Ram Frame Shear Wall Moment Values

[Trob]

While using Ram Frame I notice strange in-plane moment values in my concrete or other-wall shear walls. When using section cuts I find that the moment fluctuates almost randomly with the height of the wall. I EXPECT to see a max moment at the base of the shear wall and a zero moment at the top, (cant. condition) or a max moment at the top and bottom (fixed fixed condition). Instead, I see the moment fluctuates from negative to positive in almost completely random locations. Can anyone explain this to me? Is there something I'm missing?

More info: Wall has no openings, one story, flex diaphragm.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

I have no idea what's going on as I'm not a RAM user. But, it does sound fishy.

There is a "Bentley: Ram products" forum on eng tips. You might have better luck posting this question to that forum.... just a suggestion.

 

[bnickeson]

Are there other walls in your model at that level that could possibly be taking the lateral force? Back when I was using RAM, I had problems very similar to the ones you're encountering, but these were only for specialized circumstances. I encountered this when I was doing a building with a basement (perimeter walls were concrete up to the first floor level) but I had two shear core towers inside the building parameter. Because the outer walls were much stiffer than the lower story of the shear core towers, all of the lateral force was transferred to the perimeter walls instead of the lower story of the shear towers. It gave me nothing but random gibberish for that lower story, much like you are experiencing. But, since you say it is a one story building, I'm not sure any of this is even applicable.