bentley ram connection or is there an alterate

[coolad2007]

Hi everyone,

Our company was planning to buy Ram Connection software package from Bentley. I was just wondering is there a better alternate to this? Cost wise aswell as one with better user interface.

Thanks in advance!

--Ad

 

[JoshPlumSE]

You might want to take a look at RISAConnection. Free demo version is available on our website (I actually work for RISA), so you'll get a good idea about the interface. The Demo version can be requested from the following web page:

http://www.risa.com/p_risaconnection.html

 

[JoshPlumSE]

We've had a lot of positive feedback about the RISAConnection interface, so I feel confident that we will meet or beat what RAM has. Feature wise, I don't know much about RAM's program. But, we have the most commonly used shear and moment connections, we consider the effects of axial force, connection eccentricity and such. We've got vertical brace connections and we're getting ready to release a version with HSS connections.

Not sure where RAM Connection is cost wise (feel free to let me know!). But, RISAConnection currently sells for $1200 for the first copy, half that for additional copies. That comes with six months of "maintenance" which means you would get the version 4.0 that is coming out in December (which includes the HSS connections mentioned earlier).

Caveat: Those prices are only good between now and the end of the year. They are scheduled to increase in January.

 

[humanengr]

you may want to check out Descon Plus. Input is a bit tedious, but it can be a work horse type of program for some tough bracing connections. If you are not a patient person, think twice about it,
No harm in trying demo.

 

[jhardy1]

Bentley recently announced the acquisition of Microstran / Limcon - you might want to take a look at Limcon and see if it's suitable for your purposes:

http://www.steel-connections.com/

http://julianh72.blogspot.com

 

[coolad2007]

I just heard decision has already been made and most likely its going to be RAM Connections. Again thanks all for your inputs.