I tend to like using RISA 3D for most smaller / medium sized things. I feel you can control the inputs better than other programs and have a better feel for the structure. I have never used RAM Floor though and do not know how well that works.
RAM SS is good for managing large projects and doing it quickly and easily. RAM Frame can be a little black-boxy though and troublesome with complicated geometry. (Arg! A frame member supporting on another gravity member!?! Blast!)
"We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us." -WSC
@jay156, let me know what you don't like about Ram Concept, there might be some alternative ways to use it so you find it more friendly to use. Or maybe Ram Elements is good enough for your needs. I posted about using Ram Elements for basic mat foundations not too long ago:
I'm surprised Sap2000 and Etabs haven't been mentioned so much in the discussion. I admit they can be a little expensive but for non-linear analysis (especially for seismic) they are probably up there with the best. I like the new release of Etabs (v13) as it can finally handle some non-linear time history analysis (NLTHA) and has an improved bi-directional link to Revit 2014, which is good news for the BIM minded people.
I would say that sap and etabs are excellent analysis tools but lack in features regarding the design. In combination with spreadsheets or other design tools, they can be the most productive program to work with. But on the other hand their use requires advanced engineering skills and experience, a fact that everyone should be aware of.
What skills and experience you need depends on type of work not on the software you are using. Software is a tool no matter how advanced or easy to use. Just because you can get output in some programs more easily compared to others, doesn't mean the work is done and your design is safe and economical.
kyut - search the forum - there are numerous threads on this topic. Or be more specific on type of work you do so you can get specific answers.
@johnbridge231, I think the point sasa2k was making is that even if the software is so easy to use that all you have to do is push a button (by the way I doubt that "all" you have to do is push a single button) you still have to have the knowledge and understanding to back up the results. I think this can be said for any design software.
