RAM saves a lot of time distributing loads to the various members in a building. I also like its built in wind load generation and seismic code checks in the RAM FRAME module. I also appreciate all the recent video tutorials they've added on YouTube and on their training platform. I get similar results from this software as others and have come to mostly trust it. This software definitely saves time designing a lot of members at once. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
As of Feb 2025, foundation load reports are not very user-friendly. They don't have min and max rows!!! PLEASE ADD THOSE along with the combo number they came from. The foundation design report doesn't show moment loads on it; you have to go to the load cases/combos reports for the footing for that. Also, you can't print a calc report with all the equations written out, comparable to Hilti's "long" report in their anchorage software, or STAAD's footing design reports that can be used in a calc package. So it feels more like a black box when you're trying to figure out where numbers came from. Also, different modules have slight differences in how the user has to navigate them. For example, different ways of panning around. Right click brings up the most recent menu in some modules but not others. Viewing frame fixity or sizes has slightly different routes to get there on the beam module vs. the frame module. They need to pick one and make it all the same. Also, in RAM FRAME 3D view, you can only view member/frame loads, stresses and reactions one load combo at a time. I often wish I could just see the max axial on all my braces, for example, instead of having to go read the report. My last comment/ annoyance is that instead of one button to update everything after you make a change, you have to run each module separately. So if I went and added a brace in the modeling space, then I have to go run the beam design module, then the column design module, then the frame modules (analysis, steel, and steel seismic, etc.) before I can go run the footings module again. I wish I could push one button. I spend a lot of time running things again. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
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