Dear Concerned,
I am in the process of designing a complicated structure irregular in shape and with considerable in plane forces due gravity and lateral loading.
The structure is an inverted pyramid,
In terms of geometry we are dealing with in plane inclined walls, out of plane inclined walls, inclined columns, transferred columns, and PT Slabs.
In terms of Forces and actions on the Floors, we are dealing with large in plane bending and tension (Thrust) due to Inclination of the structure.
In terms of deformation, we are dealing with differential column and wall movement (Vertically) due to inclination
Please Find the following Questions:
1- Please recommend a design methodology using Bentley products and elaborate if the Bentley software will be able to handle these unusual elements
2- Will Ram concept be able to determine in plane and out of plane forces due to Dead load and SDL forces acting from stories above (i.e. importing these actions in Fx, Fy, Fz, and in moments) and based on the forces from the supports (i.e. column less stiff due to it being transferred on stories below).
3- will we be able to model the tendons in the 3D ram Staad to include the effect (Axial compression that will be taken by the Vertical elements)
4- If we model the 3D element in Etabs and analyze it will we be able to import results to Ram Concept and perform the analysis consequently?
5- We have read the "RAM Concept-RAM Structural System Integration" page and it was very useful, however a question arised as we read the following:
"What Is Not Imported?
Loads:
- Lateral story forces from a Rigid Diaphragm analysis.
- Lateral nodal forces from a Pseudo Flexible or Semi-rigid Diaphragm analysis"
Does it mean that we cannot import Lateral Forces due to seismic effects? how will self equilibrium happen if the software can import column actions but without these Forces?
I can email you the structural shape of the building and details if this will benefit.
Thank you