I've read the portion of the RAM Frame manual that talks about how lateral loads are distributed for the different diaphragm types, however, I'm currently analyzing a model for which I can't make sense of the way the RAM-calculated wind loads are being distributed.
The building is a 7-story structure. When I initially ran the model with all diaphragms as semi-rigid. My understanding is this does an analysis that, in the end, is a "hybrid" between distributing lateral loads based on tributary and wall stiffness, dependent on the rigidity of the diaphragm. I didn't like the results I was getting as semi-rigid, so I changed all diaphragms to rigid. It is my understanding that now, all loads should be distributed based on stiffness.
See the screenshot below. I have two identical walls pictured with the exception of an opening in the bottom level of one wall. The one on the left takes ~15k while the one on the right, with an opening, takes ~37k. I can't think of a reason that the one with the opening would be taking more load than the one without, and by a significant margin.
Thanks in advance.
