RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 3.1

The Structural Products development team is pleased to announce the availability of RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 3.1 (08.03.01.69). This release includes minor changes, defect corrections, and launches and launches an Early Access Program (EAP) for RAM Concept’s iTwin Synchronize to Cloud Workflow.

RAM Concept CONNECT Edition Update 3.1 Release Notes - Date: April 2022

This version of RAM Concept can read all previous file formats. Files saved in this version cannot be read by other previous versions, including Version 8 Update 3 (08.03.00).

iTwin Synchronize to Cloud Workflow and Early Access Program

The iTwin Synchronize to Cloud Workflow is now available in the iTwin Services menu. This workflow integrates Bentley’s cloud-based ProjectWise 365 portal, which helps teams create, share, review, and coordinate on project information.

RAM Concept users can access these capabilities at no additional charge by participating in an Early Access Program (EAP). More information about the EAP can be found here. After the EAP concludes, a separate license will be required to access the cloud synchronization features. The local iTwin Synchronize to File Workflow will continue to be included with the RAM Concept license.

Using the ProjectWise 365 portal and the iTwin Synchronize to Cloud Workflow, designers can push their analytical model data into 3D iTwin Design Review sessions, which can be accessed by other project stakeholders using a web browser without the need for a native design application license or installation. In iTwin Design Review session, users can create custom views, isolate key elements, pin comments to model components for other team members to review, and more.

A practical application of this technology, which users can trial during the EAP, is the ability for RAM Concept users push PT tendon profiles to a 3D analytical iTwin and review those profiles in cross sections across the floor. See images below.



Resolved Issues
RAM Concept CONNECT Edition v08.03.01 includes fixes for the issues discussed below.

Slab Analysis Results Not Plotted
In v08.03.00, some default plans were setup to plot max or min context results when only standard results were available. No information was plotted in these plans after the calculations were completed. RAM Concept would automatically change the context to standard and plot results when the Plot Settings dialog was opened and then immediately closed. This issue has been resolved in this version.
Negative Area Spring Stiffness
In some models with variable area springs, a slightly negative area spring stiffness may have been calculated when extrapolating values from the input area spring constant inputs. When this issue occurred, the error shown in the image below was displayed. In affected models, the calculated negative area spring constant was very small and unlikely to affect analysis results.


Other Changes
When generating plans for new load combinations added by the user, default plans are now created for each of the result contexts: std, min, and max. Some plans may not contain any results depending upon the load combination settings.



RAM Concept is a software application for the structural analysis and design of conventionally reinforced and post-tensioned concrete floors, mats, and rafts. RAM Concept contains an advanced feature set that allows for the design of a wide variety of floor systems including post-tensioned, reinforced concrete and hybrid systems, elevated slabs and mat/raft foundations, one-way slabs, two-way slabs, beams, and joist systems.

Historically, the vast majority of concrete floors have been analyzed by approximating a region of a slab as a frame (or design strip), and then analyzing the frame/strip using variations of conventional frame or moment distribution analysis techniques. There are two limitations to this approach. First, in irregular structures, the approximation of the real structure into a frame model could be grossly inaccurate and designing with the analysis results might not even satisfy equilibrium requirements in the real structure. The second limitation is that even in regular structures with regular loadings, the frame analysis approximates the slab/column interaction and provides no information regarding the distribution of forces across the design strip.

RAM Concept enables the engineer to design post-tensioned and reinforced concrete slabs by using a finite element model of the entire slab. RAM Concept can predict the elastic behavior of a slab much more accurately than frame models. In addition, the finite element method guarantees that the analysis satisfies all equilibrium.

In this RAM Concept training video, we introduce you to the new post-tension optimization workflow.


Bentley Systems, Incorporated is the global leader dedicated to providing architects, engineers, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive architecture and engineering software solutions for sustaining infrastructure. Founded in 1984, Bentley has nearly 3,000 colleagues in more than 45 countries, $500 million in annual revenues, and, since 2001, has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions.

Product: RAM Concept
Version: CONNECT Edition Update 3.1 (08.03.01.69)
Supported Architectures: x64
Website Home Page : www.bentley.com
Languages Supported: english
System Requirements: Windows *
Size: 2.4 Gb