
RAM Concept API version 24.00.00 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 24.00.00 does not include any changes from the previously released API Version.
If you have specific requests for future API development, please post them on the RAM Concept Ideas Portal.
Resolved Issues
Bentley is committed to continuously investigating and rectifying security vulnerabilities affecting its products and services. Regular checks and security fixes are a part of our releases to ensure better resilience to security vulnerabilities.
This release of RAM Concept includes component upgrades and other changes to address potential security threats.
Details of known security vulnerabilities in Bentley applications are published on the security advisory page in our Trust Center.
There were no known security vulnerabilities associated with RAM Concept 2024 at the time of this release.

RAM Conceptis a software application for the structural analysis and design of conventionally reinforced and post-tensioned concrete floors, mats, and rafts. RAM Concept contains an advanced feature set that allows for the design of a wide variety of floor systems including post-tensioned, reinforced concrete and hybrid systems, elevated slabs and mat/raft foundations, one-way slabs, two-way slabs, beams, and joist systems. RAM Concept enables the engineer to design post-tensioned and reinforced concrete slabs by using a finite element model of the entire slab, and also can predict the elastic behavior of a slab much more accurately than frame models. In addition, the finite element method guarantees that the analysis satisfies all equilibrium.
In this RAM Concept training video, we introduce you to the new post-tension optimization workflow.
Bentley Systems, Inc.is the global leader dedicated to providing architects, engineers, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive architecture and engineering software solutions for sustaining infrastructure. Founded in 1984, Bentley has nearly 3,000 colleagues in more than 45 countries, $500 million in annual revenues, and, since 2001, has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions.