I am from the Philippines and our seismic code is patterned after UBC 97. Unlike in STAAD, there is no option in RAM Elements on what code should be the basis for seismic analysis. Below are some concerns I have:
1) Is there an option in RAM E to calculate the design base shear using static procedure (ELF)? This value is needed in calibrating the scale factor for the dynamic analysis.
2) Given that RAM E will calculate ELF base shear, will it also calculate the period of structure using the two methods (Methods A and B) specified in UBC 97?
3) Is there a way to check strong-column weak-beam? How about checking vertical and plan irregularity of the structure?
4) In printing the story drift, I could not verify whether it is based on code or not. As per UBC 97, story drift should be calculated based on maximum inelastic response displacements (Δm) which is 70% the product of R and design level response displacements (Δs). Also, there is no status whether drift is within the limiting value (e.g. 2.5% of story height).
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
