Ram Concrete Beam

RAM Concrete Beam Design
V8i (SELECTseries 6)
RAM Structural System

Last Updated: October 09, 2013
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction .....................................................................................................11
Chapter 2: Design Philosophy, Concepts, and Terminology ................................................13
2.1
2.2
2.3
General .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Building Codes ........................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Beam Design Forces ................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Gravity Forces .........................................................................................................................................................14
2.3.1
Lateral Forces ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.2
Design Envelope .................................................................................................................................................... 16
2.3.3
Chapter 3: RAM Concrete Beam Commands - ACI Design Codes ........................................ 19

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
Invoking RAM Concrete Beam ............................................................................................................................................ 19

RAM Concrete Beam Status ..................................................................................................................................................19
Model Notes ................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Concrete Beam Color-Coding .............................................................................................................................................. 20
The Toolbars ................................................................................................................................................................................20
The 3-D Viewer Toolbar .....................................................................................................................................20
3.5.1
The Concrete Beam Mode Toolbar ................................................................................................................20
3.5.2
Mode ...............................................................................................................................................................................................21
Criteria .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Beam Design ............................................................................................................................................................22
3.7.1
Detailing Defaults ..................................................................................................................................................24
3.7.2
Deflection Criteria .................................................................................................................................................25
3.7.3
Camber Criteria ......................................................................................................................................................26
3.7.4
Assign .............................................................................................................................................................................................27
Size .............................................................................................................................................................................. 27
3.8.1
Reinforcement Layout ........................................................................................................................................ 27
3.8.2
Load Combinations .................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Code Generated Combinations ........................................................................................................................28
3.9.1
User Defined Combinations ..............................................................................................................................28
3.9.2
Process .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Design All ..................................................................................................................................................................29
3.10.1
View/Update ...........................................................................................................................................................29
3.10.2
Deflection Results ................................................................................................................................................. 34
3.10.3
Copy Design ............................................................................................................................................................. 34
3.10.4
Freeze Beam Line Design .................................................................................................................................. 36
3.10.5
Clear Beam Line .....................................................................................................................................................36
3.10.6
Reports ...........................................................................................................................................................................................37
Report Destination ............................................................................................................................................... 37
3.11.1
Reports ...................................................................................................................................................................... 37
3.11.2
View ................................................................................................................................................................................................37
Beam Lines ...............................................................................................................................................................37
3.12.1
Beam Line Numbers (toolbar only) .............................................................................................................. 38
3.12.2
Model Colors / Design Colors toggle ............................................................................................................ 38
3.12.3
Exiting Concrete Beam Design Mode ............................................................................................................................... 38
Chapter 4: RAM Concrete Beam Commands - BS8110, CP65, AS3600 ................................ 39

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
Invoking RAM Concrete Beam ............................................................................................................................................ 39

RAM Concrete Beam Status ..................................................................................................................................................39
Model Notes ................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
Concrete Beam Color-Coding .............................................................................................................................................. 40
The Toolbars ................................................................................................................................................................................40
The 3-D Viewer Toolbar .....................................................................................................................................41
4.5.1
The Concrete Beam Mode Toolbar ................................................................................................................41
4.5.2
Mode ...............................................................................................................................................................................................42
Assign ..............................................................................................................................................................................................43
Size .............................................................................................................................................................................. 43
4.7.1
Reinforcement Layout ........................................................................................................................................ 43
4.7.2
Load Combinations .................................................................................................................................................................. 44
Code Generated Combinations ........................................................................................................................44
4.8.1
User Defined Combinations ..............................................................................................................................45
4.8.2
Process .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Design All ..................................................................................................................................................................45
4.9.1
View/Update ...........................................................................................................................................................45
4.9.2
View/Update - Main Reinforcement Tab ....................................................................................................46
4.9.3
View/Update - Shear Reinforcement Tab .................................................................................................. 48
4.9.4
View/Update - Section/Material Properties Tab .................................................................................... 48
4.9.5
View/Update - Design Warnings Tab ...........................................................................................................49
4.9.6
Copy Design ............................................................................................................................................................. 49
4.9.7
Freeze Beam Line Design .................................................................................................................................. 50
4.9.8
Clear Beam Line .....................................................................................................................................................50
4.9.9
Reports ...........................................................................................................................................................................................50
Report Destination ............................................................................................................................................... 50
4.10.1
Reports ...................................................................................................................................................................... 50
4.10.2
View ................................................................................................................................................................................................51
Beam Lines ...............................................................................................................................................................51
4.11.1
Beam Line Numbers (toolbar only) .............................................................................................................. 51
4.11.2
Model Colors / Design Colors toggle ............................................................................................................ 51
4.11.3
Exiting Concrete Beam Design Mode ............................................................................................................................... 51
Chapter 5: Technical Notes - ACI Design Codes .................................................................. 53

5.1
5.2
5.3
Symbols .........................................................................................................................................................................................53
Table of Symbols ................................................................................................................................................... 53
5.1.1
Concrete Modulus of Elasticity ........................................................................................................................55
5.1.2
Beam Flexural Design ............................................................................................................................................................. 55
Flexural Capacity ...................................................................................................................................................55
5.2.1
Reinforcement Area Limits ...............................................................................................................................56
5.2.2
Reinforcement Spacing Limits ........................................................................................................................ 57
5.2.3
Calculation of Actual Bar Spacing .................................................................................................................. 57
5.2.4
Development of Reinforcement Bars ........................................................................................................... 58
5.2.5
Bar Splices ................................................................................................................................................................58
5.2.6
Flexural Deep Beam Check ............................................................................................................................... 59
5.2.7
True Bar Depth Check ......................................................................................................................................... 59
5.2.8
Unimplemented Code Sections ....................................................................................................................... 60
5.2.9
Beam Shear Design .................................................................................................................................................................. 60
Concrete Shear Capacity .................................................................................................................................... 60
5.3.1
Shear Reinforcement Capacity ........................................................................................................................ 61
5.3.2
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10
5.11
Shear Reinforcement Area Limits ..................................................................................................................61

5.3.3
Shear Reinforcement Spacing Limits ........................................................................................................... 62
5.3.4
Calculation of Actual Bar Spacing .................................................................................................................. 62
5.3.5
Shear Deep Beam Check .....................................................................................................................................62
5.3.6
Beam Torsion Capacity Check .............................................................................................................................................62
Beam Section Torsion Capacity ...................................................................................................................... 62
5.4.1
Torsion Capacity Warnings .............................................................................................................................. 63
5.4.2
Reinforcement Optimization and Detailing .................................................................................................................. 63
Optimization Objectives .....................................................................................................................................64
5.5.1
Internal Code Checks ...........................................................................................................................................64
5.5.2
Bar Selection Criteria .......................................................................................................................................... 65
5.5.3
Detailing Defaults ..................................................................................................................................................66
5.5.4
Transverse Reinforcement ............................................................................................................................... 67
5.5.5
Seismic Provisions ................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Frame Type Selection ..........................................................................................................................................69
5.6.1
Intermediate Moment Frame .......................................................................................................................... 69
5.6.2
Special Moment Frame ....................................................................................................................................... 71
5.6.3
ACI-318 2002 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 73
ACI-318 2005 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 74
Strength Reduction Factor for Axial-Flexure ............................................................................................75
5.8.1
Calculation of Ultimate Section State ........................................................................................................... 76
5.8.2
ACI 318, Chapter 10 Modifications ................................................................................................................77
5.8.3
ACI 318, Chapter 21 Modifications ................................................................................................................78
5.8.4
ACI-318 2008 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 78
Modification Factor for Lightweight Concrete ......................................................................................... 78
5.9.1
Reorganization of Slenderness Provisions ................................................................................................ 79
5.9.2
Modifications to Seismic Provisions .............................................................................................................. 79
5.9.3
Provisions for Members not Designated as Part of the Seismic-Force-Resisting System ..... 80
5.9.4
Deflections ...................................................................................................................................................................................82
References ................................................................................................................................................................................... 87
Chapter 6: Technical Notes - BS8110 Design Code ............................................................. 89

6.1
6.2
6.3
Introduction and Design Philosophy ............................................................................................................................... 89

Beam Design Forces ................................................................................................................................................................ 89
Reinforcement Optimization and Design .......................................................................................................................89
Design for Bending ............................................................................................................................................... 90
6.3.1
Design for Shear .................................................................................................................................................... 91
6.3.2
Anchorage and Bond Lengths ..........................................................................................................................91
6.3.3
Chapter 7: Technical Notes - CP 65 Design Code ................................................................ 93

7.1
Differences between BS8110 and CP65 ......................................................................................................................... 93
Chapter 8: Technical Notes - AS 3600 Design Code .............................................................. 95

8.1
8.2
Design Philosophy and Methodology ............................................................................................................................... 95

Design Code ..................................................................................................................................................................................95
Design for Bending ................................................................................................................................................ 95
8.2.1
Design for Shear ..................................................................................................................................................... 96
8.2.2
Chapter 9: Technical Notes - EN1992 (Eurocode 2) Design Code ........................................ 97

9.1
9.2
Design Philosophy and Methodology .............................................................................................................................. 97

Design Code ..................................................................................................................................................................................97
9.2.1
9.2.2
9.2.3
Bending ..................................................................................................................................................................... 97
Shear ...........................................................................................................................................................................97
Detailing ....................................................................................................................................................................98
Chapter 10: Technical Notes - GB 50010 (Chinese Design Code) .......................................... 99

10.1
GB 50010 Design Code ........................................................................................................................................................... 99

Limitations ...............................................................................................................................................................99
10.1.1
Design Principles ...................................................................................................................................................99
10.1.2
Chapter 11: RAM Concrete Beam Reports ....................................................................... 103

11.1
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
11.6
11.7
General Comments on Reports ........................................................................................................................................ 103

Criteria ........................................................................................................................................................................................103
Reinforcement Table and Code .................................................................................................................... 104
11.2.1
Reinforcement ..................................................................................................................................................... 104
11.2.2
Bar Selection .........................................................................................................................................................104
11.2.3
Default Detailing ................................................................................................................................................. 104
11.2.4
Beam Assigned Criteria ................................................................................................................................... 104
11.2.5
Load Combinations ............................................................................................................................................................... 105
Beam Design ............................................................................................................................................................................ 105
Beam Information .............................................................................................................................................. 105
11.4.1
Material Properties ............................................................................................................................................105
11.4.2
Top/Bottom Longitudinal Reinforcement .............................................................................................. 105
11.4.3
Longitudinal Bar Design Details .................................................................................................................. 106
11.4.4
Transverse Reinforcement .............................................................................................................................106
11.4.5
Transverse Bar Design Details and Torsion Force .............................................................................. 106
11.4.6
Deflections .............................................................................................................................................................106
11.4.7
Beam Design Summary ....................................................................................................................................................... 107
Support Geometry ..............................................................................................................................................107
11.5.1
Deflection Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 107
Material Take Off ....................................................................................................................................................................107
Concrete Slab ........................................................................................................................................................107
11.7.1
Longitudinal Reinforcement ..........................................................................................................................108
11.7.2
Transverse Reinforcement .............................................................................................................................108
11.7.3
Concrete ................................................................................................................................................................. 108
11.7.4
10
Introduction
RAM Concrete Beam is a powerful tool that allows engineers to quickly design and layout reinforcement
for gravity and lateral concrete beams. The Concrete Beam module uses the structural model and data
created in RAM Modeler along with the lateral forces from RAM Frame and the gravity forces from RAM
Concrete Analysis. Beam lines (as assigned in the Concrete Analysis mode) can be designed individually
with the View/Update option or all at once using the Design All option.
The ability to calculate and check concrete beam deflections is included for the ACI design codes. RAM
calculates gravity deflections in the RAM Concrete Analysis Module. Based on user criteria the resulting
dead load, live load, long-term and net deflections are calculated in the RAM Concrete Beam program.
The resulting deflections are compared to specified deflection limits and reported to the user in print
and graphic format.
The many output reports available provide supporting information on the design, which can be used to
check and detail the beams.
Chapters 3 and 4 provide an overview of the program and its commands, for the case of the ACI and
BS8110/CP65/ AS 3600 design codes, respectively.
Chapters 5 to 10 provide a detailed look at the technical assumptions made by the Concrete Beam
module, primarily code interpretation, for the ACI, BS8110, CP65, AS3600, Eurocode 2 and GB50010
design codes, respectively. It is crucial that the engineer reads and understands this chapter so as to be
aware of how these assumptions affect each design.
Chapter 11 gives a detailed explanation of the output reports available from RAM Concrete Beam.
11
Introduction
12
Design Philosophy, Concepts, and Terminology
This section introduces the user to fundamental concepts necessary to understand the program
documentation contained in this manual.
2.1 General
The RAM Concrete Beam is intended for the design of concrete rectangular, "T" and "L" sections. The
goal is to provide an accurate initial design based on user-defined criteria and then to provide an easy
and practical interactive interface to change the design and detail the reinforcement to meet the
engineer's needs. The program performs a comprehensive set of design checks, including checks related
to code prescribed capacity and detailing requirements, as well as taking into account user defined
preferences.
2.2 Building Codes

The current version of the RAM Concrete Beam supports the design provisions of ACI 318-08, ACI
318-05, ACI 318-02, ACI 318-99, BS8110-97, CP65, AS3600-2001, BS EN 1992-1-1:2004 (EC2) and GB
50010.
In addition, automatic load combination generation according to the following building codes is
supported:
2.2.1 For the ACI 318 Design Code provisions

ACI 318-99 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-99) and Commentary (ACI
318R-99), 1999, American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI
ASCE 7-95 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, American Society of Civil
Engineers. (ASCE 7)
Engineers. (ASCE 7)
Engineers. (ASCE 7)
13

Beam Design Forces
The BOCA National Building Code (1996), Building Officials & Code Administrations International,
Inc. (BOCA)
Standard Building Code (1997), Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBC)
Uniform Building Code (1997), International Conference of Building Officials. (UBC)
International Building Code (2000), International Code Council (IBC)
2.2.2 For the BS8110 / CP65 Design Code provisions

The BS8110 and CP65 concrete load combinations have been developed using BS8110:1997: Part 1,
Table 2.1
2.2.3 For the AS3600 Design Code provisions

Using the AS3600 design code, load combinations are generated according to AS/NZS 1170.0,
Structural Design Actions
2.2.4 For the EC2 Design Code provisions

Using the EC2 design code, load combinations are generated according to BS EN 1990:2002 and BS
EN 1991-1-1:2002
2.2.5 For the GB50010 Design Code provisions

Using the GB50100 design code, load combinations are generated according to GB50009-2001 (Load
Code for the Design of Building Structures).
2.3 Beam Design Forces

Beam gravity forces (Major Moment, Major Shear and Torsion) are calculated in RAM Concrete Analysis
(see the RAM Concrete Analysis Manual - Gravity Beam Forces Section). For lateral beams, forces can be
computed in the RAM Frame module (See the RAM Frame Manual) for all lateral load cases. In the
Concrete Beam module these forces are combined for each load combination, as described below, to
generate the final envelope of design forces for each beam.
14

Beam Design Forces
2.3.1 Gravity Forces

As described in the Concrete Analysis Manual, the following gravity forces are calculated for each
concrete beam at each station. A station is a specific location along a beam where forces are computed
(see the RAM Concrete Analysis Manual for more information on stations):
Dead Load forces at each stationMajor Moment.

Major Shear.
Torsion.
Floor Live Load (if skip loaded) at each stationMaximum Major Moment
Minimum Major Moment
Maximum Major Shear
Minimum Major Shear
Maximum Torsion
Minimum Torsion
Floor Live Load (if not skip loaded) at each stationMajor Moment
Major Shear
Torsion
Roof Load (if it exists) at each station Major Moment.

Major Axis Shear.
Torsion.
These gravity forces are combined in load combinations and enveloped as described in section 2.3.3 to
generate the final design envelope for each type of force (shear, moment and torsion).
2.3.2 Lateral Forces

For each lateral beam the following forces are calculated at each station for each lateral load case in
RAM Frame:
Lateral Load Case force at each station

Major Moment.
Major Axis Shear.
Torsion.
15

Beam Design Forces
These lateral forces are combined in load combinations and enveloped as described in Section 2.3.3 to
generate the final design envelope for each type of force (shear, moment and torsion).
2.3.3 Design Envelope

Design Envelope
Major Axis Moments

For each load combination the Dead Load, Live Load and Roof Load forces at each station are added
together. When the option to skip live loads is selected, it will create a maximum and a minimum force
at each station. When live load is included in a load combination, two unique force points are calculated
at each station.
For example, in Figure 1, moment values for a beam with 5 stations along its length are shown:
For the Load combination 1.2DL + 1.6L the following two curves are produced:
These two curves, obtained from the maximum and minimum moments at each station, are produced
for each load combination. Note that for load combinations that do not contain live load the maximum
and minimum design force at each station will be the same, as no skip loading is considered for those
load cases (it will appear as a single curve if max and min values are plotted together).
All the curves from all the load combinations are then 'enveloped' to produce the largest controlling
force at each station (maximum and minimum). Enveloping involves taking the largest and smallest
16

Beam Design Forces
force at each station from all the load combinations. This envelope considers all the skip load conditions
and load combinations to provide the upper bound on positive and negative moments on the beam.
For example, the following two 'curves' from two different load combinations are used to create the
final design envelope:
Figure 1:
This is the Final Design Beam Envelope that is used in the design. This envelope will also appear in the
View-Update dialog and in the design output report.
Beam envelope design forces in sway frame beams are not currently modified for column slenderness
effects per ACI 318-99, 10.13.7. When necessary, the engineer is responsible for confirming the beam
capacity is adequate to meet this code provision.
Where forces are required at locations between two stations the values are interpolated from the two
adjacent stations.
Shear and Torsion

The same procedure described previously is implemented to calculate beam shear and torsion
envelopes. However, as shear and torsion design are not dependent on the direction of the force, the
final envelope is then converted into a set of positive design forces computed as the maximum absolute
value of the min and max force at each station.
For example:
Figure 2:
17

Beam Design Forces
This shear design envelope will appear in the View-Update dialog when the Transverse Reinforcement
tab is selected.
18
RAM Concrete Beam Commands - ACI Design Codes
RAM Concrete Beam allows the engineer to design gravity and lateral concrete beams in either
interactive mode or batch mode.
This chapter presents an overview of the RAM Concrete Beam mode along with a brief discussion of its
use. More specific information on each of the commands is available in the on-line help.
3.1 Invoking RAM Concrete Beam

RAM Concrete is accessed through the RAM Manager. This can be accomplished by clicking the RAM
Concrete button on the Module toolbar or by selecting RAM Concrete from the Design Menu.
RAM Concrete always opens in Concrete Analysis mode. To enter the Concrete Beam mode, select
Concrete Beam from either the Mode menu or the drop down combo box on the toolbar. A checkmark
will appear beside the menu option in the Mode menu of the mode that is currently active. Before
concrete beams can be designed, an analysis of the structure must be performed in RAM Concrete
Analysis.
3.2 RAM Concrete Beam Status

RAM Concrete Beam Design makes use of data from the RAM Modeler, RAM Steel, RAM Frame and RAM
Concrete Analysis. For this reason, any changes to the model within any of these modes will affect the
RAM Concrete Beam status.
Issuing the command File Model Status will bring up a dialog that explains the current status of the
model. If the model is in a state such that it cannot be designed, an explanation of how to get the model
to be designable is provided.
3.3 Model Notes

Image
Description
The Model Notes command opens a text file that may be used to enter notes on
the currently loaded model. Invoke the Model Notes command from the File menu
to view or edit the notes file.
19

Concrete Beam Color-Coding
3.4 Concrete Beam Color-Coding

The status of each beam is indicated by the color with which it is drawn on screen. All non-concrete
members are colored dark gray while in Concrete Beam mode. The color of each concrete beam
indicates its design status. The Beam design color represents both the reinforcing design and the
deflection check results.
Pale Blue - Beam is not ready to be designed. If all concrete beams are pale blue, check the File Model
status dialog to determine what needs to be done in order to get the beams to a designable state. The
most common reason all concrete beams would be in this state is due to the absence of concrete beam
load combinations. If only some concrete beams are pale blue, they most likely are not part of any beam
lines. Only concrete beams that have been assigned beam line numbers in the Concrete Analysis mode
can be designed in Concrete Beam Design.
Yellow - Beam is ready for design.
Green Beam was designed and passed all design checks.
Blue Beam design passed and the design was frozen.
Red Beam was designed and some design warnings were reported. The warnings can be viewed in the
View/Update dialog box or in the Beam Design Report. If a beam is frozen but has some design warnings
it will be colored red to indicate that design warnings were found (see Section 3.10.5 for more
information on freezing the design).
Note: Once a design is performed on a beam line, all beams in the beam line will be color-coded to
indicate their new design status. Beams are repainted on a beam-by-beam basis according to their
individual status.
3.5 The Toolbars

3.5.1 The 3-D Viewer Toolbar
The top toolbar in the RAM Concrete Beam mode is common among all the RAM Concrete modes and
the 3D-Viewer. For more information on this toolbar, please see the 3-D Viewer Manual.
20

Mode
3.5.2 The Concrete Beam Mode Toolbar

Image
Menu Item
Assign - Size
Assign - Reinforcement Layout
Generated Load Combinations
Custom Load Combinations
Design All Concrete Beams
View/Update
Deflection Results
Copy - Single-to-Single
Copy - Single-to-Fence
Copy - Single-to-All
View - Beam Lines
View - All Beam Line Numbers
View Camber
21

Criteria
3.6 Mode
The Mode menu is used to change between the Concrete Analysis, Concrete Beam, Concrete Column and
Concrete Shear Wall modes. A checkmark appears beside the mode that is currently active. The dropdown combo box located on the tool bar can be used for this purpose as well.
3.7 Criteria
The criteria set through the criteria dialog boxes are global criteria that affect all concrete beams unless
they are overwritten using one of the assign commands or the View/Update dialog.
When any design criteria are changed, the concrete beam design is invalidated. Designs that were
"frozen" will be saved and checked against the new criteria when the next design is performed.
Note: The Detailing Defaults criteria are not used in the design check.
3.7.1 Beam Design

The Criteria Beam Design command is used to define reinforcement and bar selection criteria by
which a concrete beam will be designed.
Reinforcement
Tab
The Reinforcement Tab is where bar sizes are selected for longitudinal and
transverse reinforcement. This is also where the user can overwrite the default
code specified parameters:
Max/min bar spacing for longitudinal and transverse bars
Top, bottom, and side bar clear cover
Max/min longitudinal reinforcement ratio (flexure only)
In all cases, if the Code option is selected, the program will calculate the
appropriate code specified value. If the Use option is selected, the provided value
will be used as long as it is within the code specified limits (when applicable). If the
user-specified values are not within the code limits, the code limits will be used
(see Chapter 5 for detailed information on the code limits that are used in design).
Additionally, on the Reinforcement Tab, the user can select whether or not to allow
2 layers of bars and can specify the cover distance to the (effective) center of top
and bottom bars (for either 1 or 2 layers of bars). These values are specified
separately for gravity and lateral beams. This information is used to calculate the
effective depth of reinforcement for longitudinal and transverse reinforcement. The
values can be overwritten on an individual beam basis using the Assign
Reinforcement Layout dialog box (see Section 3.8.2).
Bar Selection
Tab
The Bar Select Tab is where various parameters are defined to fine-tune the
reinforcement selection:
22

Criteria
Minimum Number of Bars in Beam Top - Used to define the minimum

acceptable number of bars in the top of the beam. If bars are required in the top
of the beam, there will be at least as many bars in the top of the beam as are
specified here.
Minimum Number of Bars in Beam Bottom - Used to define the minimum
acceptable number of bars in the bottom of the beam. If bars are required in the
bottom of the beam, there will be at least as many bars in the bottom of the
beam as are specified here.
Bar Sizes: Keep all bars in layer the same size - Used to force bars that are in the
same layer (top or bottom) to be the same size.
Bar Sizes: Adjacent bars may differ in size by # sizes - Used to control the
change in bar size for bars in the same layer. For example, if 1 is entered, then
only #4, #5, and #6 bars can be placed in an adjacent span to a #5 bar. This
option is available only if the option to force all bars in the same layer to be the
same size is not selected.
Transverse Bars: Segment Length Increment - Used to help in defining design
segment dimensions that are rounded off to typical dimensions that an engineer
would use or that would be practical for construction. For example, the shear
reinforcement in a beam may be divided into three segments with one at either
end where the shear is highest and a center segment. The segment length
increment identifies the segment size increment. If 6 in is used then the
segments will be multiples of 6 in.
Transverse Bars: Bar Spacing Increment - Used to define the transverse
reinforcement spacing increment so that transverse reinforcement spacing
matches office and project standards. This eliminates bar spacing that may be in
fractions of inches or spacing increments that are impractical for construction.
Transverse Bars: Enforce max stirrup spacing even if stirrups are not required Selecting this option will force the program to provide beam stirrups at all
locations along spans even if they are not required by code. This is useful when
the design standard of an organization is to place stirrups at a maximum
nominal spacing for all beams and joists, regardless of how small the
requirement is. When this option is selected, a user-defined maximum shear bar
spacing (see Reinforcement criteria tab) must be specified as shown below.
Select bars based on Minimum Bar Area, Minimum Bar Spacing, or Maximum
Bar Spacing - Used in selecting the optimization criteria from all the acceptable
combinations of bar sizes and spacing. Selection by area will attempt to give the
least bar area (see Chapter 5 for a detailed discussion of bar selection method
and bias).
23

Criteria
Bar Selection Bias: Bias Bar Size - Used to specify the range of bar sizes that the
engineer prefers to use.
Bar Selection Bias: Amount of Bias - Used to specify how much importance the
engineer places on the Bar Size selected in Bias Bar Size.
Design Checks
Tab
This tab is where Torsional Capacity and Deep Beam checks can be optionally
included or excluded. This will remove the check and design warnings for torsional
capacity and deep beams from the design process.
Also within this tab, the user specifies the desired source of gravity forces on lateral
concrete beam members. There are two unique sets of gravity analysis results
available for lateral members in RAM Concrete Beam: the analysis performed in
RAM Concrete Analysis and that performed in RAM Frame. To aid in understanding
the differences between the two sets of results, we review a few fundamental
characteristics of each analysis:
Ram Frame performs both a gravity and a lateral load analysis.
The Ram Frame analysis includes only members designated as lateral. Thus, the
stiffness of gravity members is not accounted for in the RAM Frame analysis.
Ram Frame uses RAM Gravity to apply the reactions from gravity members to
supporting frame members.
RAM Frame does not perform skip loading.
RAM Concrete Analysis performs only a gravity load distribution and does not
deal with lateral forces.
RAM Concrete Analysis includes both gravity and lateral members. Thus, the
stiffness of gravity members is accounted for in the RAM Concrete Analysis.
RAM Concrete Analysis skip loads the live loads to generate a controlling
envelope.
Note: RAM Concrete Analysis analyzes a single story at a time, fixing columns a story
above and below, as described in ACI 318, Section 8.9. RAM Frame analyzes a three
dimensional structure. If there is significant drift, rotation, or frame action that
results from the application of gravity loads to frame members, it is recommended
that the user select Use RAM Frame forces.
For more information on each analysis method, see the RAM Concrete Analysis and
RAM Frame manuals.
3.7.2 Detailing Defaults

The Criteria Detailing Defaults command is used to define default reinforcement detailing
parameters for concrete beams. Three separate tabs allow the user to enter defaults separately for
gravity beams, gravity joists, and lateral beams. The parameters for each tab are essentially identical
(see Chapter 5 for further explanation of how the values entered in this dialog box impact the final
design).
The top 3 input boxes allow the user to define the cutoff location of the top reinforcement relative to
the clear span length.
Splice Type - Used to define the splice type for top reinforcement. Options are Class A and Class B.
24

Criteria
End Stirrup Start Location, Interior Stirrup Start Location - Used to define the distance from the face
of support to first transverse reinforcement. This is used to define the start and end of the transverse
reinforcement segments. The shear and torsional check locations are still performed based on the
applicable code sections.
Minimum Number of Continuous Bars - Used to specify the minimum number of bottom and top bars
that are continuous over the support.
@ End Span - Used to define the cutoff location for the bottom reinforcement relative to the clear
span length.
@ Interior Span - Used to define the cutoff location for the bottom reinforcement relative to the clear
span length.
Bottom Bar End Condition - Used to specify the end condition for bottom bars at span ends. Options
are Hooked and Straight.
Stirrup Type - Used to specify default type of transverse reinforcement. Options are Open, Closed
and Hoop.
Stirrup Legs - Used to specify number of stirrup legs for transverse bar sets. The stirrup legs identify
the number of bars that cross the beam shear failure cracks.
For the Joist detailing defaults, an additional option is included to design joists as beams and schedule
them as joists. This option is useful in situations where wide module pans are used in the construction.
In these cases often the engineer wants to place the beams in a joist schedule but the beams do not meet
the joist design criteria in ACI 318 so they cannot be designed as joists.
3.7.3 Deflection Criteria

The Criteria - Deflection command is used to define the deflection criteria considered for beam design
optimization.
Note: Deflections are not considered in the Design of the beams. No consideration is given to deflection
when calculating the amount of reinforcing required during optimization. However, following a beam
design the optimized reinforcing and section properties of the beam are considered in calculating the
deflection in the beam, and the deflections are compared against the criteria specified by the user.
Dont check
deflection for
span/depth
(ln/h) less
than
This option is used to restrict deflection checks to concrete beams with a specified
minimum span-to-depth ratio. The span length considered is the clear (face-to-face)
span length. This feature can be used to limit which beams are checked as permitted
by Table 9.5(a) in ACI 318-99 10. By specifying a sufficiently large value for this limit
the user can effectively 'switch off' deflection checks if so desired. The minimum ratio
allowed is 1.0.
Minimum
Allowable
Span-toDeflection
ratios
Ln/d indicates a minimum span-to-deflection ratio. Note that the clear (face-to-face)
span length is used for this check. For cantilevers the span length is doubled for the
calculation of deflection to length of span ratio. Delta indicates an absolute maximum
deflection value. A delta value of "0.0" indicates no limit for that condition. The default
or alternate criteria is used based on the assignment made in the RAM Modeler for
each beam. Beams are automatically assigned the default values unless the Layout Beams - Deflection Criteria command in the RAM Modeler is used to override the
assignment.
25

Criteria
For more information please refer to the technical section on calculating beam
deflections.
Long-Term
Deflection
The time-dependent deflection factors are based on the length of time that long-term
deflection is to be measured at per ACI 318-99 9.5.2.5. Note that this factor is not the
actual length of time, but a factor based on the length of time ( per ACI 9.5.2.5). Refer
to the technical section for more on how this factor is applied. The Initial Time
Dependent Factor () is used to determine the long-term deflection due only to dead
load for the time prior to the addition of the live load. That is, the portion of long-term
deflection that occurs prior to the attachment of the non-structural (live load)
elements. This factor is defaulted to 0.0 which assumes the live loads are applied
relatively soon after completion of construction.
The actual long-term deflection against which the allowable deflection criteria will be
checked is calculated as the Final Long-term deflection, less the Initial Long-term
deflection, plus the Immediate Live Load Deflection. This is as described in "Notes on
ACI 318-99, Portland Cement Association" and the technical section below.
The percentage of Live Load Sustained is that percentage of the live load that is
considered relatively static so as to result in long-term deflection on the structure.
This percentage of live load is applied to the structure for the calculation of the final
long-term deflection.
For more information please refer to the technical section on long-term deflection.
Effective
Moment of
Inertia
The user can select the method by which the program will calculate the effective
moment of inertia (Ieff) for each of the deflection calculations. If the ACI is selected
then Ieff is calculated per ACI 9.5.2.3 Eq. (9-7) for each deflection check (Dead Load,
Live Load, Long-term and Net) independently. If Use I From Analysis is selected then
the same moment of inertia used in the analysis (Ig x Cracked Section Factor) will be
used in the calculation of all of the beam deflection checks, no modification will be
made for reinforcing or deflection type (Dead, Live etc).
3.7.4 Camber Criteria

The Criteria - Camber command is used to define the camber criteria for beam deflection calculations.
Camber can be suppressed by selecting either the "Do Not Camber" option or the "Do Not Camber
Beams with span less than" option. Note: This does not mean that for a particular beam camber is not
required, just that that no camber will be calculated and considered in the deflection checks.
The indicated percentage of the total dead load is used to calculate the camber. When the camber is
calculated, the value is rounded down to the Increment value specified. If the camber required is less
than the Minimum Camber value, no camber is specified for that member. If the camber required is
greater than the Maximum Camber value, the Maximum Camber value will be used for that member.
Note that this does not necessarily mean that larger camber is not required (greater than the Maximum
value), it merely means that the amount of camber called out will be limited to the maximum. Generally
a more appropriate way of limiting the maximum camber is to specify more stringent deflection criteria.
The deflection check would then highlight to the user any beams that fail the deflection check and
should be deeper (and hence require less camber).
26

Assign
3.8 Assign
The Assign commands are used to make assignments to concrete beams in a model. Assign commands
can be issued in Single, Fence or All mode. Making an assignment to a beam will invalidate the design
results for the entire beam line, requiring the beam line to be redesigned.
When a command is issued in Single mode, the arrow cursor turns into a target cursor for the selection
of the desired member. In Fence mode, the arrow cursor turns into the rectangle cursor that allows the
selection of multiple members at a time. In All mode, the cursor remains the arrow cursor but the
assignment is made to all members.
3.8.1 Size
Using the Assign Size, sizes can be assigned to any concrete beam. The list box in the dialog displays
the beam sections available for assignment to beams. Concrete beam sections are defined in the RAM
Modeler.
Clicking on a section in the list box selects it for assignment. Clicking the Single, Fence or All buttons
closes the dialog in the selection mode as described above. The status bar displays a prompt that tells
the user what needs to be done to make the size assignment.
Note: Assigning a new size to a beam will impact the structural stiffness, and when member self-weight is
considered will also impact the self-weight reactions and therefore invalidate the analysis results. While it
is possible to complete a beam design after a size change, the results will be approximate because they will
be based on the previous analysis. To ensure an accurate design after an assign size, it is necessary to
return to Concrete Analysis to reanalyze. If a size is assigned to a lateral member, it is also necessary to
return to RAM Frame to reanalyze. To indicate that the analysis results are no longer current, the model
status light, found on the status bar, is set to yellow. It will also appear yellow in the RAM Manager.
3.8.2 Reinforcement Layout

The Assign Reinforcement Layout command can be used to override the default reinforcement
criteria on a beam-by-beam basis. The following defaults can be overridden:
Top Cover to Center Used to override default cover to center of top bars specified in Criteria
Beam Design. The default values are listed for easy reference.
Bottom Cover to Center Used to override the default cover to center of bottom bars specified in
Criteria Beam Design. The default values are listed for easy reference.
Maximum Number of Bar Layers Used to override the number of allowable bar layers as specified
in Criteria Beam Design. The default number of layers is listed for easy reference.
Shear Stirrup Type Used to override the default stirrup type as specified in Criteria Detailing
Defaults. The default values for gravity beams, joists and lateral beams are listed for easy reference.
27

Load Combinations
Design Member Type - Used to specify whether a beam should be designed as a beam or as a joist. All
beams are defaulted to be designed as beams when they are added in the Modeler. This is the only
place to specify the design type for a concrete beam. Note: If a lateral member has been assigned as a
joist, it will still be designed as a beam because there are no provisions for joist design on lateral
members.
Reinforcement Layout assignments can be made to all lateral and gravity concrete beams. Clicking the
Single, Fence or All buttons closes the dialog in the selection mode as described above.Clicking the
Single, Fence or All buttons closes the dialog in the selection mode as described above. The status bar
displays a prompt that tells the user what needs to be done to make the assignment.
3.9 Load Combinations

All concrete beam designs are based on load combinations, rather than on individual load cases. Load
combinations can be generated using the RAM Structural System's Load Combination Generator or
Custom combinations can be defined.
3.9.1 Code Generated Combinations

Combinations can be generated using the Combinations Generated command. In this dialog, select
the code that will be used to generate the load combinations using the Code for Combinations menu.
Then select the load cases to be considered during combo generation by placing a check in the Use
column of the load case list. Enter any additional information that may be required for the given code in
the Parameters section, and then press the Generate button to create the design load combinations. In
order to consider a given combination during the design it must be checked in the Use column of the
Load Combination list.
For more details on the Load Combination Generator, see the Load Combination Generator manual.
3.9.2 User Defined Combinations

Combinations can also be entered manually using the Combinations Custom command. The same
procedure outlined in Section 3.9.1 applies to this dialogue. Load combinations are entered manually by
the user in the Load Combinations section by clicking in an empty row in the Load Combinations column
and entering the algebraic formula for the combination using the Load Case symbols. The user then
clicks in the Click to Validate column of the respective row in order to verify that there are no errors in
the entered formula. A green light will appear if a valid combination has been entered. A yellow light
will appear if a combination has been entered in which the analysis results of one of the load cases are
not available. A red light will appear if the entered combination contains a syntax error. For more details
on the Load Combination Generator, see the Load Combination Generator manual.
28

Process
3.10 Process
The Process menu contains commands that allow the user to execute the beam design and interact with
the design results.
3.10.1 Design All

The Process - Design All command allows the engineer to design all concrete beams with just one
command. During design, the status log will appear to track the status of the design process.
Once all the concrete beams are designed, the screen will be updated to reflect the outcome of the
design. For more information on concrete beam color-coding see Section 3.4.
3.10.2 View/Update
The Process View/Update command launches the View/Update dialog box. The View/Update dialog
box is a powerful tool for investigating the design of concrete beams on an individual beam line basis.
When the command is issued, the cursor will change from the arrow cursor to the target cursor,
allowing the engineer to select a beam line by clicking on any beam in the beam line. The View/Update
title bar displays the currently selected Beam Line number as well as the Story where the Beam Line is
located.
If an undesigned beam line is selected, it will be designed before the dialog box is opened. If the beam
line already has a current design, the saved design will be displayed rather than a new design being
executed.
The View/Update dialog is composed of four tabs that display information and allow for user input. A
fifth tab displays any design warnings. A graphical display area at the bottom of the dialog is used for a
visual representation of the beam line and reinforcement layout, along with a representation of the
envelope data for the beam line. The graphical area displays data that is relevant to the tab that is
selected.
The engineer can make changes to the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement as well as to some
beam material properties, through the View/Update dialog, in order to investigate different designs.
The changes made in the View/Update dialog can either be saved with the model using the Update
Database button or discarded and the original design kept intact by simply selecting the Close button.
There are several buttons on the right-hand side of the View/Update dialog for investigating different
designs:
Optimize Discards any changes made by the user in the View/Update dialog and optimizes the beam
line per global criteria and any previously assigned data.
Analyze Analyzes the beam line using information entered in the View/Update dialog. The existing
reinforcement is checked only; no reinforcement is assigned during an Analyze.
Update Database - Updates the model database with the parameters in the View/Update dialog box as
well as saves the current design of each beam in the beam line. No optimization is performed on beam
lines that have had their database information updated. These beams will only be checked until their
29

Process
design is cleared through the Process - Clear Design command. This is equivalent to the Freeze Design
option found under the process menu.
View Results - This button is used to display the detailed design information on each beam in the beam
line.
View Summary - This button is used to display a Summary report for each beam in the beam line.
Close - Closes the View/Update dialog box without updating the design. If the beam information was
saved using the Update Database button, this information will remain saved but any changes since the
command was issued will be lost.
The traffic lights on the View/Update dialog box graphically indicate the status of the design. A Green
light indicates the design is current and passes all checks. Yellow indicates the design is not current and
an analyze or optimize is required. Red indicates that there are design warnings for at least one beam in
the beam line. There is a description of the reason why the beam did not pass on the Design Warnings
tab.
View/Update - Longitudinal Reinforcement Tab

The Longitudinal Reinforcement tab within the View/Update page provides the engineer with a means
of modifying top and bottom longitudinal bar sets that have been assigned to the beam, either during
optimization, or manually by the engineer. When the Longitudinal Reinforcement tab is selected, the
graphical display area will display a representation of the longitudinal bar sets in the beam line. The
envelope data displayed both graphically and numerically will correspond to the longitudinal
reinforcement assigned to the beam line.
Dimensions
The Dimensions area in the upper left-hand corner displays detailed information
about the selected span in the beam line, such as the beam number, the span length,
cantilever lengths when applicable, section dimensions for the beam, and
information about the start and end supports for the beam. The drop-down Span list
box can be used to select any span in the beam line.
Reinforcement The Reinforcement area displays all relevant information, in tabular form, for the
final optimized flexural bars for the beam line. The drop down box at the top is used
to select either the top or bottom longitudinal bars. The information in the
spreadsheet area is updated to reflect the selection made in the reinforcement drop
down box. For example, in the Figure above Top Reinforcement has been selected
and thus the spreadsheet area and graphic below displays top bar information only.
A discussion of each of the column values in the spreadsheet is presented below.
No.
This is the bar set index. Bar sets are a group of bars that are the same
size, have the same start and end locations, and have the same start
and end conditions. Bars are grouped to make the design output
easier to interpret and interact with.
Support
This is the support index to which the bar set is referenced. The
centerline of the support listed here will serve as the origin for the
start and end coordinates of the bar set.
Qty.
This value is the number of bars in the bar set.
Bar Size
This is the size of all bars in this bar set. The bar sizes available in this
drop-down box are limited to those that the user has chosen to
consider in the Beam Design Criteria - Reinforcement menu.
30

Process
Start/End These two values are the start and end locations (respectively) of the
bar set relative to the centerline of the support specified in the
Support column.
Reinf
Layer
If the user has chosen to allow two layers of reinforcement in the

Beam Design Criteria - Reinforcement menu, the value in this cell will
be displayed as either "Upper" or "Lower", depending on the layer at
which the bar set lies. If the user has chosen to not consider two layers
of reinforcing, this value will always be displayed as "Upper".
Bar End
These values are the left and right bar end conditions. There are three
types of bar end conditions considered in RAM Concrete Beam:
Straight, Splice, and Hook.
A Straight end condition is generally used when a bar group is
terminated along the beam line span and there is no need to develop
the full bar capacity at the bar cutoff point. A Straight end condition
has no knowledge of adjacent bars and thus does not consider
adjacent bar groups when calculating bar capacity. See Section 5.2.5
for a discussion of how the bar tensile capacity is calculated for a
Straight end condition.
A Splice end condition is used to lap two groups of bars that share the
same endpoint. A Splice end condition is cognizant of any bar groups
with which it shares an endpoint and considers these bar groups in
calculating the bar capacity along its end. See Section 5.2.6 for a
discussion of how the tensile bar capacity is calculate for a Splice end
condition.
A Hook end condition is used when the full tensile capacity of the bar
is required even up to the bar endpoint.
Each of these quantities can be edited directly by the user (except for
No.) by clicking in the appropriate cell and entering or selecting a new
value. The graphical display will then immediately be updated to
reflect the new data. The design may then be rerun for the new data
by selecting "Analyze". The new design may be made permanent by
selecting "Update Database". For easy cross-reference between the
spreadsheet area of the tab and the graphical display area, when a bar
set is selected in the spreadsheet area, the corresponding bar set will
be highlighted in the graphical display area. When a bar set is selected
in the graphical display area, the first cell in the corresponding line in
the spreadsheet will be highlighted.
View/Update - Strain Analysis Tab

The Strain Analysis tab within the View/Update page reports the rectangular compression block
parameters at all locations along the span. The neutral axis depth c , the Whitney block depth a , the
strain in the extreme tension steel at concrete rupture t , and the phi factor for flexure, are reported
for the selected location along the span. In addition, the section is reported as tension-controlled, in
transition, or compression-controlled according to the limits specified by ACI 318 (see Section 5.8.1).
This tab is available only for the ACI 318-05 and ACI 318-08 design codes.
31

Process
View/Update - Transverse Reinforcement Tab

The Transverse Reinforcement tab within the View/Update page provides the engineer with a means of
modifying transverse bar sets that have been assigned to the beam, either during optimization, or
manually by the engineer. When the Transverse Reinforcement tab is selected, the graphical display
area will display a representation of the transverse bar sets in the beam line. The envelope data
displayed both graphically and numerically will correspond to the transverse reinforcement assigned to
the beam line.
Dimensions
The Dimensions area on the Transverse Reinforcement tab is identical to the

Dimensions area on the Longitudinal Reinforcement tab. Please refer to Section
3.10.2.1 for more information.
Reinforcement The engineer can edit, add, and delete transverse reinforcement bar sets in the
spreadsheet area of the Transverse Reinforcement tab. When the end location of a
Transverse Reinforcement bar set is modified, the start location of the next bar set
within the same span is automatically updated to prevent bar sets from overlapping.
The engineer further has the ability to check the longitudinal reinforcement in a
beam line (using manually entered values) while optimizing the transverse
reinforcement. To do so, select the Transverse reinforcement tab and delete all the
bar sets in the grid, then press the Analyze button. When there are no transverse bar
sets defined during an Analysis the program will use the optimization process to find
the required transverse reinforcement.
For easy cross-reference between the spreadsheet area of the tab and the graphical
display area, when a bar set is selected in the spreadsheet area, the corresponding
bar set will be highlighted in the graphical display area. When a bar set is selected in
the graphical display area, the first cell in the corresponding line in the spreadsheet
will be highlighted.
See the Online Help for more information on editing transverse reinforcement.
View/Update - Section/Material Properties Tab

The Sections/Material Properties tab provides the engineer a means to view and edit material
properties and beam properties for each beam in the beam line.
Beam
Properties
For each span in the beam line, the engineer can view the span length, the assigned
size, and the section dimensions associated with that size. This information cannot be
edited through the View/Update dialog. The stirrup type and number of stirrup legs
can be both viewed and edited for each beam in the beam line.
Material
Properties
For each span in the beam line, the engineer can view and edit steel reinforcement
and concrete material properties.
Refer to the Online Help for more information on editing beam and material properties.
View/Update - Deflections Tab

A Deflections tab is part of the view update dialog box. The information on this tab provides the
engineer a means to view the results of the controlling deflection check on each beam in the beam line.
32

Process
For each span in the beam line the engineer can view the camber (if specified to be calculated in the
Criteria-Camber dialog box), the type of deflection that controlled (Dead Load, Live Load, Long-term or
Net), what the controlling deflection (delta) value is, where along the span this controlling deflection
was calculated (distance from start support), the controlling span-to-deflection ratio, the effective
moment of inertia for the controlling case, the controlling ratio (calculated L/d divided by Allowable
L/d). Note that a controlling deflection is only available if the user has specified at least one set of
criteria in the Criteria-Deflection dialog box, otherwise the largest deflection and associated data is
reported.
The user can update the reinforcing on the Longitudinal reinforcing tab, select Analyze and return to the
Deflection tab to observe the affect on the deflection checks. A change of tension steel will affect
immediate deflection values (Dead Load and Live Load) predominantly, whereas modifying the
compression reinforcing will also affect the long-term deflection results. In all cases modifying the
section depth will have the most dramatic affect on the calculated deflections.
Note: The compression reinforcing is not considered in calculating the capacity of a member (its design
strength). Reinforcing is only considered when it is tension and by definition the compression
reinforcing exists in the compression block of the section.
View/Update - Design Warnings Tab

If there are design warnings for any beam in the beam line, the traffic light on the View/Update dialog
will be red. To see the design warnings, select the Design Warnings tab for a list of design warnings for
the currently selected beam line.
Graphical
Display
Area
The graphical display area displays information relevant to the currently active tab.
Only the Longitudinal and Transverse Reinforcement tabs have information to be
displayed graphically.
Beam Line
Graphics
The beam line is graphically displayed in the lower half of the View/Update dialog box.
When the Longitudinal Reinforcement tab is selected, the longitudinal bar sets are
displayed graphically (Figure in the Longitudinal Reinforcement Tab). When the
Transverse Reinforcement tab is selected, the transverse bar sets are displayed
graphically (Figure in the Transverse Reinforcement Tab). For both types of
reinforcement, the corresponding provided and required envelopes are displayed below
the bar sets. The yellow region is the required values along the beam line, while the
purple outline represents the provided values.
Right click in the graphic area to get a popup menu with additional display options. If
the beam line does not completely fit in the graphic display screen, left click on the beam
line graphic and drag to move the display of the beam line.
Envelope
Data
While the graphical display area displays a graphic representation of the envelope data
for the beam line, the Envelope Data section of the View/Update dialog box displays the
numeric values for provided and required capacities as well as provided and required
reinforcement area. The values displayed correspond to the location of the red slider in
the display area. Moving the slider will update the values to the right. The user can also
update the numeric values by selecting a support number and a distance from that
support in the Envelope Data area, which will in turn update the location of the red
slider.
33

Process
3.10.3 Deflection Results

In Concrete Beam Mode the deflections are adjusted to consider beam reinforcing, cracking and load
duration. Following the design of each beams reinforcing the Dead Load, Live Load, Long-term and Net
Deflection values are calculated, and where specified, compared to the user criteria.
Following a design the user can issue the Process-Results menu item to show the deflection results
dialog box. The Deflection Results dialog box (illustrated below) provides interactive access to the
deflection results. By selecting a deflection type from the drop-down list the members are colored
according to their deflection ratio (Calculated Ln/d divided by Allowable Ln/d ) for the selected load
type. Note that in all cases Ln is defined as the clear (face-to-face) length of the beam. If however there is
no design (no reinforcing) in a beam, the beam will be colored white. If there is no deflection criteria
specified (or a beam has a span/depth ratio less than specified to be checked) in the Criteria-Deflection
dialog box then all the beams will be colored light blue. In all other cases the beams are colored
according to the deflection ratio color scale and the selected deflection type. If desired, the Controlling
Case can be selected from the deflection results dialog to display that deflection type on each beam that
produced the worst deflection ratio.
By selecting one of the text display options the selected entity will be displayed for each beam on the
screen. The available selections are as follows:
Ln/d The face-to-face (clear) span-length to depth ratio (for cantilevers twice the clear span is used
for Ln). d is the full depth of the section. If Controlling Case is selected in the Deflection Type list box
then the controlling deflection type is shown on the member (DL=Dead Load, LL=Live Load, LT = Longterm + Live and NET = DL + LT + LL Camber).
Delta The deflection for that physical member that corresponds to the largest Ln/d for all spans in the
physical beam. That is, for a beam that has a cantilever only one delta is reported per deflection type per
beam. This delta is the deflection that corresponds to the largest Ln/d for each span (mid span and
cantilever) on that individual beam. Refer to the deflection summary report for cantilever and mid-span
values reported separately.
Ieff The calculated effective moment of inertia for the beam for that particular deflection type. This
effective moment is dependent on the users Effective Modulus selection in the Criteria-Deflection dialog
box.
Deflection Ratio If there is an allowable deflection limit specified (in the Criteria-Deflection Dialog
Box) for the selected Deflection Type, the controlling deflection ratio (Actual deflection / Allowable
Deflection) will be reported. Note that each member is colored according to its deflection ratio for the
selected deflection type.
3.10.4 Copy Design

A special method of design is the Process - Copy command. This command allows the user to copy
reinforcement and section sizes from one beam line to another. This is useful when it is desired to make
similar beam lines identical and reduce the number of unique beam marks when the concrete beam
schedules are created.
34

Process
The Copy Beam Line Design command transfers the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement for an
entire beam line to the destination beam line(s) selected by the user. The section size(s) for each span
may also be transferred at the user's option. The Tolerance Setting specified in the dialog determines
the conditions under which the copy is executed. A description of each of the two settings is given
below:
Perform copy only
if beam lines are
geometrically
identical
When this option is selected the following conditions must be met in order for
the copy to be executed on the target beam line(s):
1. The source beam line and target beam line(s) must have the same number of
spans
2. The length of each respective span in the source beam line and target beam
line(s) must be the same (including cantilevers)
3. The length of each corresponding support measured parallel to the beam
line for the source beam line and target beam line(s) must be the same
4. Each corresponding beam in the source beam line and target beam line(s)
must have the same section assignment
5. Each corresponding beam in the source beam line and target beam line(s)
must have the same material properties
Note: If choosing to copy the beam section assignments, item 4 is not enforced.
Perform copy if
clear length of each
corresponding
span is within:
When this option is selected, conditions 2 and 3 described for the previous
option are relaxed through use of a tolerance. The clear distance of each
respective span from the source beam line to the target beam line(s) (measured
between support faces), is ratioed according to the following:
Span Ratio = 100 x (LSOURCE - LTARGET)/LSOURCE
If the calculated value above is less than the tolerance specified in the dialog for
all beam spans (including cantilevers), the copy is performed.
Figure 3: Design for beam line 10 has been copied to beam lines 9, 11, and 12
35

Process
To use the Copy command, first design a beam line using either the Process View/Update command
or Process Design All command. Once a beam line has been designed, the corresponding design can
be copied to other beam lines provided the conditions detailed previously are met.
Once the Copy is performed, the bar sets from the initial beam line are assigned to the new beam line(s)
and the resulting design is checked. The check is the same as performing an Analyze in the View/Update
dialog box. Upon completion of the check, the screen will be updated to reflect the current design status
of each beam. When a copy is performed, the beam lines that are updated are automatically frozen, the
same as if a Process Freeze is performed (see Section 3.10.5 for more information on the Freeze
command). The beams in the beam line are now considered user defined and will be painted dark blue
on screen if the design is successful. Please refer to Section 3.4 for more information on color-coding.
When the Copy Design Single to Single command is issued, the cursor changes from the arrow cursor
to a target cursor. First select the designed beam line (the Copy From beam line, or source), then select
the beam line to which the designs are to be copied (the Copy To beam line, or target). A warning will be
given when a target beam line is selected that fails to meet the criteria above. The target cursor changes,
alternating between a Copy From cursor to a Copy To cursor, to help identify the current step in the
copy process.
When the Copy Design Single to Fence command is issued, the cursor changes from the arrow cursor
to a target cursor. First select Copy From beam line. The cursor will then change to a fence cursor. Fence
one or more target beam lines. Only those beam lines that meet the criteria above will be designed with
the copied reinforcement. No warning will be given for beam lines that are not updated. After the Copy
command is complete, the cursor will return to the target cursor and a new source beam line can be
selected.
When the Copy Design Single to All command is issued, the cursor changes from the arrow cursor to
a target cursor. After selecting a source beam line, the copy will be performed on all beam lines in the
model that meet the criteria specified above. No warning will be given for those beam lines that are not
updated.
Note: The Copy command does not create a link between the source beam line and the target beam line.
A subsequent change in the design of one is not automatically made to the other. The command merely
copies the current reinforcement from one beam line to the other.
3.10.5 Freeze Beam Line Design

At certain points during the design process, it may be desirable to "Freeze" the design of some or all of
the beam lines. Doing so allows the user to archive completed designs or to perform "what-if" type
investigations without having the reinforcement re-optimize and potentially modified.
Designs may be frozen by selecting the Process Freeze Single, Fence or All commands. Freezing a
design on a beam line is equivalent to the Update Database command within View/Update. It marks
the beam line as User Defined and saves the current reinforcement for the beam line. A frozen beam line
will not be re-optimized until the design is cleared.
36

Reports
3.10.6 Clear Beam Line

Members that have had their design Frozen or members that were previously assigned user defined
reinforcement in the View/Update can be cleared by selecting the Process Clear Single, Fence or
All commands. Once a design is cleared, it will be optimized rather than having the reinforcement
checked the next time it is designed.
3.11 Reports
3.11.1 Report Destination
The first four options under the Reports menu are used to control the destination of the selected report.
A check mark is placed beside the current selection. This selection is relevant to the current mode in
RAM Concrete only. To change the report destination on a global level, use the Tools Report Styles
command located in RAM Manager.
3.11.2 Reports
Various reports are available in the RAM Concrete Beam module. These reports are used to review
information about the model and its design. For more information about the individual reports, see
Chapter 11.
3.12 View
The majority of the View commands are common with the 3D Viewer. For more information on these
commands, see the 3D Viewer manual. The following is an explanation of the commands that are unique
to the RAM Concrete Beam module.
3.12.1 Beam Lines

This option is identical to corresponding option in the Concrete Analysis module. Please refer to the
RAM Concrete Analysis manual for more information.
37

Exiting Concrete Beam Design Mode
3.12.2 Beam Line Numbers (toolbar only)

This option displays the beam line numbers for all the beams in the model and works in a similar
manner to the corresponding option in the RAM Concrete Analysis module.
3.12.3 Model Colors / Design Colors toggle

Image
Description
A 'Model Colors' / 'Design Colors' toggle button and associated menu items have
been added to the RAM Concrete modules. Both the RAM Concrete Column and
RAM Concrete Beam modules change the display colors of the members to reflect
their current design status. Clicking the 'Change to Model Colors' button, or
selecting 'Colors - Model Colors' from the 'View' menu will switch display colors
back to the default colors assigned for each type. This can make it easier to
identify the specific type of member by its color.
After clicking the 'Change to Model Colors' button, the button graphic will toggle
to the 'Change to Design Colors' button. Clicking this button or selecting 'Colors Design Colors' from the 'View' menu will toggle the color display back to 'design'
colors.
The graphic displayed on the button reflects the current model display colors, which are the opposite of
the mode that will be toggled to by clicking the button.
3.13 Exiting Concrete Beam Design Mode

The Mode menu or drop-down combo box on the toolbar can be used to exit the RAM Concrete Beam
module and navigate to another RAM Concrete module.
The File Close command is used to exit the RAM Concrete Beam module. Issuing File Close will
return the user to the RAM Manager.
38
RAM Concrete Beam Commands - BS8110, CP65,

AS3600 4
RAM Concrete Beam allows the engineer to design gravity and lateral concrete beams in either
interactive mode or batch mode.
This chapter presents an overview of the RAM Concrete Beam module, specific to the case in which
BS8110, CP65 or AS3600 is used as the design code. More specific information on each of the commands
is available in the on-line help.
4.1 Invoking RAM Concrete Beam

RAM Concrete is accessed through the RAM Manager. This can be accomplished by clicking the RAM
Concrete button on the Module toolbar or by selecting RAM Concrete from the Design Menu.
RAM Concrete always opens in Concrete Analysis mode. To enter the Concrete Beam mode, select
Concrete Beam from either the Mode menu or the drop down combo box on the toolbar. A checkmark
will appear beside the menu option in the Mode menu of the mode that is currently active. Before
concrete beams can be designed, an analysis of the structure must be performed in RAM Concrete
Analysis.
4.2 RAM Concrete Beam Status

RAM Concrete Beam Design makes use of data from the RAM Modeler, RAM Steel, RAM Frame and RAM
Concrete Analysis. For this reason, any changes to the model within any of these modes will affect the
RAM Concrete Beam status.
Issuing the command File Model Status will bring up a dialog that explains the current status of the
model. If the model is in a state such that it cannot be designed, an explanation of how to get the model
to be designable is provided.
39
RAM Concrete Beam Commands - BS8110, CP65, AS3600

Concrete Beam Color-Coding
4.3 Model Notes

Image
Description
The Model Notes command opens a text file that may be used to enter notes on
the currently loaded model. Invoke the Model Notes command from the File menu
to view or edit the notes file.
4.4 Concrete Beam Color-Coding

The status of each beam is indicated by the color with which it is drawn on screen. All non-concrete
members are colored dark gray while in Concrete Beam mode. The color of each concrete beam
indicates its design status. The Beam design color represents both the reinforcing design and the
deflection check results.
Pale Blue - Beam is not ready to be designed. If all concrete beams are pale blue, check the File Model
status dialog to determine what needs to be done in order to get the beams to a designable state. The
most common reason all concrete beams would be in this state is due to the absence of concrete beam
load combinations. If only some concrete beams are pale blue, they most likely are not part of any beam
lines. Only concrete beams that have been assigned beam line numbers in the Concrete Analysis mode
can be designed in Concrete Beam Design.
Yellow - Beam is ready for design.
Green Beam was designed and passed all design checks.
Blue Beam design passed and the design was frozen.
Red Beam was designed and some design warnings were reported. The warnings can be viewed in the
View/Update dialog box or in the Beam Design Report. If a beam is frozen but has some design warnings
it will be colored red to indicate that design warnings were found (see Section 3.10.5 for more
information on freezing the design).
indicate their new design status. Beams are repainted on a beam-by-beam basis according to their
individual status.
indicate their new design status. Beams are repainted on a beam line-by-beam line basis according to
their individual status.
4.5 The Toolbars
40

The Toolbars
4.5.1 The 3-D Viewer Toolbar

The top toolbar in the RAM Concrete Beam mode is common among all the RAM Concrete modes and
the 3D-Viewer. For more information on this toolbar, please see the 3-D Viewer Manual.
4.5.2 The Concrete Beam Mode Toolbar

Image
Menu Item
Concrete Mode
Assign - Size
Assign - Reinforcement Layout
Generated Load Combinations
Custom Load Combinations
Design All Concrete Beams
View/Update
Deflection Results
Copy - Single-to-Single
Copy - Single-to-Fence
Copy - Single-to-All
41

Mode
Image
Menu Item
View - Beam Lines
View - All Beam Line Numbers
View Camber
4.6 Mode
The Mode menu is used to change between the Concrete Analysis, Concrete Beam, and Concrete Column
modes. A checkmark appears beside the mode that is currently active. The drop-down combo box
located on the tool bar can be used for this purpose as well.
The Criteria Beam Design menu is where the user preferences for reinforcing design and codespecific design checks are specified. The criteria set through this menu apply to all concrete beams in
the model.
When any design criteria are changed in this menu, all concrete beam designs in the model are
invalidated. The design data for any beam lines which held an optimized design will be cleared. Note
that when this happens the status color of the beam line turns from either green or red (depending on
whether the previous optimization produced a design that passed or failed) to yellow. The design data
for beam lines that were "frozen" will be saved and checked against the new criteria when the next
design is performed.
Reinforcement
Tab
Design Checks/
Forces Tab
The following design parameters are set in the Reinforcement tab:

Minimum Clear Bar Cover
Set the cover to the top, bottom, and sides of the

beams.
Minimum Gap Between

Main Bar Layers
Defines the clear bar spacing between the upper

or lower main bar layers.
Bar Sizes to Consider for

Design
Sets the minimum and maximum allowable bar

sizes to be used for flexural and shear
reinforcement.
Shear Reinforcement
Sets the minimum shear reinforcement spacing

and number of legs to be used.
The following design parameters are set in the Design Checks/Forces tab:
Shear
Select either centre line or column face. Select Enhanced Shear

Effects to include Clause 3.4.5.8.
42

Assign
Side Bar
Design
Set either the minimum bar size to be used or let the program
calculate which bars can be used to achieve a 250 mm c/c spacing
on deep beams.
Gravity
Forces on
Lateral
Beams
Also within this tab, the user specifies the desired source of gravity
forces on lateral concrete beam members. There are two unique
sets of gravity analysis results available for lateral members in
RAM Concrete Beam: the analysis performed in RAM Concrete
Analysis and that performed in RAM Frame. To aid in
understanding the differences between the two sets of results, we
review a few fundamental characteristics of each analysis:
Ram Frame performs both a gravity and a lateral load analysis.
The Ram Frame analysis includes only members designated as
lateral. Thus, the stiffness of gravity members is not accounted
for in the RAM Frame analysis.
Ram Frame uses RAM Gravity to apply the reactions from
gravity members to supporting frame members.
RAM Frame does not perform skip loading.
RAM Concrete Analysis performs only a gravity load
distribution and does not deal with lateral forces.
RAM Concrete Analysis includes both gravity and lateral
members. Thus, the stiffness of gravity members is accounted
for in the RAM Concrete Analysis.
RAM Concrete Analysis skip loads the live loads to generate a
controlling envelope.
4.7 Assign
4.7.1 Size
The Assign Size command is used to assign a different section size to concrete beam members in the
model. This command operates on an individual beam span basis and thus the sizes of individual beams,
not entire beam lines, are changed by this command.
Note that once a member size is changed in the Concrete Beam module, the member analysis force
results obtained from RAM Concrete or RAM Frame become approximate since the analysis results do
not reflect the modified member size. In order to obtain exact member forces, the RAM Concrete
analysis and, if applicable, RAM Frame analysis must be run again with the modified size.
43

Load Combinations
4.7.2 Reinforcement Layout

The Assign Reinforcement Layout command is used to override the default reinforcement criteria
on a beam-by-beam basis. The following defaults can be overridden:
Link Type
Used to override default cover to center of top bars specified in Criteria

Beam Design. The default values are listed for easy reference.
Number of Link Legs Used to override the default cover to center of bottom bars specified in
Link Spacing
Used to override the number of allowable bar layers as specified in Criteria

Beam Design. The default number of layers is listed for easy reference.
Clear Bar Cover
Used to override the default top, bottom, and side clear bar cover values
specified in Criteria Beam Design. The default cover values are listed for
easy reference.
Minimum Gap
Between Main Bar
Layers -
Used to override the default distance between main bar layers specified in
Bar Sizes for Main

Design
Used to override the default minimum and maximum main bar sizes
specified in Criteria Beam Design. The default sizes are shown for easy
reference.
Bar Sizes for Main

Design
Used to override the default minimum and maximum shear bar sizes
specified in Criteria Beam Design. The default sizes are shown for easy
reference.
Reinforcement Layout assignments can be made to all lateral and gravity concrete beams. Clicking the
Single, Fence or All buttons closes the dialog in the selection mode as described above. Clicking the
Single, Fence or All buttons closes the dialog in the selection mode as described above. The status bar
displays a prompt that tells the user what needs to be done to make the assignment.

All concrete beam designs are based on load combinations, rather than on individual load cases. Load
combinations can be generated using the RAM Structural System's Load Combination Generator or
Custom combinations can be defined.
4.8.1 Code Generated Combinations

Combinations can be generated using the Combinations Generated command. In this dialog, select
the code that will be used to generate the load combinations using the Code for Combinations menu.
Then select the load cases to be considered during combo generation by placing a check in the Use
column of the load case list. Enter any additional information that may be required for the given code in
the Parameters section, and then press the Generate button to create the design load combinations. In
44

Process
order to consider a given combination during the design it must be checked in the Use column of the
Load Combination list.
For more details on the Load Combination Generator, see the Load Combination Generator manual.
4.8.2 User Defined Combinations

Combinations can also be entered manually using the Combinations Custom command. The same
procedure outlined in Section 3.9.1 applies to this dialogue. Load combinations are entered manually by
the user in the Load Combinations section by clicking in an empty row in the Load Combinations column
and entering the algebraic formula for the combination using the Load Case symbols. The user then
clicks in the Click to Validate column of the respective row in order to verify that there are no errors in
the entered formula. A green light will appear if a valid combination has been entered. A yellow light
will appear if a combination has been entered in which the analysis results of one of the load cases are
not available. A red light will appear if the entered combination contains a syntax error. For more details
on the Load Combination Generator, see the Load Combination Generator manual.
4.9 Process
The Process menu contains commands that allow the user to execute the beam design and interact with
the design results.
4.9.1 Design All

The Process - Design All command allows the engineer to design all concrete beams with just one
command. During design, the status log will appear to track the status of the design process.
Once all the concrete beams are designed, the screen will be updated to reflect the outcome of the
design. For more information on concrete beam color-coding see Section 3.4.
4.9.2 View/Update
The Process View/Update command launches the View/Update dialog box. The View/Update dialog
box is a powerful tool for investigating the design of concrete beams on an individual beam line basis.
When the command is issued, the cursor will change from the arrow cursor to the target cursor,
allowing the engineer to select a beam line by clicking on any beam in the beam line. The View/Update
title bar displays the currently selected Beam Line number as well as the Story where the Beam Line is
located.
If an undesigned beam line is selected, it will be designed before the dialog box is opened. If the beam
line already has a current design, the saved design will be displayed rather than a new design being
executed.
45

Process
The View/Update dialog is composed of four tabs that display information and allow for user input. A
fifth tab displays any design warnings. A graphical display area at the bottom of the dialog is used for a
visual representation of the beam line and reinforcement layout, along with a representation of the
envelope data for the beam line. The graphical area displays data that is relevant to the tab that is
selected.
The engineer can make changes to the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement as well as to some
beam material properties, through the View/Update dialog, in order to investigate different designs.
The changes made in the View/Update dialog can either be saved with the model using the Update
Database button or discarded and the original design kept intact by simply selecting the Close button.
There are several buttons on the right-hand side of the View/Update dialog for investigating different
designs:
Optimize
Discards any changes made by the user in the View/Update dialog and optimizes the
beam line per global criteria and any previously assigned data.
Analyze
Analyzes the beam line using information entered in the View/Update dialog. The
existing reinforcement is checked only; no reinforcement is assigned during an Analyze.
Update
Database
Updates the model database with the parameters in the View/Update dialog box as
well as saves the current design of each beam in the beam line. No optimization is
performed on beam lines that have had their database information updated. These
beams will only be checked until their design is cleared through the Process - Clear
Design command. This is equivalent to the Freeze Design option found under the
process menu.
View
Results
This button is used to display the detailed design information on each beam in the beam
line.
View
Summary
This button is used to display a Summary report for each beam in the beam line.
Close
Closes the View/Update dialog box without updating the design. If the beam
information was saved using the Update Database button, this information will remain
saved but any changes since the command was issued will be lost.
The traffic lights on the View/Update dialog box graphically indicate the status of the
design. A Green light indicates the design is current and passes all checks. Yellow
indicates the design is not current and an analyze or optimize is required. Red indicates
that there are design warnings for at least one beam in the beam line. There is a
description of the reason why the beam did not pass on the Design Warnings tab.
4.9.3 View/Update - Main Reinforcement Tab

The Main Reinforcement tab within the View/Update page provides the engineer with a means of
modifying top and bottom longitudinal bar sets that have been assigned to the beam, either during
optimization, or manually by the engineer. When the Main Reinforcement tab is selected, the graphical
display area will display a representation of the longitudinal bar sets in the beam line. The envelope
data displayed both graphically and numerically will correspond to the longitudinal reinforcement
assigned to the beam line. The corresponding provided and required envelopes are displayed below the
bar sets. The yellow region represents the required capacity values along the beam line, while the
purple outline represents the provided values.
46

Process
While the graphical display area displays a graphic representation of the envelope data for the beam
line, the Envelope Data section of the View/Update dialog box displays the numeric values for provided
and required capacities as well as provided and required reinforcement area. The values displayed
correspond to the location of the red slider in the display area. Moving the slider will update the values
to the right. The user can also update the numeric values by selecting a support number and a distance
from that support in the Envelope Data area, which will in turn update the location of the red slider.
Dimensions
The Dimensions area in the upper left-hand corner displays detailed information
about the selected span in the beam line, such as the beam number, the span length,
cantilever lengths when applicable, section dimensions for the beam, and
information about the start and end supports for the beam. The drop-down Span list
box can be used to select any span in the beam line.
Reinforcement The Reinforcement area displays all relevant information, in tabular form, for the
final optimized flexural bars for the beam line. The radio buttons at the top are used
to select either the top or bottom longitudinal bars. The information in the
spreadsheet area is updated to reflect the selection made in the reinforcement radio
button. A discussion of each of the column values in the spreadsheet is presented
below.
No.
This is the bar set index. Bar sets are a group of bars that are the same
size, have the same start and end locations, and have the same start and
end conditions. Bars are grouped to make the design output easier to
interpret and interact with.
Support This is the support index to which the bar set is referenced. The
centerline of the support listed here will serve as the origin for the start
and end coordinates of the bar set.
Qty.
This value is the number of bars in the bar set.
Bar Size
This is the size of all bars in this bar set. The bar sizes available in this drop-down
box are limited to those that the user has chosen to consider in the Beam Design
Criteria - Reinforcement menu.
Start/End
These two values are the start and end locations (respectively) of the bar set relative
to the centerline of the support specified in the Support column.
Reinf Layer
This value displays whether the bar group occurs in the "Upper" or "Lower"
reinforcement layer. RAM Concrete Beam allows one or two reinforcement layers for
both top and bottom flexural reinforcement. During optimization, whether one or
two layers are used is decided by the program. If the user is editing the
reinforcement manually, he can enter in which layer the bar group is to be placed.
Bar End
These values are the left and right bar end conditions. There are three types of bar
end conditions considered in RAM Concrete Beam: Straight, Splice, and Hook.
A Straight end condition is generally used when a bar group is terminated along the
beam line span and there is no need to develop the full bar capacity at the bar
curtailment point. A Straight end condition has no knowledge of adjacent bars and
thus does not consider adjacent bar groups when calculating bar capacity.
A Splice end condition is used to lap two groups of bars that share the same endpoint.
A Splice end condition is cognizant of any bar groups with which it shares an
endpoint and considers these bar groups in calculating the bar capacity along its end.
47

Process
A Hook end condition is used when the full tensile capacity of the bar is required
even up to the bar endpoint.
Each of these quantities can be edited directly by the user (except for No.) by clicking in the appropriate
cell and entering or selecting a new value. The graphical display will then immediately be updated to
reflect the new data. The design may then be rerun for the new data by selecting "Analyze". The new
design may be made permanent by selecting "Update Database". For easy cross-reference between the
spreadsheet area of the tab and the graphical display area, when a bar set is selected in the spreadsheet
area, the corresponding bar set will be highlighted in the graphical display area. When a bar set is
selected in the graphical display area, the first cell in the corresponding line in the spreadsheet will be
highlighted.
4.9.4 View/Update - Shear Reinforcement Tab

The ShearReinforcement tab within the View/Update page provides the engineer with a means of
modifying transverse bar sets that have been assigned to the beam, either during optimization, or
manually by the engineer. When the Shear Reinforcement tab is selected, the graphical display area will
display a representation of the shear bar sets in the beam line. The envelope data displayed both
graphically and numerically will correspond to the shear reinforcement assigned to the beam line.
Dimensions
The Dimensions area on the Shear Reinforcement tab is identical to the Dimensions
area on the Main Reinforcement tab. Please refer to Section 4.9.3 for more
information.
Reinforcement For easy cross-reference between the spreadsheet area of the tab and the graphical
display area, when a bar set is selected in the spreadsheet area, the corresponding
bar set will be highlighted in the graphical display area. When a bar set is selected in
the graphical display area, the first cell in the corresponding line in the spreadsheet
will be highlighted.
See the Online Help for more information on editing shear reinforcement.
4.9.5 View/Update - Section/Material Properties Tab

The Sections/Material Properties tab provides the engineer a means to view and edit material
properties and beam properties for each beam in the beam line.
Beam
Properties
For each span in the beam line, the engineer can view the span length, the assigned
size, and the section dimensions associated with that size. This information cannot be
edited through the View/Update dialog. The stirrup type and number of stirrup legs
can be both viewed and edited for each beam in the beam line.
Material
Properties
For each span in the beam line, the engineer can view and edit steel reinforcement
and concrete material properties.
Refer to the Online Help for more information on editing beam and material properties.
48

Process
4.9.6 View/Update - Design Warnings Tab

If there are design warnings for any beam in the beam line, the traffic light on the View/Update dialog
will be red. To see the design warnings, select the Design Warnings tab for a list of design warnings for
the currently selected beam line.
4.9.7 Copy Design

A special method of design is the Process - Copy command. It allows the user to assign the same
reinforcement from one beam line to another. This is useful when it is desired to make similar beam
lines identical and it also reduces the number of unique beam marks when the concrete beam schedules
are created in the DXF file. To use the Copy command, first design a beam line using either the Process
View/Update command or Process Design All command. Once a beam line has been designed, the
corresponding design can be copied to other beam lines provided the copy-from beam line and the
copy-to beam line:
Have the same number of spans
Corresponding spans and supports have the same length
Corresponding spans have the same member sizes and material properties
Once the Copy is performed, the bar sets from the initial beam line are assigned to the new beam line(s)
and the resulting design is checked. The check is the same as performing an Analyze in the View/Update
dialog box. Upon completion of the check, the screen will be updated to reflect the current design status
of each beam. When a copy is performed, the beam lines that are updated are automatically frozen, the
same as if a Process Freeze is performed (see Section 3.10.5 for more information on the Freeze
command). The beams in the beam line are now considered user defined and will be painted dark blue
on screen if the design is successful. Please refer to Section 3.4 for more information on color-coding.
When the Copy Design Single to Single command is issued, the cursor changes from the arrow cursor
to a target cursor. First select the designed beam line (the Copy From beam line), then select the beam
line to which the designs are to be copied (the Copy To beam line). A warning will be given when a Copy
To beam line is selected that fails to meet the criteria above. The target cursor changes, alternating
between a Copy From cursor to a Copy To cursor, to help identify the current step in the copy process.
When the Copy Design Single to Fence command is issued, the cursor changes from the arrow cursor
to a target cursor. First select Copy From beam line. The cursor will then change to a fence cursor. Fence
one or more Copy To beam lines. Only those beam lines that meet the criteria above will be designed
with the copied reinforcement. No warning will be given for beam lines that are not updated. After the
Copy command is complete, the cursor will return to the target cursor and a new Copy From beam line
can be selected.
When the Copy Design Single to All command is issued, the cursor changes from the arrow cursor to
a target cursor. After selecting a Copy From beam line, the copy will be performed on all beam lines in
the model that meet the criteria specified above. No warning will be given for those beam lines that are
not updated.
49

Reports
The Copy command does not create a link between the Copy From beam line and the Copy To beam
line; a subsequent change in the design of one is not automatically made to the other. The command
merely copies the current reinforcement from one beam line to the other.
4.9.8 Freeze Beam Line Design

At certain points during the design process, it may be desirable to "Freeze" the design of some or all of
the beam lines. Doing so allows the user to archive completed designs or to perform "what-if" type
investigations without having the reinforcement re-optimize and potentially modified.
Designs may be frozen by selecting the Process Freeze Single, Fence or All commands. Freezing a
design on a beam line is equivalent to the Update Database command within View/Update. It marks
the beam line as User Defined and saves the current reinforcement for the beam line. A frozen beam line
will not be re-optimized until the design is cleared.
4.9.9 Clear Beam Line

Members that have had their design Frozen or members that were previously assigned user defined
reinforcement in the View/Update can be cleared by selecting the Process Clear Single, Fence or
All commands. Once a design is cleared, it will be optimized rather than having the reinforcement
checked the next time it is designed.
4.10 Reports
4.10.1 Report Destination
The first four options under the Reports menu are used to control the destination of the selected report.
A check mark is placed beside the current selection. This selection is relevant to the current mode in
RAM Concrete only. To change the report destination on a global level, use the Tools Report Styles
command located in RAM Manager.
4.10.2 Reports
Various reports are available in the RAM Concrete Beam module. These reports are used to review
information about the model and its design. For more information about the individual reports, see
Chapter 11.
50

View
4.11 View
The majority of the View commands are common with the 3D Viewer. For more information on these
commands, see the 3D Viewer manual. The following is an explanation of the commands that are unique
to the RAM Concrete Beam module.
4.11.1 Beam Lines

This option is identical to corresponding option in the Concrete Analysis module. Please refer to the
RAM Concrete Analysis manual for more information.
4.11.2 Beam Line Numbers (toolbar only)

This option displays the beam line numbers for all the beams in the model and works in a similar
manner to the corresponding option in the RAM Concrete Analysis module.
4.11.3 Model Colors / Design Colors toggle

Image
Description
A 'Model Colors' / 'Design Colors' toggle button and associated menu items have
been added to the RAM Concrete modules. Both the RAM Concrete Column and
RAM Concrete Beam modules change the display colors of the members to reflect
their current design status. Clicking the 'Change to Model Colors' button, or
selecting 'Colors - Model Colors' from the 'View' menu will switch display colors
back to the default colors assigned for each type. This can make it easier to
identify the specific type of member by its color.
After clicking the 'Change to Model Colors' button, the button graphic will toggle
to the 'Change to Design Colors' button. Clicking this button or selecting 'Colors Design Colors' from the 'View' menu will toggle the color display back to 'design'
colors.
The graphic displayed on the button reflects the current model display colors, which are the opposite of
the mode that will be toggled to by clicking the button.
51

Exiting Concrete Beam Design Mode
4.12 Exiting Concrete Beam Design Mode

The Mode menu or drop-down combo box on the toolbar can be used to exit the RAM Concrete Beam
module and navigate to another RAM Concrete module.
The File Close command is used to exit the RAM Concrete Beam module. Issuing File Close will
return the user to the RAM Manager.
52
Technical Notes - ACI Design Codes
In the design of a structure a great number of decisions must be made. What is acceptable to one
engineer may not be acceptable to another. It is crucial that the user understands the decisions and
assumptions being made by the RAM Concrete Beam module. If these are not appropriate for the
specific conditions of a particular building, the user should augment or replace the results from RAM
Concrete with those of some other tool.
The purpose of the Technical Notes is to explain the assumptions and methodology of the RAM Concrete
Beam Design. Every effort has been made to include a discussion of significant decisions and
assumptions made by the program. Generally, if there is any question as to how the Beam Design mode
handles a particular condition, a small model can be quickly created and analyzed, and the results
verified with hand calculations.
The RAM Concrete Beam module has been extensively tested and used. It is impossible, however, to
anticipate every possible configuration that could be encountered by the program. Ultimately the
engineer is responsible for the safety and adequacy of the building's design.
The implementation in RAM Concrete of the sections of ACI 318 accounting for the design of concrete
beams are subjected to certain assumptions and limitations as outlined in the Technical Notes. Unless
otherwise noted, all references to sections and equations are from ACI 318-99.
5.1 Symbols
This section presents a table of symbols and variables referenced by the ACI 318 design codes.
5.1.1 Table of Symbols

Table 1:
Symbol
Description
Ag
Gross area of section
As
Reinforcing steel area
Av
Shear reinforcing steel area
Depth of equivalent rectangular stress block as defined in ACI 10.2.7.1
Length of critical section in compression
53

Symbols
Symbol
Description
beff
Effective flange width as defined in ACI 8.10
bw
Web width when applicable, otherwise b is used
bf
Flange width when applicable, otherwise b is used
cc
Clear cover from the nearest surface in tension to the surface of the flexural tension
reinforcement
Cc
Concrete cover to center of tension reinforcement
Distance from the top of compression surface to center of the flexure reinforcement
perpendicular to that direction of the shear plane
db
Nominal diameter of reinforcement bar
Ec
Concrete modulus of elasticity
Es
Reinforcement steel bar modulus of elasticity
f'c
Concrete compression stress capacity (psi units)
fct
Average splitting tensile strength of lightweight aggregate concrete (psi units)
fy
Reinforcement stress capacity (psi units)
Total section depth
ld
Reinforcement bar development length
Mn
Nominal moment capacity of concrete section
Mu
Factored ultimate moment on section
Nu
Maximum factored axial load normal to cross section in shear. Positive for
compression and negative for tension.
Tu
Factored ultimate torsion on section
Reinforcement spacing
Vu
Factored ultimate shear force on section
Vs
Shear reinforcement capacity
Vc
Concrete section shear capacity
Flexure capacity reduction factor of concrete
Torsional capacity reduction factor of concrete
54

Beam Flexural Design
Symbol
Description
Shear capacity reduction factor of concrete
Actual concrete density used in footing
Balanced reinforcement ratio
Bar Set - This identifies a set of bars with the same start and end locations with a given size and quantity
of bars.
5.1.2 Concrete Modulus of Elasticity

The Concrete Modulus of Elasticity is calculated using the following equation assuming the concrete
weight is between 90 and 155 pcf.
Ec = wc1.533 f
ACI 8.5
5.2 Beam Flexural Design

Beam flexure is evaluated at each output station (as defined by the user in the Analysis Criteria of the
Concrete Analysis mode) along the beam line span. The flexural design takes into account flexural
capacity and code-prescribed limits for reinforcement ratio, concrete clear cover, and bar spacing. The
design also considers the user defined detailing parameters defined in the Criteria dialog boxes and in
the Assign Reinforcement Layout dialog box.
RAM Concrete Beam uses the dead load and live skip loading results from the Concrete Analysis mode in
conjunction with the RAM Frame lateral analysis results, where applicable, to create a design envelope
for each beam using the defined load combinations. The design envelope is used to ensure that the final
design meets the code required capacity along the full length of the beam.
Note: In all cases the user-defined parameters are only used if they are more stringent than the codeprescribed limits. This is done to ensure that the final design meets all implemented code requirements.
5.2.1 Flexural Capacity

The flexural or moment capacity of the beam is checked along the clear length of the beam between
supports. The flexural capacity of the beam at any point is:
M n = As f y d
a=
a
2
Equation 3-1
Equation 5-2
As f y
0.85 f c b
55

c = 0.85fc'abw
Equation 5-3
= c
N.A.
EsAsfy
Cover to
center of
bars
Figure 4:
For concrete compression in the flange of a T or L section, Mn is adjusted if c produces compression
in the web of the section. The required positive and negative moment capacity is checked against the
provided capacity at every output station along the beam between the support faces (refer to the
Concrete Analysis manual for information on output stations). All girders, columns, and walls are
considered supports and their actual width will be used as the support dimension. This is true even in
the case of girders, where for concrete analysis the member is considered a knife-edge support.
The flexural capacity of the beam is considered to be acceptable when adequate reinforcement is
provided in the beam to satisfy Equation 54 along the full span length of the beam.
bMn Mn
Equation 5-4
The concrete beam section compression force and reinforcement tension force is calculated assuming a
C.S. Whitney Equivalent Rectangular Stress Distribution as outlined in ACI 10.2.7.
5.2.2 Reinforcement Area Limits

The area of flexure reinforcement As is subject to the following limits:
The lesser of:
As,min =
3 f c
bd
fy
As,min =
200
bd
fy
From ACI 10-3

and
From ACI-10.5.1
or:
As, min= 4/3 As Required from analysis.
From ACI-10.5.3
As, max = 0.75bbd
From ACI-99-10.3.3
Note that for negative moment, use bw instead of b

where
=
b
f c
87, 000
0.851 f 87, 000 + f From ACI-10.3.2
y
56

=
0.85 0.05
f c 4, 000
1, 000
From ACI-10.2.7.3
Limited by:
0.65 1 0.85
Note: ACI 10.5.2 is not implemented because all designed beams are considered continuous. If the
beams have end releases the user may need to perform some additional checks.
5.2.3 Reinforcement Spacing Limits

The reinforcement clear spacing is limited to:
Smin= 1in
From ACI-7.6.1
Smin = db
smax =
540
0.6 f y
Equation ACI 10-5
2.5cc
Smax = 12(36/0.6fy)
From ACI-10.6.4
where
fy
cc
=
=
yeild strength, in ksi

h d
h d
db
2
db
2
- 1 bar layer
0.5in. - 2 bar layers
5.2.4 Calculation of Actual Bar Spacing

Bar spacing at every station along the beam span is checked to make sure it is within the code limits.
For bottom bars the spacing is taken as:
S=
bw 2cc 2db(Transvers) db(Longitudinal)

Total Number of Bars - 1
For top bars the spacing is taken as:

S=
b f 2cc 2db(Transvers) db(Longitudinal)

where
bf
min(beff, 0.1 Span Length)ACI-10.6.6
Note: The user is responsible for providing reinforcement in the remainder of the slab when beam
spacing is larger than 0.1 x Span Length.
The clear side cover cc and transverse reinforcement diameter db are considered in the above equations
only if the section is rectangular (not for T or L sections). Additionally, if one shear bar leg is
assigned, the value db(transverse) in the above equations is taken as zero.
57

RAM Concrete Beam considers only the Concrete not exposed to weather or in contact with ground
condition specified in ACI 7.7.1. Thus,
For beams, cc = 1.50in
For joists, cc = 0.75 in (#11 and smaller)
cc = 1.50 in (#14 and #18)
Note: In situations where the top reinforcement starts and ends in two spans with different effective
flange widths, the spacing is always based on the smaller of the two flange widths.
5.2.5 Development of Reinforcement Bars

RAM Concrete Beam accounts for the loss of bar strength between the point of full bar development and
the bar end. The program assumes the tensile capacity of a bar varies linearly between the point of
development, at which the full yield strength of bar is achieved, and the bar end, at which zero capacity
exists.
The reinforcement development length calculation follows ACI 12.2:
For db 0.75: ld =
db f y
25 f c
ACI-12.2.2
For db > 0.75: ld =
db f y
20 f c
ACI-12.2.2
, and
where
1.0 ACI-12.2.4
For lightweight concrete = 1.3
Thus, for a bar assigned a Straight end condition, the capacity is zero at the true bar endpoint (the
coordinate shown in the View/Update dialogue) and varies linearly to the point of full development.
Hooked bars are assumed to achieve the full yield strength of the bar up to bar end.
5.2.6 Bar Splices

The true end point of a bar group that is assigned a splice end condition is determined using the end
location that appears in the View/Update-Longitudinal Reinforcement page and the development length
calculated according to Section 5.2.5. The true bar end is assumed to extend a distance ld/2 beyond the
coordinate shown in the View/Update box, so that the bar is fully developed at a distance ld/2 to the
opposite side of the input coordinate.
Bars groups that are assigned as spliced are considered to have additive capacity with any adjacent bar
group that is lapped with the former group. For example, if the right end of bar group 1 ends at the same
point as the left end of bar group 2, the linearly varying strengths of each individual bar group are added
together to arrive at the total capacity along the splice, as shown in Figure below.
58

Figure 5: Flexural capacity of beam along a bar splice
5.2.7 Flexural Deep Beam Check

Per ACI 10.7.1, a beam is considered to be a deep beam for flexural design if the overall section depth to
clear span ratio is greater than 0.4. In this case, a design warning will be provided. The check is
performed assuming that the beam is part of a continuous beam line. The program does not currently
implement the remaining sections of ACI 10.7. It is the engineer's responsibility to provide adequate
reinforcement to satisfy ACI 10.7.2 through 10.7.4.
5.2.8 True Bar Depth Check

After the beam line has been designed for both flexure and shear (and thus all reinforcing located), the
true flexural bar depth is checked against the bar depth resulting from the user-defined value of cover to
center of bars specified in the Design Criteria dialogue (see Figure below). This is done to confirm that
the user-defined value of bar depth is sufficiently conservative. If the bar depth resulting from the user
input is larger than the true bar depth a design warning is generated.
The true reinforcement depth is calculated as follows:
For one layer of bars:
dTrue = cc + db(Transvers) +
db(Longitudinal)
Equation 5-7
For second layers of bars (farther away from the tension surface):
59

Beam Shear Design
dTrue = cc + db(Transvers) + db(Longitudinal) +
Smin,Vertical
Equation 5-8
where smin,Vertical is per Section 5.2.3
Figure 6: True bar depth check
5.2.9 Unimplemented Code Sections

Skin reinforcement per ACI Section 10.6.7 is not provided in the final design. It is the engineer's
responsibility to check for skin reinforcement and specify it as required.
Compression reinforcement in beams is not considered in the design. Reference ACI Section 10.3.4.
It is the engineer's responsibility to check ACI Section 10.4 for the spacing of the lateral supports of
beams.
5.3 Beam Shear Design

Beam shear is evaluated at all stations along a beam line that are at least a distance d from the face of a
supporting member. The shear capacity is evaluated considering the contribution of both the concrete
and the transverse reinforcing bars. That is,
Vn = Vc + Vs
Equation ACI 11-2
5.3.1 Concrete Shear Capacity

Beam shear or one-way shear capacity is taken at a distance of d from the support face of the beam. The
value d per ACI 11.1.3.1 is taken as the reinforcement depth for the bottom flexure bars using the user
defined cover to center of bars based on the number of bar layers at a given location.
60

Beam Shear Design
The shear capacity of the concrete in the beam is calculated using one of the following two equations
depending on the presence of axial compression load in the beam:
Equation ACI 11-3
V c = 2 f c bw d
Nu
Vc = 2 1 +
2, 000Ag
Equation ACI 11-4
f c bw d
where
Nu
Vc
the maximum factored axial compressive load in pounds at the location of

Vu (not accounting for effects due to creep and shrinkage)
the reinforcement depth for the bottom flexural bars using the user
defined cover to center of bars based on the number of bar layers at a
given location
0 if axial tension exists in the member
Note: None of the other checks for ACI 8.11 are considered. It is the engineer's responsibility to make
sure that a gravity beam that has been assigned as a joist satisfies all applicable sections of ACI 8.11.
If lightweight concrete is specified and fct is defined, thenfct/6.7 will be used instead of
f ct 6.7
11.2.1.2.
, per ACI 11.2.1.1. When fct is not specified then 0.75 f
f c as long as
is used instead of f c , per ACI
5.3.2 Shear Reinforcement Capacity

The contribution of transverse steel to shear strength is based on the number of shear legs the user has
assigned to the beam in the Detailing Defaults or Reinforcement Layout menus.
For beams, shear reinforcement is provided at all locations where:
Vu >
ACI 11.5.5.1
s V c
2
For joists, shear reinforcement is provided at all locations where:

Vu > sVc
ACI 11.5.5.1(b)
Shear reinforcement capacity is calculated as:

Vs =
Equation ACI 11-15
Av f y d
s
Which is limited by:

ACI 11.5.6.9
V s,max = 8 f c bd
5.3.3 Shear Reinforcement Area Limits

The minimum shear reinforcement area is:
61

Beam Torsion Capacity Check
Av 50
Equation ACI 11-13
bw s
fy
5.3.4 Shear Reinforcement Spacing Limits

Shear reinforcement spacing limits:
s d/2
ACI 11.5.4.1
s 24 in
If V s 4 f c bd then s is reduced by one-half per ACI 11.5.4.3.
5.3.5 Calculation of Actual Bar Spacing

Bar spacing is checked at every station along the beam span to verify that it is within the code limits.
For the first bar set along the span, the spacing is taken as:
s=
Equation 5-9
Bar Set Length

For the remaining bar sets along the span, the spacing is taken as:
s=
Equation 5-10
Bar Set Length

Total Number of Bars
5.3.6 Shear Deep Beam Check

Per ACI 11.8, if a member is found to have a clear span to effective depth ratio less than 5, then it will be
considered a deep beam for shear capacity design and a design warning will be provided. The program
does not currently implement the remaining sections of 11.8. It is the engineer's responsibility to
provide adequate reinforcement to satisfy 11.8.2 through 11.8.11.
5.4 Beam Torsion Capacity Check

The torsion check is provided to identify beams that may require torsion reinforcement. The torsion is
only checked along the beam span between the supports. It is not checked at cantilever ends of beams.
5.4.1 Beam Section Torsion Capacity

Torsional reinforcement is not required when:
62

Reinforcement Optimization and Detailing
TU < f
( )
2
Acp
c p
cp
ACI 11.6.1
= T T c
where
Acp
pcp
=
=
hb
2(h+bw)
Note: The beam section is considered to be rectangular for the calculation of the torsional moment of
inertia (torsional constant) J, Acp, and pcp regardless of the flange width and thickness. This reduces J
which reduces the likelihood of the beam requiring torsion reinforcement.
When Tu is found to be larger than the above limit at any location along the span at least a distance d
from each support (per ACI 11.6.2.4), a warning will be generated.
5.4.2 Torsion Capacity Warnings

ACI 11.6.2.1 states that when TTc<Tu torsional reinforcement will be required in accordance with ACI
11.6.3 through 11.6.6.
ACI 11.6.2.2 permits the engineer to design a section for a limiting capacity of T4Tc as long as the
remaining torque is redistributed though the structure. The torsion check will identify one of the three
following situations through a design warning when torsion reinforcement is required:
1. Torsion reinforcement required and closed stirrups are assigned to section. The user is responsible
for providing the reinforcement. The Beam Design Report provides the maximum factored torsion at
all output stations along the beam and also reports TTc.
2. Torsion reinforcement required and open stirrups assigned to section. In addition to providing the
reinforcement similar to the first warning, the engineer is also reminded that open stirrups, which
cannot be used for torsion reinforcement, have been assigned to the beam.
3. The beam cross-sectional dimensions do not satisfy ACI 11.6.3.1. When torsion reinforcement is
required the cross-sectional dimensions must satisfy the following:
) (
( ) (
T u ph 2
Vu 2
+
bw d
2
1.7Aoh
where
ph,Aoh
vc,Tu
=
=
Vc
bw d
+8 f
ACI 11.6.3.1 Equation ACI 11-18
are calculated in the same way as using the transverse reinforcement

bar center line to calculate the section width and depth
are taken as the maximum values between the critical area defined by
ACI 11.6.2.4 and values may not be located at the same location
5.5 Reinforcement Optimization and Detailing

This section explains the methods by which RAM Concrete Beam selects the most appropriate
reinforcing bar layout for a given beam line. This is referred to as "optimizing" a beam line. The
optimization process entails selecting reinforcement such that strength requirements, design code
63

checks, and user-specified detailing requirements are met to the best ability of the program, given all
specified constraints.
Note: It is possible that for a given beam line and set of design parameters, a design in which all
applicable design checks are met is not possible. In this case, the user is encouraged to use the Warnings
page in the View/Update dialogue to pinpoint what specific code provisions are not being met. The user
may then review the design parameters and user preferences in conjunction with the design warnings.
It is possible that a change to one or more of the input parameters will result in a design which passes
all checks. Alternatively, adjustments to the beam size, material properties, or reinforcement may be
required to achieve a successful design.
5.5.1 Optimization Objectives

The optimization of shear and flexural reinforcement in RAM Concrete Beam is driven by the following
list of objectives, which are listed in order of decreasing importance:
Provide a completed design with reinforcement provided at all required locations
Check that the design meets all the design code checks that are implemented and provide warnings
when necessary.
Detail the reinforcement to meet the user defined Design Criteria and Detailing Criteria.
Note: The final design may not meet the user defined criteria when doing so would give a design that
does not satisfy the first two items.
Once the design process has identified bar sets that meet all of the design checks for the beam line the
most desirable set is selected and detailed per the user defined criteria.
5.5.2 Internal Code Checks

There are two groups of ACI 318 code checks that are performed internally within RAM Concrete Beam
(that is, not requiring any user input to perform the check). A discussion and itemization of each
follows:
Detailing Provisions
The following sections from ACI 318-99, Section 12.10, Development and Splices of Reinforcement, are
implemented within the program:
ACI 318-99 Sec. 12.10.3 - Flexural reinforcement must extend beyond the point at which it is no
longer required to resist flexure for a distance larger than the effective depth of the member and 12
db.
ACI 318-99 Sec. 12.11.1 - A minimum of of the number of bottom bars at mid span of the beam are
made continuous through the beam. Please note that depending on the beam type and loading
provisions in Section 7.13 and Chapter 21 (Special Provisions) the beam may require a larger
number of continuous bars. The optimization and reinforcement check will use the controlling
amount of continuous bottom bars.
64

Requirements for Structural Integrity

The following sections from ACI 318-99, Section 7.13, Details of Reinforcement, are implemented within
the program:
7.13.2.1 - Members assigned and designed as joists will have at least one continuous bottom bar,
which can be spliced at the support. The bar must end with a tension hook if it is at the end of the
beam line.
7.13.2.2 - Perimeter beams must have at least 1/6 of the tension reinforcement required for negative
reinforcement at the support continuous along the member and tied with closed stirrups along the
full length. 135 degree stirrups can be used at support segments only. The optimization of the
reinforcement places the splice in the mid span region but will not check for the location of the splice
if the user moves it.
7.13.2.2 - Perimeter beams must have at least 1/4 of the tension reinforcement required for positive
reinforcement along the mid span of the member made continuous along the member and tied with
closed or 135 degree stirrups. The optimization of the reinforcement places the splice at the column
support but will not check for the location of the splice if the user moves it.
7.13.2.3 - Non-Perimeter beams when close stirrups are not provided must have at least of the
positive reinforcement required at mid-span made continuous along the member and spliced over
the support with a Class A splice and terminated with a hook at the ends of the beam line. The
optimization of the reinforcement places the splice at the column support but will not check for the
location of the splice if the user moves it.
Note: Beams that are used to frame openings are not considered perimeter beams.
5.5.3 Bar Selection Criteria

This section discusses the significance of the Bar Selection Method and Bar Selection Bias parameters
and the effect each has on the optimization process.
Bar Selection Method

Minimum Reinforcement Area - For this option, the bar set areas and associated lengths are used to
calculate the total reinforcement volume, which is used to find the optimum reinforcement for the full
beam line. The bias (see below) that is selected by the user in the Design Criteria dialog box is used to
increase the reinforcement volume of bars that are not part of the bias bar size group. This weighted
biasing of bars that are not part of the bias group ensures that bar sets are only picked from outside the
group when they provide a significantly more economical design.
Minimum Reinforcement Spacing - For this option, the reinforcement spacing is checked to ensure that
the minimum code required spacing is achieved. Given the bar sets with the minimum spacing the
program will try to pick the smallest bars possible after the bias has been applied to the spacing for all
bars that are not part of the bias bar size group. This will provide a design that tries to reduce the
reinforcement area once the minimum spacing has been achieved.
Maximum Reinforcement Spacing - This option works in a similar manner to the Minimum
Reinforcement spacing by trying to provide the largest bar spacing and smallest reinforcement area
possible.
65

Bar Selection Bias

Bias Bar Size: This option identifies which bar sizes are preferred by the engineer. The bars in the Bar
Table are divided into three groups. Assuming #3 through #18 bars are in the table then:
Small size = #3, #4, #5and #6
Medium size = #7, #8, #9 and #10
Large size = #11, #14 and #18
The amount of bias increases or decreases the critical parameter used in the Bar Selection Method when
a bar is not a part of the preferred bar size. The increase in the value is based on how far the bar size is
from the preferred bar size. Assuming Medium bar size is selected then a #5 bar set will have double the
percent increased compared with a #6 bar because a #5 bar is two bar sizes away from the #7
(medium) bar size. The amount of bias is most effective when minimum reinforcement area is selected.
Bar Selection Example

Consider an example where 1.1in2 of flexural reinforcement is required. The following outcomes can be
expected based on user selections:
Minimum Bar Area, Medium Bar Size and Medium Bias:2-#7 (1.2in2) is selected over 10-#3 (1.1in2)
because it is not part of the medium bar size, so its area is increased before comparing it to the 2-#7.
Minimum Bar Area, Small Bar Size and Medium Bias: 10-#3 (1.1in2) is selected over 2-#7 because it
is part of the small bar size and has the smallest bar area of any bar set combination.
Maximum Bar Spacing, Small Bar Size and Large Bias: 2#7 (1.32in2) will be selected over 3-#6
because even though it is not part of the small bar size its spacing and reinforcement area are
considered preferable to 3-#6 because the spacing is larger.
Note: The option to Keep all bars in layer the same size and Adjacent bars may differ in size by in
the Design Criteria Bar Selection tab are enforced only when possible. In some situations adjacent bar
sets cannot satisfy the above two options because of code prescribed capacity, spacing, and other such
criteria. It is therefore possible that even though the user has prescribed a change of only one bar size
between adjacent bars the final design will produce adjacent bar sets with a larger difference in bar size
to meet other code prescribed limits.
5.5.4 Detailing Defaults

By default, all bars are lap spliced with the adjacent bars on either side.
Flexural Bar Set Cutoff Locations - The bar set cutoff locations for the top and bottom reinforcement is
only followed when the required moment capacity at the cutoff location is zero or when adequate
capacity is produced by continuous bars. When the required moment capacity becomes zero beyond the
user-defined location the cutoffs will be extended, when practical, otherwise it will be left as a lap
spliced with the adjacent bars. When the bars need to be cut beyond the user defined location the bar
will start a distance of /2 beyond the location of zero moment. This is to insure that the bars have
adequate capacity along the full length of the beam.
66

Example
Consider the 22.5ft clear beam span in Figure below and 18 in supports at the end of
a beam line. Using a 0.25 x L cutoff for the end bar would require a bar length of
0.25x22.5+18/(2x12) = 6.38ft. At a distance of 6.38ft there is still negative moment
that needs to be designed for. So the bars are extended /2 beyond the point where
no more negative flexural capacity is required, which in this case is located at 7.58ft
from the support center. Taking the development length for #8 bars to be 4 ft the
final bar length is 7.58 + 4/2 = 9.58ft.
Figure 7:
The remainder of the parameters that are entered in the dialog box are followed as
entered or as overwritten using the Assign Reinforcement Layout dialog box.
Note: It is possible to manually produce a design that is more efficient than the one produced by the
program's optimized design. However, the Detailing Defaults and Bar Placement Criteria are not
considered when checking a user defined reinforcement layout. The advantage of not considering the
Detailing Defaults and Bar Placement Criteria when checking a frozen reinforcement layout is that
beams can be designed using different criteria. For example the user can perform an optimized design
on one set of beams and freeze the design, then change the criteria and design the remaining beams.
5.5.5 Transverse Reinforcement

For the optimization of shear reinforcement, the beam span between columns is divided into between 3
and 5 segments depending on the length of the beam and the required shear capacity along the span.
Any cantilevers at the end of a beam are divided into a maximum of 3 segments. If two adjacent
segments are found to be too small to practically change the shear reinforcement, or because they have
the same reinforcement spacing and size, then the segments are merged.
The start location of the first shear segment and the end location of the last shear segment in a span are
located a user-specified distance from the face of the respective supporting member. This user-specified
value is the End Stirrup Start Loc or Interior Stirrup Start Loc found in the Criteria > Detailing
Defaults menu (see Section 3.7.2).
67

Seismic Provisions
When an optimized design results in a span with three or more shear segments, the length of the two
outer shear segments will generally be a multiple of the segment length increment specified in the
Criteria > Beam Design (see Section 3.7.1). If five shear segments result from the optimization, the
length of each of the outer four segments will generally be a multiple of the segment length increment.
That is, the optimization does its best to make the true bar spacing in the outer segments conform
exactly to the spacing callout. The balance stirrups are placed in the interior segment, with a true
spacing equal to or less than the spacing callout.
If two adjacent segments share a start/end point, the more heavily reinforced segment will control, and
a stirrup of that type will be placed at the common point. Thus, for a shear segment which is heavier
than both of the adjacent segments on either side, the number of bars used in the zone is calculated as:
NB =
L sgmt
s
+1
where
NB
Lsgmt
s
=
=
=
Number of stirrups used in the shear segment considered

Length of the shear segment
Spacing shown in View/Update Transverse Reinforcing page for the
shear segment
Likewise, for a shear segment in which one adjacent shear segment is heavier and the other is lighter,
the number of bars is calculated as:
NB =
L sgmt
s
If adjacent shear zones have identical steel area per length, the left-side segment is assumed to control.
The Bar Size Bias and Amount of Bias parameters for transverse reinforcement work in the same
manner as for flexural bars. However, due to the optimization method of trying to minimize
reinforcement area in conjunction with bar spacing when applicable, it is possible to end up with larger
bar spacing. This occurs when providing a smaller bar spacing would unduly increase reinforcement
area.
5.6 Seismic Provisions

Both Intermediate and Special moment frame design as specified in ACI 318, Chapter 21 are
implemented within RAM Concrete Beam. This section discusses the changes to the design process in
RAM Concrete Beam when the Intermediate or Special Frame option is selected from the Frame Type
Criteria dialog.
The concrete beam and column optimization and design check attempt to satisfy all the related code
sections that have been implemented as outlined in this section. Due to the intricacies of the special
provision section, in some cases the optimization may not come up with an acceptable design and will
identify one or more design warnings. In such cases there are a number of ways to eliminate the design
warnings. These include, changing design criteria, changing member sections or manually redefining the
reinforcement.
The engineer will find a number of sections in ACI Chapter 21 that have not been implemented. In most
cases this is because the sections relate to detailing and are outside the scope of the program. There are
also sections that may be picked up by the engineer in construction notes on the structural documents.
68

Seismic Provisions
5.6.1 Frame Type Selection

There are three different frame types that can be used for the design of concrete beams and columns:
Ordinary Moment Frames (OMF), Intermediate Moment Frames (IMF), and Special Moment Frames
(SMF). The Frame Type is selected from the Frame Type option under the Criteria menu and is applied
to all the lateral members in the structure. The gravity members are always designed as OMF. Similar to
the Load Combo Generator the selection of the frame type in either the beam or column mode will
change the option for both modes.
When IMF or SMF options are selected the user has three options for the gravity dead and live load
factors used to calculate the minimum shear capacity of the beams. This is due to a discrepancy between
the ACI-318 99 and some building codes like the UBC 97. Per the ACI commentary in R21.10, the ACI
factors for IMF and SMF are taken from Equation 9-2 with the lateral loads ignored.
5.6.2 Intermediate Moment Frame

In the following section all code references are for ACI 318-99 unless otherwise noted. The subscripts l
and r are used to denote the left/start and right/end of the beam span respectively. Similarly, t and
b denote top and bottom of column. Variables that are not explicitly defined below are defined in
Chapter 3 of the Beam and Column manuals.
Lateral System Beams

21.10.3 (b) Shear Capacity - The beams are designed to meet the larger of the analysis shear load Vu
and the limiting shear induced at the end of the beam based on the members nominal moment
capacity Mn as outlined in R21.10.3
Vuel = (M-nl + M+nr)/ln + Vu_max_l and
Vuel = (M+nl + M-nr)/ln + Vu_max_l
Vuer = (M-nl + M+nr)/ln + Vu_max_r and
Vuer = (M+nl + M-nr)/ln + Vu_max_r
where
ln
=
Clear span length
Vu_max
=
End shear from factored gravity loads on beam using the load combo
factors selected in the Frame Type dialog box
M'n
=
Unfactored section negative moment capacity ( = 1)
The assumption is made that there is uniformly varying shear in between the ends of the beam. An
additional shear diagram is created using the largest Vuel for the left shear and Vuer for right shear which
are superimposed onto the shear envelop that was generated from the regular load combinations using
the analysis shears. See Figure below - Shear Diagrams.
69

Seismic Provisions
Figure 8: Shear Diagrams

21.10.4.2 Stirrup layout - Stirrups must be provided starting 2 inches from the face of the support to
a distance of 2h.
Stirrup Spacing limits:
a. d/4
b. 8db for the smallest longitudinal bars
c. 24db of stirrups
d. 12 in
21.10.4.3 - The remainder of the span must have stirrup spacing of no more than d/2.
21.10.4.1 - Positive moment capacity at support face must be larger than 1/3 of the negative moment
capacity at that same face.
21.10.4.1 - The negative and positive moment strengths at any point along the clear beam span must
be at least 1/5 of the maximum moment strength (the greater of either the negative or the positive
moment strength) provided at either face.
Note: In some extreme cases the optimization will not be able to reinforce the beam to meet the
provisions of 21.10.4.1. In this case the View/Update dialog should be used to manually increase the
reinforcement to satisfy the minimum capacity requirements.
Beam Design Report

For lateral beams some additional report information is provided to help check the design of IMF
members. At the start and end of the span Mn, Vugravity due to the gravity loading on the single span and
final design Vu are reported. If the user is interested in the required shear capacity due to the analysis
only without consideration of Vue, the Frame type should be changed to OMF and the design rerun.
Lateral System Column

21.10.2 Design as column or beam - If the largest axial column load from all the design data points on
a column with a tie bar pattern group is less than , then a design warning will be generated indicating
the column should be designed as a beam.
Note 1: The option to check the maximum axial load for column design can be turned off by selecting
the proper option under the Design Check tab in the Design Criteria dialog.
Note 2: Columns with spiral reinforcement satisfying ACI 318-99 Eq. 10-6 do not need to satisfy any
of the provisions of section 21.10.5. If a spiral reinforced column does not meet Eq. 10-6 a design
warning regarding reinforcement ratio is generated.
70

Seismic Provisions
21.10.3 (b) - The column Shear Capacity is required to meet the larger of the analysis shear load Vu
and the limiting shear induced at the end of the column based on the members nominal moment
capacity Mn as outlined in R21.10.3
Vuet = (Mnt + Mnb)/ln, Vueb = (Mnt + Mnb)/ln - Major Direction
Vuet = (Mnt + Mnb)/ln, Vueb = (Mnt + Mnb)/ln - Minor Direction
It is assumed that there is uniformly varying shear in between the top and bottom of the column. An
additional shear diagram is created using the largest Vuet for the top shear and Vueb for bottom shear
superimposed onto the shear envelop that was generated from the regular load combinations using
the analysis shears. This is similar in concept to Figure below - Shear Diagrams. Mn is calculated
using a reduction factor of 1.0 and the value is based on the design data point that has the
correspondingly largest Mn capacity for the major and minor axis.
21.10.5.1 For tie bar pattern groups, ties must be provided at both ends of the member, maximum
tie spacing shall not exceed so over a length of l0 measured from the bottom face of the deepest
beam where so is the smaller of:
Tie Spacing limits:
e. 8db for the smallest longitudinal bars
f. 24db of ties
g. of the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the member
h. 12 in
Where l0 is at least the larger of:
a. 1/6 of the clear span,
b. Maximum cross-sectional dimension of the member
c. 18 inches.
21.10.5.4 - Outside of the lo region tie spacing cannot be larger than 2so.
Column Design Report

For lateral columns some additional report information is provided to help check the design of IMF
members. Mn, and Vu are reported. If the user is interested in the required shear capacity due to the
analysis only, without consideration of Vue, change the Frame type to OMF and rerun the design.
5.6.3 Special Moment Frame

Lateral System Beams
Geometric Properties Check
21.3.1.2 - Beam clear span must be no less than 4 times effective depth.
21.3.1.3 - Beam width to depth ratio must not be less than 0.30.
21.3.1.4 - Beam width must be no less than a) 10 inches and b) More than the width of the narrowest
supporting member plus 1 times the depth of the beam.
71

Seismic Provisions
Flexural Reinforcement Design

21.3.2.1 - A minimum of 2 bars continuous top and bottom are required in all spans. Maximum and
Minimum reinforcement ratios are set to:
r > 200 bw d / fy same as ACI eq 10-3 r 0.025
Note: It is the user's responsibility to set the option for 2 top bars continuous in the detailing
defaults dialog.
21.3.2.2 - Positive moment strength at a face is checked to be greater than or equal to 1/2 of the
negative moment strength at that same face.
21.3.2.2 - The negative and positive moment strengths at any point along the beam must be at least
1/4 of the maximum moment strength (the greater of either the negative or the positive moment
strength) provided at either face.
21.5.4.2 - Development Lengths for normal weight concrete shall not be less than:
a. 8db
b. 6 in.
c. f y db
65 f c
For lightweight concrete:

a. 10db
b. 7.5 in.
f y db
c.
1.25
65 f c
21.3.2.3 -At splice locations transverse reinforcement must be provided with spacing equal to the
smaller of d/4 or 4 in. Even though the optimization process tries to locate the splice near the center
of the span the design/analyze process does not check the remainder of the provisions of section
21.3.2.3.
Note: It is advisable to set the Bar Spacing increment value under the Bar Selection tab of the Beam
criteria dialog to a value of 1 in or 2 in so the reinforcement in the splice area is as large as possible. If
the value is set to 3 in increment the user will end up with bar spacing in splice areas that is smaller
than required by code.
For Bottom bars the development length is multiplied by 2.5 and for top reinforcement it is multiplied
by 3.5. Note 1 - 21.5.4.3 is not implemented. Note 2 - It is the engineer's responsibility to set the Lap
Splice type to Class B in the Detailing Defaults for Lateral beams.
Shear Design
21.3.4 - The beam shear capacity is designed to meet the larger of the analysis factored shear load Vu
as well as the limiting shear induced at the end of the beam based on the members probable moment
capacity Mpr as outlined in ACI R21.3.4.1
Vel = (M-prl + M-prr)/ln + Vu_max_l and
Ver = (M+prl + M-prr)/ln + Vu_max_l
Ver = (M+prl + M-prr)/ln + Vu_max_r and
72

ACI-318 2002
Ver = (M+prl + M-prr)/ln + Vu_max_r
where
=
Unfactored gravity shear at the ends of the member
V
a
=
Mpr
A 1.25 f d
s
y
As (1.25 f y )
0.85 f c b
)(
The program assumes that there is uniformly varying shear in between Vel and Ver. An additional
shear diagram is created using the largest Vel for the left shear and Ver for right shear which are
superimposed onto the shear envelop that was generated from the regular load combinations using
the analysis shears. See Figure 56 - Shear Diagrams. Note: = 1 for the calculation of Mn.
21.3.4.2 - When the new required shear capacity Vu > Ve / 2 and Axial load < Ag F'c / 20 then the full
shear in the section must be resisted by the shear reinforcement Vs.
Note: This design constraint may produce two similar shear bar sets in the same beam spans with
different shear capacities even though the transverse reinforcement bar size and spacing are
identical. This is due to the fact that the capacity for one segment may include the concrete shear
capacity because Vu is small enough and for the other segment it will not include the concrete shear
capacity because Vu is too large.
21.3.3.1 a) and 21.3.3.2 - Hoops must be provided starting 2 inches from the face of the support to a
distance of 2h.
Stirrup Spacing limits:
a. d/4
b. 8db for the smallest longitudinal bars
c. 24db of stirrups
d. 12 in.
21.3.3.4 - The remainder of the span must have hoops spacing of no more than d/2.
Beam Design Report

The reported information for SMF is similar to that reported for IMF. The only difference is that Ve
instead of Vu is reported.
5.7 ACI-318 2002

This section describes the additional checks performed by RAM Concrete Beam when the ACI-318-02
code is selected. The ACI 318-02 code implementation builds off of ACI 318-99 and different or
additional checks are performed only where outlined in this section.
5.7.1 Beam Reinforcement Detailing

Section 7.13.2.2 - At least 2 bars top and bottom must be made continuous for perimeter beams.
Section 7.13.2.4 - For non-perimeter beams when closed stirrups or hoops are not used, at least 2
bottom bars must be made continuous.
73

ACI-318 2005
5.7.2 Deep Beams

Section 10.7 and 11.8 - Deep beam definition has been made consistent for flexure and shear. Members
are considered deep beams if:
Clear span < 4 x member depth.
It is the user's responsibility to design the member as a deep beam when the member is loaded with a
concentrated load in the region within twice the member depth from face of support. The program will
not generate a design warning for this situation.
5.7.3 Special Provisions

Sections R21.3.4.2 and R21.12.3 - Gravity load factors for the loads on beams have now been
explicitly defined. The new factors are used when the ACI 318-02 code is selected in RAM Concrete
Analysis mode and the ACI option is selected for IMF or SMF in the Frame Criteria dialog box.
Section 21.12.4.2- When shear reinforcement is required hoops must be used instead of regular
stirrups.
5.7.4 Impact on RAM Concrete Beam Design

Below is a list of changes that might be noticed by the user in the design due to the differences between
ACI 318-99 and ACI 318-02
More beams may get Deep Beam design warnings because the definition of the deep beam has been
slightly changed.
Some bar cutoff locations may be different in the ACI 318-02 design due to the live load factors in the
load combinations.
All lateral beams that are IMF or SMF will need to have hoop reinforcement. In the ACI 318-99 only
SMF members need hoop reinforcement.
Due to the changes to the load combinations it is possible that some transverse reinforcement
sections will require reinforcement for the ACI 318-02 design because the provided shear capacity of
concrete is less than two times the required capacity.
Due to the new provisions in 7.13.2.2 a/b for a minimum of 2 bars continuous top and bottom for
perimeters beams there may be some additional design warning. It is a good idea to change the
Detailing Defaults criteria to reduce the design warnings.
5.8 ACI-318 2005

The ACI 318-05 design code implementation in RAM Concrete Beam utilizes the majority of the design
logic contained in the ACI 318-02 code, as is the case with the design code itself. This section documents
changes made to the implementation from ACI-318-02 to ACI 318-05; specifically, additional checks
required by the newer design code, modifications to existing sections, and design checks that are no
longer necessary in the newer code.
74

ACI-318 2005
Note: Unless otherwise noted, the code sections listed in the chapter sections below refer to ACI 318-05
sections.
5.8.1 Strength Reduction Factor for Axial-Flexure

The ACI 318-02 implementation in RAM Concrete utilizes Appendices B and C. The ACI 318-05
implementation utilizes the body of the code and does not refer to Appendices B and C.
ACI 318-02 and ACI 318-05 allow the calculation of the strength reduction factor for the design of
members subjected to axial-flexural loads according to Appendix C. When this approach is taken, all
provisions of Appendices B and C must be used in lieu of the body of the code. This results in the
following modifications to the body of the code that are pertinent to RAM Concrete:
C.3.2.2 replaces 9.3.2.2. Using this approach, the strength reduction factor for members resisting
axial/flexural load is a function of the ultimate axial load acting on the cross section.
The load combinations of C.2 replace the load combinations of 9.2.
Section B10.3.3 replaces Sections 10.3.3, 10.3.4, and 10.3.5, with the exception of 10.3.5.1.
This is the approach that was taken in the RAM Concrete implementation of ACI 318-02.
The ACI 318-05 implementation in RAM Concrete utilizes Section 9.3, the main body of the code, in
calculating strength reduction factors. In ACI 318-05, Section 9.3.2.2, the calculation of the strength
reduction factor used for the design of members subjected to a combination of compression-flexure or
tension-flexure is dependent on where the section lies relative to a tension-controlled or compressioncontrolled state. ACI 318-05 defines a compression-controlled section in 10.3.3, and a tensioncontrolled section in 10.3.4.
Figure below shows the strain condition for a rectangular cross section where the extreme compression
fiber has reached the ultimate concrete strain, cu.
Figure 9: Cross section illustrating tensile strain in extreme tension fiber, t, at ultimate concrete strain.
Referring to Figure above, a section is compression-controlled if:
75

ACI-318 2005
+
t c,limit
where
+c,limit
the compression-controlled strain limit, which may be taken as 0.002

for grade 60 steel. RAM Concrete uses +c,limit = 0.002 for all situations.
Referring to Figure above, a section is tension-controlled if:

t 0.005
The following condition represents a transition region between a compression-controlled section and a
tension-controlled section.
+c,limit t 0.005
Note: RAM Concrete Beam does not consider member axial force during the design and thus all
tabulations of c and t are performed without the consideration of axial force.
Following from these definitions, Section 9.3.2 defines the strength reduction factors for use in member
design as follows:
Section 9.3.2.1 Tension-controlled sections: = 0.90
Section 9.3.2.2 Compression-controlled sections:
Members with spiral reinforcement conforming to 10.9.3: = 0.70
Other reinforced members: = 0.65
For sections in the transition region, the following equation is used to calculate the strength reduction
factor:
)(
= 0.65 + 0.90 0.65
+
t c,limit
+
0.005 c,limit
0.90
Section 9.3.2.2 Shear and torsion: = 0.75

Section 9.3.2.4 Bearing on concrete (except for post-tensioned anchorage zones and strut-and-tie
models): = 0.65
5.8.2 Calculation of Ultimate Section State

This section documents the procedure used by RAM Concrete Beam to calculate the neutral axis depth,
c, and strain in the extreme tension steel at the ultimate state, t. The neutral axis of bending is located
by enforcing equilibrium on the section when the strain in the extreme compression (top) fiber is cu =
0.003 (see Figure below).
76

ACI-318 2005
Figure 10: Strains and stresses for section at ultimate state

Equating the force in the concrete to the sum of the forces in the reinforcing steel bars,
Fc = Fs
Fc = 0.85f'c1cbf
F s = Es As s = Es As
( dc
0.85f'c1bfc2 - EsAsc - EsAsd = 0

This quadratic is then solved for c. With the values of c and c known, the assumption of strain
compatibility allows the steel strain to be determined using similar triangles.
t = cu
( dc
5.8.3 ACI 318, Chapter 10 Modifications

Two sections relevant to RAM Concrete Beam within Chapter 10 of ACI 318 were modified from the '02
to the '05 edition. They are documented below.
Section 10.6.4
The equation for the maximum spacing limit for reinforcement closest to the face in tension is:
) 2.5c
but not greater than 12(
)
s = 15
40, 000
fs
(ACI 318, Eq. 10-4)
40, 000
fs
where
fs
the stress in the reinforcement closest to the tension face at service load,
computed using unfactored moment.
77

ACI-318 2008
The code section permits f s =
2
3
f y , and RAM Concrete Beam uses this assumption in all cases.
Section 10.9.3
The equation for the minimum volumetric spiral reinforcement ratio is:
s = 0.45
Ag
Ach
(ACI 318, Eq. 10-5)
f c
f yt
The value of fyt shall not exceed 100,000 psi.
5.8.4 ACI 318, Chapter 21 Modifications

In Section 21.5.4.2, the length multiplier of case (b) used in determining the development length in
tension for a straight bar has been changed from 3.50 to 3.25.
5.9 ACI-318 2008

The ACI 318-08 design code implementation in RAM Concrete Beam utilizes the majority of the design
logic contained in the ACI 318-05 code, as is the case with the design code itself. This section documents
changes made to the implementation from ACI-318-05 to ACI 318-08; specifically, additional checks
required by the newer design code, modifications to existing sections, and design checks that are no
longer necessary in the newer code.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, the code sections listed in the chapter sections below refer to ACI 318-08
sections.
5.9.1 Modification Factor for Lightweight Concrete

A modification factor, , has been added to all strength equations within ACI 318 that contain the term
f c . This parameter is discussed in detail in Section 8.6.1 of ACI 318-08. Section 8.6.1 replaces Section
11.2 in the 2005 edition of the code. As a result, all sections after 11.2 in ACI 318-08 are now
decremented by 1 (e.g., 11.4 in '05 is 11.3 in '08).
The parameter accounts for the lower tensile strength of lightweight concrete.
= 1.0 for normal weight concrete
= 0.85 for sand-lightweight concrete
= 0.75 for all-lightweight concrete
Linear interpolation is allowed between these values as discussed in Section 8.6.1.
78

ACI-318 2008
Note: The new expression results in no difference in the calculated strength values compared to the
2005 edition of the code.
As a result of the addition of the parameter, the form of several concrete shear strength equations has
changed in ACI 318-08. Changes to the most basic equations are shown below.
V c = 2 f c bw d
Equ (11-3) in ACI 318-05
V c = 2 f c bw d
Equ (11-3) in ACI 318-08
becomes
Nu
2, 000Ag
Nu
2, 000Ag
Vc = 2 1 +
Equ (11-4) in ACI 318-05
f c bw d
becomes
Vc = 2 1 +
V c = 1.9 f
Equ (11-4) in ACI 318-08
f c bw d
+ 2, 500w
V ud
Mu
Equ (11-5) in ACI 318-05
bw d
becomes
V c = 1.9 f
+ 2, 500w
V ud
Mu
Equ (11-5) in ACI 318-08
bw d
5.9.2 Reorganization of Slenderness Provisions

Provisions covering slenderness effects in compression members are provided in Section 10.10. In the
'05 edition of the code these provisions were covered in Sections 10.10 through 10.13. There is minimal
change to the actual content of the provisions and the same analysis results will be obtained for both the
'05 edition and the '08 edition.
5.9.3 Modifications to Seismic Provisions

There are two substantial changes that have been made to Chapter 21 in ACI 318-08. First, the sections
of Chapter 21 have been reorganized so that the requirements for ordinary, intermediate, and
special systems are presented in this respective order throughout the chapter. As a result, the
numerical section corresponding to a given provision has changed for the majority of the sections.
Second, the concept of a seismic design category has been introduced to the provisions. The individual
provisions of Chapter 21 that a building must satisfy are now dependent on both the structural category
(ordinary, intermediate, or special) and the seismic design category.
The following table provides a summary of the code sections a building must satisfy based on frame
type.
79

ACI-318 2008
Table 2: Required Chapter 21 Code Sections by Frame Type
Frame Type
Applicable Code Sections
OMRF
21.2
IMRF
21.3
SMRF (cast-in-place)
1.3 through 21.1.7

21.5 through 21.7
SMRF (precast)
1.3 through 21.1.7

21.5 through 21.8
OSW
None
ISW (precast)
21.4
SSW (cast-in-place)
1.3 through 21.1.7

21.9
SSW (precast)
1.3 through 21.1.7

21.10
The following table provides a summary of the code sections a building must satisfy based on seismic
design category.
Table 3: Required Chapter 21 Code Sections by Seismic Design Category
Seismic Design Category Applicable Code Sections
A
None
21.1.2
21.1.2, 21.1.8
D, E, and F
21.11 through 21.13
5.9.4 Provisions for Members not Designated as Part of the Seismic-ForceResisting System
Section 21.13 specifies requirements for members not designated as part of the seismic-force-resisting
system. The requirements apply only to structures assigned to seismic design categories D, E, or F. This
80

ACI-318 2008
requirement is not new to ACI 318. The '08 code is the first instance in which this provision has been
implemented in RAM Concrete.
ACI 318-08 allows two approaches in fulfilling the requirements for members not designated as part of
the seismic-force-resisting system. Section 21.13.3 involves the calculation of member forces and a
comparison to a limit which, if exceeded, requires the fulfillment of 21.13.4.1, 21.13.4.2, and 21.13.4.3.
Section 21.13.4 allows the engineer to fulfill Sections 21.13.4.1, 21.13.4.2, and 21.13.4.3 regardless of
member forces.
RAM Concrete implements Section 21.13.4. That is, member forces are not checked to determine if the
special detailing requirements are necessary for a given member. The requirements are implemented
regardless. The following table provides a summary of the checks that are required by Section 21.13.4,
and the checks that are implemented within RAM Concrete.
Table 4: Summary of Section 21.13.4 Checks
Section
Referenced Implemented? Description of Check

Section(s)
21.13.4.1
21.13.4.2
21.13.4.3
21.1.4.2
Minimum f'c
21.1.4.3
Maximum f'c for lightweight concrete
21.1.5.2
Material requs. for reinforcing
21.1.5.4
Material requs. for confinement steel
21.1.5.5
Material requs. for shear reinforcing
21.1.6.1
Mechanical splices
21.1.6.2
Mechanical splices
21.1.7.1
Welded splices
21.5.2.1
Reinforcing ratio limits
21.5.4.1
Design shear force
21.5.4.2
Transverse reinforcement
21.6.3.1
Area of longitudinal reinforcement
21.6.3.2
Mechanical splices
21.6.4.1
Transverse reinforcement over lo
21.6.4.2
Transverse reinforcement details
21.6.4.3
Spacing of transverse reinforcement
21.6.4.4
Minimum area of transverse reinforcement
81

Deflections
Section
Referenced Implemented? Description of Check

Section(s)
21.6.4.5
Maximum tie spacing over lo
21.6.4.6
Columns supporting discontinuous members
21.6.4.7
Additional stirrups based on cover
21.6.5.1
Design shear force Ve
21.6.5.2
Transverse reinforcement over lo
21.7.3.1
Joint transverse reinforcement
5.10 Deflections
This section explains the assumptions and methodology of the Concrete Beam Deflection calculations.
Every effort has been made to include a discussion of significant decisions and assumptions made by the
program.
5.10.1 Sign Convention

All upward deflections are assigned a negative sign convention and all downwards acting beam
deflections have positive sign. Only local member deflections are calculated as described in the
Technical Section of the Concrete Analysis Chapter in this addendum.
5.10.2 Effective Moment of Inertia (Ieff)

Where specified (refer to the Criteria-Deflection) the program will calculate the effective moment of
inertia for each deflection check. As described in Notes on ACI318-99, Portland Cement Association,
the effective moment of inertia is calculated separately for each of the deflection checks, i.e. Ieff is
uniquely calculated for each of Dead Load, Live Load, Long-term and Net deflection. Per ACI the
calculation of Ieff is calculated as follows:
Ie =
( )
M cr 3
Ma
Ig + 1
( )
M cr 3
(9-7)
I cr
Ma
where
Mcr
f rIg
yt
7.5 f
(9-8)
(9-9)
The cracked moment of inertia (Icr) is calculated based on the procedure outlined in Notes on ACI
318-99, Portland Cement Association. Icr is calculated considering the developed strength of both
compression and tension reinforcement. Where a bar set is not fully developed the area is reduced to
82

Deflections
account for the undeveloped length. Note that for T-Sections where the top flange is in tension Icr is
calculated assuming a rectangular section (i.e. it is assumed the neutral axis is located below the flange
depth in the beam web). Ma is the applied moment at the cross-section under consideration. Note that
when Mcr > Ma, the gross moment of inertia (Ig) will be used.
5.10.3 Continuous Beam and Cantilevers

A beam's Ieff is calculated at mid-span and both supports (at face of supports). The overall beam
effective moment of inertia (Ieff ) is based on the average of the end and mid-span calculated values as
defined below and in Notes on ACI318-99, PCA.
Beam Continuous Both Ends
Ieff = 0.15 Ieff-support1 + 0.70 Ieff-mid-span + 0.15 Ieff-support2
Beam Continuous Both Ends
Ieff = 0.15 Ieff-fixed support + 0.85 Ieff-mid-span
Beam Pinned Both Ends
Ieff = 1.0 Ieff-mid-span
Cantilever Beam End
Ieff = 1.0 Ieff-support
5.10.4 Upward and Downward Deflections

When a structure is skip-loaded there is a likelihood of both upward and downward deflections existing
on a single beam. This is as described in the section on Design Deflection Curves in the Concrete
Analysis Technical Section of this addendum. The upwards and downwards deflections are considered
separately when checking deflections. For the calculation of Ieff the program adds the moments (at midspan and support) for all skip load conditions which contribute to the upward and downward deflection
of the beam respectively. The illustration and table below show the values calculated for the second
span (bold) from the four skip load cases (Mi1 = moment at left support of span for load case 1, etc)
83

Deflections
Figure 15:
Table 5:
Ma (Up Deflection)
Ma (Down Deflection)
Left Support
Mi1 + Mi3
Mi2 + Mi4
Mid Span
Mmid1 + Mmid3
Mmid2 + Mmid4
Right Support
Mj1 + Mj3
Mj2 + Mj4
The following is in reference to the above illustration. To calculate Ieff at the left support of span 2 for
the upward deflection the program adds the left support moments from load cases 1 and 3 (Ma = Mi1 +
Mi3). Depending on the sign of Ma at this support the program will calculate Mcr and Icr for the bottom
of the section in tension (Ma > 0) or top of section in tension (Ma < 0 ). That is, Ma is calculated based on
the direction of the mid-span deflection for each load case. Mcr and Icr are then respectively based on
the direction of the Ma. This calculation of Ma, Mcr, and Icr is performed for the supports and mid-span
and the beam Ieff is calculated from these data per ACI Eq. 9-7 described above.
84

Deflections
5.10.5 Analysis
It is important to note that the analysis is not rerun after Ieff is calculated for each deflection check. That
is, the program assumes that the relative stiffness of the beams used in the actual gravity analysis is
commensurate with their relative stiffness after the actual Ieff are calculated (so that there would not be
significant redistribution of forces if the actual Ieff values were used in the analysis). If this assumption is
not adequate the engineer is encouraged to run the analysis using relative beam stiffness that more
closely depict the cracked section behavior and the true force distribution.
Final
Deflections
For all deflection checks the calculated deflection from the analysis is modified to take
into account the calculated Ieff and the applied loads. In general (described in more
detail with each check below) the design deflection is computed as the deflection
calculated in the analysis times the ratio of Ieff to Ianalysis. Ieffwill only differ from the
moment of inertia used in the analysis if the user selects to calculate Ieff per ACI in the
Criteria-Deflection menu item. For each beam with cantilevers the deflections are
computed on each span independently and the span with the larger deflection ratio
controls.
Deflection
Ratio
For each deflection check (Dead Load, Live Load, Long-term, and Net) the user can
specify allowable limits in the Criteria-Deflection dialog. For all those deflection
checks where appropriate criteria are defined (i.e., there is an allowable absolute
deflection (delta) limit or span-to-depth ratio limit) the program will calculate a
deflection ratio. The deflection ratio is calculated as the larger of the calculated
deflection to the absolute limit specified and the calculated span-to-deflection ratio over
the allowable span-to-deflection ratio. For cantilevers the span length is doubled when
calculating the span-to-deflection ratio.
Dead Load
Deflection
The dead load deflection on a member is calculated as described in the Final deflections
section above. Ieff for dead load is based only on the moments on the span due to dead
load. The dead load deflection check is performed irrespective of the direction (up or
down) of the deflection. Note that increasing the quantity of tension reinforcing or the
member dimensions will reduce the magnitude of the deflection.
Live Load
Deflection
The live load deflection on a member is calculated as the deflection due to all Dead Load
and Live Load applied, less that due to only Dead Load (Live Load Deflection is not
simply the deflection due to Live Load alone). This ensures that the correct Ieff is used
when calculating the deflection from Dead Load and Live Load together and the
deflection due to Dead Load alone is subtracted from this quantity.
Ieff for dead load and live load is based on the moments on the span due to both dead
load and live load. For skip load cases the deflection check is performed once for
upwards deflection and again for downwards deflection. The controlling case is
reported. Note that increasing the quantity of tension reinforcing or the member
dimensions will reduce the magnitude of the deflection.
Long-term + Due to creep and shrinkage the deflection of concrete members continues over the life
Live Load
of the structure. According to the ACI long-term deflection is calculated as the deflection
Deflection
due to dead and some portion of live load times a deflection factor () defined below.
=
1 + 50
(9-10)
where
85

Deflections
=
'
the compression reinforcing ratio taken at

mid-span for simple and continuous
members and at the support for cantilevers.
Where the top of a T-Beam is in compression
is defined as the area of compression (top)
steel / (width of T-Beam flange x distance of
compression reinforcing to extreme tension
fiber).
The code defines appropriate values for the time-dependant factor based on the length
of time long-term deflection is being calculated for. It is this value () that the program
refers to as the time-dependant factor which the user is required to enter in the dialog
box obtained from the Criteria-Deflections menu command.
5.10.6 Initial and Final Time-Dependant Deflection Factors

The code sets a limit on the acceptable amount of total deflection that should occur after the attachment
of non-structural elements (ACI Table 9.5(b)). To facilitate this code requirement the program allows
the engineer to determine the long-term deflection (due only to dead load) that occurs prior to the
attachment of the non-structural elements and to subtract this amount from the final calculated longterm deflection. Up to half the lifetime long-term dead load deflection can occur in the first three
months. Depending on when the non-structural elements are applied the calculated long-term
deflection should consider this long-term dead load deflection that has already occurred. The Final
Time-Dependant Factor should be measured from day 0 and not from the point in time the initial timedependant is specified for.
5.10.7 Sustained Load

The sustained load is the live load that is likely to be relatively stable over the life of the building such
that it should be considered in the calculated long-term deflection. Ieff fro the long-term load is based on
the moments from the Dead Load plus the Sustained Live load. Note that for the sustained loading No
skip loading is considered, that is, all the sustained live load is considered to act simultaneously to
produce the long-term deflection.
5.10.8 Calculated Deflection

The deflection limits specified by the ACI Table 9.5(b) include not only the long-term deflection but also
that deflection due to the immediate application of live load. The deflection calculated for comparison to
this limit is as follows:
LT+LL deflection = Final Long-term Deflection - Initial Long-term Deflection + Immediate Live Load
Deflection
where
Final Long-term Deflection considers the dead load and the percentage of sustained live load. It also
considers the user specified Final Time-Dependant factor. For skip loaded live loads the upper and
lower deflection curves (and associated moments) are summed together. The long-term deflection is
86

References
therefore based on all the sustained live load being applied continuously (no skip loading is
considered).
Initial Long-term Deflection considers only the dead load and the user specified Initial TimeDependant factor.
Immediate Live Load is calculated as described in the standard live load deflection check. Both
upwards and downwards deflections are considered separately and added to the long-term
deflection for before doing the check. Per Notes on ACI 318-99, Portland Cement Association, the
immediate live load portion of the deflection considers all the live load, not just that additional live
load over-and-above the sustained percentage of live load.
5.10.9 Net Deflection

According to the last footnote in ACI Table 9.5(b) in some circumstances the engineer may exceed the
long-term deflection limit if the total deflection less the camber is within some additional limit. The
program defines Total deflection less Camber as the Net Deflection. The Net deflection is calculated as
follows where all the deflection magnitudes are as described briefly below:
Net Deflection = Dead Load Deflection + Live Load Deflection + Long-term Deflection - Camber
Dead Load +
Live Load
Dead and full live load is considered to act concurrently (upwards and downwards live
load is considered separately). The two deflection curves are calculated as described
the section on Live Load deflection above. However in this check the initial DL
deflection is not subtracted from the DL + LL deflection.
Long-term
Deflection
Long-term deflection is calculated as discussed in the previous section except that the
Initial Long-term Deflection is not considered (subtracted from the final long-term
deflection). This check considers only the final deflected shape of the section and not
the incremental deflection between two points in time.
Camber
Where specified and appropriate for the span length the camber is calculated for a
beam mid-span only. The camber is taken as the deflection due to dead load times the
percentage of dead load to be considered for camber by the user, rounded down to the
appropriate increment stipulated by the user. Where the user specified minimum
camber is not obtained the program will not call out any camber. Where the maximum
allowable camber is exceeded the camber will be set to the maximum user specified
limit. No camber is calculated for cantilevers and all camber is assumed to be upward
in nature (no downward camber is ever calculated or specified by the program).
Camber is also shown on the floor plan DXF output where specified and calculated as
being required.
5.11 References
1. ACI Committee 318:"Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-99) and
Commentary (ACE 318R-99), 1999, American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI
87

References
5. Beer, Ferdinand P. and Johnson, E. Russell, Jr. :Mechanics of Materials, 1981, McGraw-Hill, San
Francisco
6. Nilson, Arthur H and Winter, George :Design of Concrete Structures, 1986, McGraw-Hill, San
Francisco
7. Portland Cement Association :"Notes on ACI 318-99 Building Code Requirements for Structural
Concrete with Design Applications", 1996, Portland Cement Association, Skokie, IL
8. Wang, Chu-Kia and Salmon, Charles G. :Fourth Edition: Reinforced Concrete Design, 1985, Harper
and Row, San Francisco.
88
Technical Notes - BS8110 Design Code
In the design of a structure a great number of decisions must be made. What is acceptable to one
engineer may not be acceptable to another. It is crucial that the user understands the decisions and
assumptions being made by the RAM Concrete Beam module. If these are not appropriate for the
specific conditions of a particular building, the user should augment or replace the results from RAM
Concrete with those of some other tool.
The purpose of the Technical Notes is to explain the assumptions and methodology of the RAM Concrete
Beam Design. Every effort has been made to include a discussion of significant decisions and
assumptions made by the program. Generally, if there is any question as to how the Beam Design mode
handles a particular condition, a small model can be quickly created and analyzed, and the results
verified with hand calculations.
The RAM Concrete Beam module has been extensively tested and used. It is impossible, however, to
anticipate every possible configuration that could be encountered by the program. Ultimately the
engineer is responsible for the safety and adequacy of the building's design.
6.1 Introduction and Design Philosophy

The RAM Concrete Beam is intended for the design of concrete rectangular, "T" and "L" sections. The
goal is to provide an accurate initial design based on user-defined criteria and then to provide an easy
and practical interactive interface to change the design and detail the reinforcement to meet the
engineer's needs. The program performs a comprehensive set of design checks, including checks related
to code prescribed capacity and detailing requirements, as well as taking into account user defined
preferences.
Beam design is based on the requirements of the concrete design specifications published by the British
Standard in BS8110-1:1997, incorporating Amendments 1, 2, and 3. The implementations of the
sections of the code accounting for the design of concrete beams are subjected to certain assumptions
and limitations as outlined in the Technical Notes.
6.2 Beam Design Forces

See Section 2.3 for a discussion of how beam design forces are calculated and used in RAM Concrete
Beam.
89

Reinforcement Optimization and Design
6.3 Reinforcement Optimization and Design

This section explains the methods by which RAM Concrete Beam selects the most appropriate
reinforcing bar layout for a given beam line. This is referred to as "optimizing" a beam line. The
optimization process entails selecting reinforcement such that strength requirements, design code
checks, and user-specified requirements are met to the best ability of the program, given all specified
constraints.
Note: It is possible that for a given beam line and set of design parameters, a design in which all
applicable design checks are met is not possible. In this case, the user is encouraged to use the Warnings
page in the View/Update dialogue to pinpoint what specific code provisions are not being met. The user
may then review the design parameters and user preferences in conjunction with the design warnings.
It is possible that a change to one or more of the input parameters will result in a design which passes
all checks. Alternatively, adjustments to the beam size, material properties, or reinforcement may be
required to achieve a successful design.
6.3.1 Design for Bending

The main (longitudinal) reinforcement is calculated for both sagging and hogging moments on the basis
of the section profile and parameters defined in the Design Criteria menu. Compression reinforcement is
provided where required.
The design of a beam is based on an envelope of design forces and thus at each of the defined sections,
the program determines the required area of steel for both the maximum hogging moment and
maximum sagging moment at that section.
The beam is then divided into sub-beams, that is, sets of spans which share the same dimensions and
covers, and so may make use of the same basic reinforcement cage.
For each sub-beam, the sections that have the largest sagging and hogging moments are identified and
the most efficient reinforcement is calculated for the range of bars specified in the Design Criteria. The
program limits the design to 8 bars in any one layer and uses a maximum of 2 layers in each face.
Figure 16:
90

The program then goes along the beam and checks each section to see how many bars from the critical
sections can be removed. The bars are only removed if they are not required to resist bending in either
direction, and provided that all spacing checks may still be satisfied.
6.3.2 Design for Shear

The shear reinforcement is designed to resist the major axis shear force envelope, Fz, acting through the
beam. The minor axis shear and torsional forces are not considered.
The number of shear legs and the shear link size is specified in the Design Criteria. Therefore the
required spacing for minimum links can be defined. The program then checks each section to determine
the shear stress v and concrete shear capacity vc. From this, the section is classified as either minimum
link or a high shear section. Adjacent sections of the same type are grouped into zones. For nonminimum link zones, the shear links are designed for the maximum shear force within that zone.
If necessary, additional legs may be added to the shear links in order to restrain tension or compression
reinforcement.
Figure 17:
6.3.3 Anchorage and Bond Lengths

Anchorage and bond lengths are calculated in accordance with the requirements of Clause 3.12.8.
91

92
Technical Notes - CP 65 Design Code
The CP 65 implementation in RAM Concrete Beam conforms to CP 65-1:1996 "Code of practice for
structural use of concrete - Part 1: Design and construction". This code is hereafter referred to simply as
CP 65.
Given that the CP 65 design code is virtually identical to BS 8110-1:1997, with the exceptions of the
differences described in the following section, the implementation of CP 65 in RAM Concrete Beam is
identical to that of BS 8110 and the technical details related to BS 8110 can be taken to apply to CP 65.
7.1 Differences between BS8110 and CP65

The following are the technical differences between the implementation of CP 65 and BS 8110 in RAM
Concrete Beam:
1. In CP 65, the concrete shear capacity without shear reinforcement (vc) given in Table 3.9 differs from
that in BS 8110.
2. In CP 65, the minimum allowable concrete strength in structural concrete is 30N/mm as opposed to
25N/mm in BS 8110.
3. It should also be noted that the partial safety factor for reinforcement m is 1.15 in CP 65 which is
equal to that used in BS 8110-1:1997 Amendment 3.
93
Technical Notes - CP 65 Design Code

Differences between BS8110 and CP65
94
Technical Notes - AS 3600 Design Code
8.1 Design Philosophy and Methodology

The design philosophy and methodology employed for this design code is similar to what has already
been described in the following sections:
Design Philosophy: See 6.1.
Beam Design Forces: See 6.2.
Reinforcement Optimization & Design: See 6.3 (excluding 6.3.3).
8.2 Design Code

8.2.1 Design for Bending
Design for bending is according to AS 3600 Clause 8.1
The following provisions are used by RAM Concrete Beam in bending design:
a. A rectangular concrete stress block is utilized as described in 8.1.2.2.
b. The neutral axis depth factor (ku) is limited to 0.4.
c. The lever arm between the concrete stress block and the tensile forces in the reinforcement is
calculated as:
z = d (0.5 + 0.25 k / 1.7)
where
=
the lever arm
z
=
the effective depth of the cross-section
d
=
K
a factor calculated as (M / fcubd2)
This formula arises from equilibrium of internal forces under the applied moment.
d. The depth of the neutral axis is calculated as:
x=
(d z )
0.5
where
x
fc
=
=
=
the depth of the neutral axis

0.85 0.007(fc-28) with the limits 0.65 to 0.85
the characteristic compressive cylinder strength of the concrete at 28 days
95
Technical Notes - AS 3600 Design Code

Design Code
e. Compression reinforcement is provided if:
K > 0.34 (1 0.2 )
where
=
as given in (c) above. This limit is provided to ensure ductile failure of the
K
cross-section at ultimate limit state.
f. Tension and compression reinforcement (if required) are provided such that:
i. The forces in the cross section are in equilibrium,
ii. The internal moment developed by the internal forces is greater than or equal to the applied
moment.
8.2.2 Design for Shear

Shear design in RAM Concrete Beam is according to AS 3600 Clause 8.2
96
Technical Notes - EN1992 (Eurocode 2) Design Code
The implementation of EN1992 (Eurocode 2) in RAM Structural System is according to the

specifications of the UK National Annex.
9.1 Design Philosophy and Methodology

The design philosophy and methodology employed for this design code is similar to what has already
been described in the following sections:
Design Philosophy: See 6.1.
Beam Design Forces: See 6.2.
Reinforcement Optimization & Design: See 6.3 (excluding 6.3.3).
9.2 Design Code

9.2.1 Bending
Bending is designed according to the provisions in 6.1. The assumptions used are as follows:
Assumptions given in 6.1 (2)
A rectangular stress block is assumed as defined in 3.1.7 (3) of the code.
A maximum of two bar layers for tensile and compressive reinforcement.
9.2.2 Shear
Shear is designed according to the provisions in 6.2. The following assumptions are taken:
Enhanced shear capacity of concrete next to supports is ignored (6.2.2 (5))
Longitudinal bars extending at least a length, d, beyond a particular section are considered as
contributing to the shear strength of the section, where d is the effective depth of the section
97
Technical Notes - EN1992 (Eurocode 2) Design Code

Design Code
For members requiring more than the minimum level of shear reinforcement, this is designed according
to 6.2.3 (3). is calculated using the following formula:
= 0.5sin1
2V ed
ac b.z.v. f cd
with the limitation 1 cot 2.5, and notation as in 6.2.3 (1) of the code.
Only vertical shear reinforcement is designed by the program.
9.2.3 Detailing
Detailing provisions are according to the following clauses:
Clause
Description
9.2.1.1
Minimum and Maximum longitudinal reinforcement area
9.2.1.4, 9.2.1.5
Anchorage of bottom reinforcement
9.2.2
Shear reinforcement
98
Technical Notes - GB 50010 (Chinese Design

Code) 10
10.1 GB 50010 Design Code
If GB 50010 is selected as the design code in the concrete analysis module then design is based on the
requirements of the Chinese design code: Design of Concrete Structures (GB 50010-2002). The
implementations of the sections of the code accounting for the design of concrete beams are subject to
certain assumptions and limitations as outlined in these technical notes.
The following codes have also been considered in the implementation:
Code for seismic design of buildings (GB 50011-2001)
Technical specification for concrete structures of tall buildings (JGJ 3-2002).
10.1.1 Limitations
The Concrete Beam is intended for the design of concrete rectangular and T sections.
Prestressed concrete structural members are not supported.
Force adjustments to account for weak stories is not supported.
Coupling beam design in the Shear Wall module is not supported.
The body of the detailed column design report is only available in metric units.
The user cannot change the reinforcing table used. A predefined table consisting of the following bar
sizes is available for use:
Table 6:
Size
#6
#8
#10 #12 #16 #18 #20 #22 #25 #28 #32 #36 #40 #50
Bend.
10
12
16
18
20
22
25
28
32
36
40
50
Radius mm
99
Technical Notes - GB 50010 (Chinese Design Code)

GB 50010 Design Code
10.1.2 Design Principles

Beams are designed for main (longitudinal) reinforcement calculated for both sagging and hogging
moments on the basis of the section profile and parameters defined in the Design Criteria menu. There
are two load envelope curves used for beam design; a seismic envelope and a non-seismic envelope.
Longitudinal and transverse reinforcement is designed by the program based on the forces generated in
the Concrete Analysis module. Forces used for design are adjusted according to the procedure given in
the design code which is outlined below:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Get beam gravity and lateral forces from analysis;

Adjust M for plastic redistribution (gravity load cases only);
Adjust M, V, N for seismic effects for Transfer Beams (seismic load cases only);
Calculate combinations and generate envelopes;
Modify beam end shears using the adjusted M in the combinations (for load combinations which
include seismic loads). Adjust rest of curve using the factor given in the table.
Code Clauses Implemented

The following lists the code clauses used from GB 50010-2002, Section 3.8 Beam Design.
3.8.1 General
3.8.1.1 Symbols. Program Conforms
3.8.1.2 Size of beam and bars, 10.2.1. Program Conforms
3.8.1.3 Deflection of beam. N/A
3.8.1.4 Concrete Cover check.
3.8.2 Seismic
3.8.2.1 Forces adjustment performed 11.3.2.
3.8.2.2 Ratio of reinforcement in frame beam limits, 11.3.6
3.8.2.3 Spaces check of shear bar, 11.3.8
3.8.2.3 The ratio of reinforcement for stirrups along the full length of girder, 11.3.9
3.8.3 Main reinforcement

3.8.3.1 Normal section flexural load-bearing capacity, 7.2.1.
3.8.3.2 T shape section flexural members with flange situated in compression zone. 7.2.2
3.8.4 Shear reinforcement

3.8.4.1 Ratio and diameter limit, 10.3.2.
3.8.4.2 Member size limited, 7.5.1.
3.8.4.3 Calculation of torsion section load-bearing capacity. 7.6
3.8.4.4 Calculation of inclined section load-bearing capacity for flexural member. 7.5.4
N/A is to be interpreted as either not application or not implemented.
100

Clauses that do not appear in the list are deemed not to be considered by the program.
101

102
RAM Concrete Beam Reports
11
RAM Concrete Beam output is designed to provide the engineer with all necessary data for the review of
calculations for concrete beam design. The reports have been designed to duplicate the information
provided in hand calculations. The reports also provide the required information for detailing the
beams.
Below is a summary of the reports available in RAM Concrete Beam mode. A more complete explanation
of the output follows.
Criteria
A list of the currently specified beam design criteria as well as user assigned
Section and Reinforcement Layout information.
Load Combinations
A list of all of the concrete generated and user defined load combinations,
including the parameters used for the generated load combinations. This
report is identical to the Load Combinations report generated in the Concrete
Column Design mode.
Beam Design
A detailed report showing all of the pertinent information used in and

generated during the beam design.
Beam Design
Summary
A list of the basic design information required to detail and perform cost
estimates for beams.
Beam Deflection
Summary
The controlling deflection calculation and ratio for each beam.
Material Take Off
A material take off of all the designed beams in the model. Information
includes concrete volume and reinforcement quantity and weight.
11.1 General Comments on Reports

The heading contains information about RAM Concrete and the model that the output represents. The
Date field is the time and date the model was last changed.
All values that have unit dimensions have the units reported in brackets after the value description. The
report descriptions below are only provided where reports may require further description.
Descriptions are not provided for items that are self-explanatory.
11.2 Criteria
The criteria report contains the parameters that were set in the Beam Design Criteria and Detailing
Defaults Criteria dialog boxes. As well as all the information that can be assigned to a beam using the
Assign Size and Assign Reinforcement Layout dialog boxes.
103

Criteria
11.2.1 Reinforcement Table and Code

The Reinforcement Properties Table is the name of the reinforcement table selected in RAM Manager
and used for the design of all reinforced concrete members in the RAM Structural System.
The Code is the concrete design code used to optimize and check concrete beams.
11.2.2 Reinforcement
If the user defines their own values instead of letting RAM Concrete Beam use the code defined values,
the values will only be used if they are also within the limits of the code prescribed values. Code values
will always be used as the design limits if the user defined values that are not at least as stringent as the
code prescribed values.
Clear Bar
Cover:
The distance from the outside face of the beam to the closest tension reinforcement
bars. This value is used to check the true bar depth. If code is selected, the assumption
is made that the concrete is not exposed to soil, weather or corrosive environments.
Cover to
Center of
Bars:
This is the default distance from the bottom or top of the beam to the center of the bars
in the closest flexural reinforcement. If two layers of bars are used this value will be
the distance to the effective center of the two layers.
11.2.3 Bar Selection

This section identifies the user-defined preferences used in selecting reinforcement for the beam.
11.2.4 Default Detailing

This section reports the parameters entered into the Detailing Defaults Dialog box for Gravity Beams,
Gravity Joists and Lateral Beams. The values related to top and bottom flexural reinforcement cutoff
lengths are all a factor of the total clear span length designated by (xL) for the units.
11.2.5 Beam Assigned Criteria

This section identifies the parameters that have been assigned to individual concrete beams that are
part of a beam line.
Global indicates that the parameter was not overwritten so the value reported in the Global Criteria
will be used.
104

Load Combinations

The load combination report is used to check the parameter used in generating load combinations as
well as the list of load combinations used in checking the model.
The report contains all the data used to generate the combinations for the given code. The number next
to each combination will match the numbers in the Design Reports and the Load Combination dialog
boxes.
11.4 Beam Design

The Design report is set up to show the information required for providing design backup
documentation as well as the information required for detailing the beam.
11.4.1 Beam Information

This section identifies the basic beam information related to the beam location and geometry.
11.4.2 Material Properties

This section reports the material properties for the concrete and reinforcement used in the beam.
11.4.3 Top/Bottom Longitudinal Reinforcement

All the bar sets that are completely or partially located in the beam span are reported. This information
can be used to detail the beam if required.
Bar Set:
The Bar set number is a unique number for all the top or bottom bars in the beam line.
Depth:
The depth is taken as the user defined bar depth from the Design Criteria dialog unless
overwritten by the Assign Reinforcement Layout dialog box.
Layer:
This identifies the location of the bar in the top or bottom reinforcement. The layer
identification is identical to the View/Update dialog box. For the single reinforcement layer
the top longitudinal bars will show as Upper and the bottom longitudinal bars as Lower.
For two layers of reinforcement the layer closest to the beam surface is Upper for top bars
and Lower for bottom bars.
105

Beam Design
Start and This locates the bars along the beam line relative to a support. The support number and
End:
location are along the beam line. The Location is the distance from the center of the given
support. If the bar end condition is Straight or Hooked the location describes the end of the
bar. If the end condition is Splice then the location describes the distance to the middle of
the development length for the bar. This makes the layout of splice bars much easier
because the end of a bar with a splice will be at the same location as the start of the next
splice.
11.4.4 Longitudinal Bar Design Details

This section reports the required and provided moment capacity and reinforcement area at all output
stations along the beam. Locations displayed in bold are under a support.

The transverse reinforcement bar sets are reported in the same way as the longitudinal reinforcement.
11.4.6 Transverse Bar Design Details and Torsion Force

This section is similar to the Longitudinal Bar Design Details. The Required Torsion capacity is also
reported to help with the checking of required torsional reinforcement.
Design and Summary report shear diagrams identify the critical shear location (distance d from face of
support) with an italic font for the station location.
11.4.7 Deflections
A deflection section is presented at the end of the detailed beam design report. This section provides the
camber (if required), along with the results of the deflection check for each deflection type on the beam.
The results show the calculated deflection, effective moment of inertia, span-to-depth ratio and the
controlling deflection ratio if a criteria is specified for the deflection type. An OK or a NG (No Good) will
be shown at the end of the row if there is deflection criteria specified and the span is longer than
minimum specified in the criteria. For beams with cantilevers the report will also indicate if the
cantilever is the controlling span, otherwise the back-span should be assumed controlling.
Also displayed below this section are the moments used to calculate the effective moment of inertia (Ieff)
for the controlling span. Note that these are the full Dead Load and Live Load moments from all skip
load patterns that produced upwards and downwards deflections (see technical section for more
information on the calculation of Ieff). Note that this section is not displayed if 'analysis of cracked
section I values' is selected for the deflection calculations.
106

Beam Design Summary
11.5 Beam Design Summary

The Beam Design summary is used to get the required information for checking and detailing the beam
line reinforcement.
11.5.1 Support Geometry

The information in this section locates all the supports along the beam line with their type and
dimensional properties.
Length,
Width and
Depth
For Column supports the Length is the column dimension parallel to the beam line and
the depth is not applicable so it is designated as NA.
For Beam supports the Length is the beam width, the Depth is the full beam depth and
the Width is not applicable.
For Wall supports the Length is the wall thickness, the Depth and Width are not applicable.
The report has two additional sections that tabulate the critical points for the flexure, shear and torsion
diagrams for the full beam line
11.6 Deflection Summary

The deflection summary gives the controlling deflection results for each span in the beam. The
calculated deflections are displayed along with the controlling deflection ratio (calculated deflection /
allowable deflection) for the span. This is currently the only location to get the mid span and cantilever
results separately for an individual beam.
11.7 Material Take Off

The material take off report can be used in cost estimating and design comparisons. The material take
off report is separated by story. For each story the concrete slabs, reinforcement and concrete quantities
are reported.
11.7.1 Concrete Slab

This section identifies for each slab that is on the story the Slab label, slab thickness, total surface area of
slab type on floor and the total volume of the concrete.
107

Material Take Off
11.7.2 Longitudinal Reinforcement

The following information is compiled for each longitudinal reinforcement bar capacity:
Size
The bar size label for all bar sizes used in current story.
Quantity The total number of bars used for the given grade and size of reinforcement.
Length
The total length of all the bars used for the given grade and size of reinforcement. The bar
length includes the bar development length but does not include the hook length for bars
with hooks.
Weight
The weight of the reinforcement is calculated using the area of the reinforcement defined in
the Reinforcement Table and the same density of steel used by the rest of the RAM
Structural System modules.

The following information is compiled for each transverse reinforcement bar capacity and shape: (Items
similar to longitudinal category unless noted)
Shape
The stirrup shape accounting for clear cover and transverse bar type.
Type
The stirrup type as Open, Closed or Continuous. Continuous is used when the open stirrups
only have one leg.
Legs
Total number of shear legs in stirrups.
Quantity The total number of the given shape used for the given grade and size of reinforcement.
Length
The total length of all the bars used for the given shape, grade and size of reinforcement in
all cases the hook length is not considered. The stirrup dimensions are based on the center
of the stirrup taking into consideration the concrete cover and bar diameter. For open
stirrups the top width is not considered. For open stirrups with only one shear leg the shear
reinforcement is considered to be continuous along the length of the beam so the length is
the total number of shear legs multiplied by the shear leg length and added to the bar set
length.
Weight
The weight of the reinforcement is calculated using the area of the reinforcement defined in
the Reinforcement Table and the same density of steel used by the rest of the RAM
Structural System modules.
11.7.4 Concrete
The following information is compiled for each beam section and concrete capacity:
108

Material Take Off
Length:
The beam length is taken to be the clear length of the member between supports. This is
done so the concrete at supports is not considered multiple times for each beam and
column at a joint location.
Volume
Below
Slab:
The volume below the slab is calculated using the beam web width and web depth. For
rectangular beam sections the full beam depth is used because there is no way of
knowing if the beam has a slab above it. The concrete above the slab is reported in the
Concrete Slab part of the report.
Weight:
The concrete weight is calculated using the concrete design weight rather than the self
weight because the self-weight is expected to include a nominal reinforcement weight.
109

Material Take Off
110
Index
A
ACI 53, 87
ACI 318
Chapter 10 77, 78
ACI-318 2002 73, 74
ACI-318 2005 74
ACI-318 2008 78
Anchorage
BS8110 91
AS 3600 9597
Assign 27, 43
Bar Depth Check 59

Bar Selection Criteria 65, 66
bar spacing 62
Bar Splices 58
Beam Design Forces 14, 16, 17,
89
Beam Design Summary 107
Beam Forces 16, 17
Beam Shear
Reinforcement 67
Bending
BS8110 90
Bond Lengths
BS8110 91
BS8110 8991
Building Codes 13, 14
Chinese Design Code 99

Clear Design 36
Colors
Database Status 20, 40
Concrete Capacity 60
Concrete Design Code 14, 53, 89,
95, 97, 99
Concrete Modulus of Elasticity
55
Copy Design 34
CP 65 93
Criteria 22, 42, 103
Database Status 20, 40

Deep Beam Check 59, 62
Deflection Results 34
Deflection Summary 107
deflections 8284, 86, 87
Deflections 32
Design All 29, 45
Design Envelope 16, 17, 55
Destination 37
Detailing 63
Detailing Defaults 66, 67, 104
development length 58
EN1992 97
Envelope 16, 17
Eurocode 2 97
Index Term 11, 13, 19, 21, 22,

2428, 3739, 4446,
4851, 53, 64, 65, 78, 79,
95, 97, 103108
intermediate moment frames
6971
Joist 60
Lateral Forces 15
lightweight concrete 78
Load Combinations
Beam Design Forces 16, 17
Longitudinal 30
Material Take Off 107
notation 53
Flexural Capacity 55
Flexural Design 55
Flexural Reinforcement 56, 57,
64
Frame Type Selection 69
Freeze Design 36
GB 50010 99
GB50010 Code
Limitations 99
Gravity Forces 14, 15
111
Process
Clear Design 36
Copy Design 34
Design All 29, 45
Freeze Design 36
Results 34
View/Update 29
References
ACI 87
Reinforcement 67
Reinforcement Area 61
Reinforcement Optimization 63
Reinforcement Spacing 57, 62
Report 37
Report Destination 50
Report Optimization 89
Reports
Beam Design Summary 107
Criteria 103
Deflection Summary 107
Load Combinations 105
Material Take Off 107
Report
Destination 37
Report Destination 50
Results 34
Section/Material Properties 32
seismic provisions 80
Seismic Provisions 68
Shear
AS 3600 96
BS8110 91
Shear Reinforcement Capacity
61
Slenderness
Beam Forces 16, 17
special moment frames 7173
Strain Analysis 31
strength reduction factor
axial-flexure 75
T Section 13, 55, 89

Technical
ACI 53
AS 3600 97
BS8110 89
CP 65 93
EN1992 97
GB 50010 99
Toolbar 20, 41
torsion
capacity of section 62
Torsion 62, 63
112
Transverse 32
ultimate section state 76

Unimplemented Code Sections
60
View 37, 51
View/Update
Deflections 32
Longitudinal 30
Section/Material Properties
32
Strain Analysis 31
Transverse 32
Warnings 33
Warnings 33

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