Good Evening All,
I have two questions for you today.
I know this has come up in the past with regards ISM data exchange between RAM Concept and Autodesk Revit but I have not heard any updates from Bentley or any other sources since so I figure it is worth asking again. I know that currently, ISM can import reinforcement from Revit only but reinforcement designed and detailed in RAM Concept cannot be exported to Revit for final documentation which seems to be a tragic waste of what is a pretty detailed reinforcement model. It may not be 100% what will be documented for construction but it is pretty dam close and would cut out a hell of a lot of duplication if ISM supported this.
Secondly, I am wondering if anyone else would find it useful if RAM Concept supported some additional bar shapes? The ones I am most interested in are 'U'-bars, 'Z'-bars and cranked bars. I am specifically looking for these shapes because current Architectural trends in Australia is resulting in slabs with increasing complex geometry in order to achieve the desired architectural form and this is often achieved by introducing slab folds, steps and setdowns which we would normally achieve using either 'Z'-bars or cranked bars in order to ensure continuity of reinforcement through setdowns/steps/folds. Secondly, I find that in thin slabs specially, it is difficult to achieve the required development lengths using the 90 degree hook option and i must therefore design using the fully anchored option which means that I have to detail these in RAM Concept for both top and bottom mats which results in duplication. My preferred end detail for slabs is and always has been to provide a full 'U'-bar connecting the top and bottom mats together (see attached photo noting that the top mat is not installed but you can see from the 'U'-bar where it will be located). This way, I achieve the full development length for top and bottom mats and I also find it works well on site as it temporarily supports the ends of the top reinforcement (saves bar chairs and is good for OH&S) and it reduces number of bars thus saving on handling and tying. 