Post-Tensioning Seminars 1

[mrengineer]

Has anyone here attended a PT seminar where Bijan Aalami was the instructor? He is the ADAPT software guru, so I would think there is a slant towards ADAPT. The reason I ask is that we have RAM Structural System, and are contemplating purchasing RAM Concrete and RAM Concept for a potential flat plate condo project. I am interesting in attending an upcoming PT seminar where Aalami is the instructor, but am concerned as to how much emphasis there is on ADAPT. Also, I would be interested in knowing if anyone has any basis for comparison between RAM Concept and ADAPT.

 

[AUCE98]

I attended one of his seminars in 1999. There is some good information that he provides, however your concerns are somewhat valid in that a portion of the seminar is trying to pedal his software. Ram Concept an ADAPT Floor come from the same program. Several years ago Bijan and Allen Bommer went in on a joint venture to develop a FE program for PT. Long story short, the two split after the term of the agreement was up. Allen Bommer owned the program code and started SCS, Structural Concrete Systems, naming his program FLOOR. SCS was subsequently bought by RAM, and the program is now RAM Concept. Bijan took the ADAPT FLOOR program, made some changes to make it his own. So the two programs are fairly similar, it all depends on which horse you're going to hook your wagon to. Our office uses both RAM Concept and ADAPT-PT and RC. We mainly use RAM Structural systems, so the potential for complete integration with Concept and RAM Structural Systems is our hope. I believe that Adapt works with ETABS.

Long and short, I would say you would probably benefit from the seminar, Bijan knows PT hands down probably better than anyone.

Regards

AUCE98

 

[mrengineer]

AUCE98:
Thanks for the info. According to the "RAM Concrete Gravity Analysis" manual, V10.0 Chapter 4, "Within the RAM Structural System the RAM Concept column and wall forces are integrated into the analysis results in the RAM Concrete Analysis module". Are you saying they are not as integrated as advertised? Or mavbe this is an update from the last time you used the program?

 

[AUCE98]

Yes, that portion is correct, you are able to transfer column reactions and moments from Concept back into RAM SS and design the columns. Fully intergrated, in my view, is being able to perform a bi-directional transfer of information and geometry. Currently you are not able to import the slab geometry into RAM SS to perform your lateral analysis. From the folks at RAM that I have spoke to, they are about two releases away from that happening.

Regards,

AUCE98

 

[mrengineer]

AUCE98:
1) Are you manually inputting lateral moments into RAM Concept, (assuming that program will accept those moments)?

2) Is ADAPT fully integrated?

Sounds like the real answer at this stage is to push real hard for shear walls.

 

[AllanBommer]

RAM Concept can import lateral moments from either RAM-Frame or STAAD. The moments can also be entered manually.

When used with the RAM Structural System (RSS), geometry, loadings, etc. can be imported into RAM Concept. Column reactions can be exported back to RSS for column design.

When used with STAAD, geometry loadings, etc. can be imported into RAM Concept, but the link is one-way.

Regarding PT design seminars - PTI and PCA also offer seminars that you may want to check out.

Regarding the history of RAM Concept - RAM Concept is a totally new product (written in 2002, and first released as "Floor2"); it is NOT a descendent of any ADAPT-labeled product (the "Floor" product sold by SCS in 2000 and 2001 was related to "ADAPT-Floor" similar to what AUCE describes).

-Allan Bommer
Bentley Systems

 

[AUCE98]

Allan,

Thank you for the clarification. Concept is a great product!

Regards,

AUCE98