--- title: RAM Structural System Reviews meta_title: 'RAM Structural System Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 13 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how RAM Structural System works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.0 review_count: 13 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-06-24' parent_category: name: CAD url: https://www.g2.com/categories/cad --- # RAM Structural System Reviews **Vendor:** Bentley Systems **Category:** [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim) **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 13 ## About RAM Structural System Save time and money by automating the most tedious, repetitive, and time-consuming project tasks. When you increase your productivity, you can focus on the more critical aspects of design and provide a superior and more cost-effective solution to your client. RAM Structural System provides you a complete solution for analysis, design, drafting, and documentation for steel and concrete buildings, foundations, and even individual structural components; all in compliance with your local building codes. RAM Structural System helps engineers like you: - Save countless hours with an intuitive modeling environment - Design structural steel and concrete elements, including foundations, to conform with design and building code provisions - Analyze the buildings’ lateral system for wind and seismic loads in the most practical way - Calculate the gravity load distribution across the structure using specialized methods, tailored to specific framing systems - Share your structural data with applications such as Revit, Tekla, and Bentley’s OpenBuildings Designer - Seamlessly integrate with complementary applications like RAM Concept and RAM Connection to make the most of your RAM model ## RAM Structural System Pros & Cons **What users like:** - Users appreciate the **efficient collaboration features** of RAM Structural System, which significantly streamline the design process. (1 reviews) - Users value the **efficient customer support** from RAM, enhancing their overall experience with the software. (1 reviews) - Users appreciate the **ease of use** of RAM Structural System, highlighting its time-saving features and helpful tutorials. (1 reviews) - Users appreciate the **time-saving features** of RAM Structural System for load distribution and design efficiency. (1 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users encounter **difficult navigation** in RAM Structural System, making it frustrating to access necessary design information efficiently. (1 reviews) - Users report significant **inefficiency** in RAM Structural System, requiring multiple steps and lacking user-friendly navigation and documentation. (1 reviews) - Users find the **missing features** in RAM Structural System lead to inefficient workflows and hindered usability. (1 reviews) - Users find the **poor interface design** of RAM Structural System frustrating, complicating navigation and report generation. (1 reviews) - Users face significant **software instability** due to user-unfriendly reports and inconsistent navigation across different modules. (1 reviews) - Update Issues (1 reviews) ## RAM Structural System Reviews ### 1. Efficient automation and time saving with RAM Structural System **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 24, 2025 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** What I like about RAM Structural System is the fact that the software manages to automate the distribution of loads and the design of a large number of elements in a single analysis, which saves a lot of time on steel and concrete building projects. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** I like less the fact that certain modules have to be restarted separately after each modification, which makes the workflow a bit cumbersome on complex projects. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** RAM Structural System helps me especially to quickly manage the analysis and design of complete structures without having to multiply separate models. ### 2. Exceptional Power and Specialization for Structural Analysis **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Guibril D. | Ingénieur, Renewables & Environment, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 09, 2025 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** I love its power and its specialization in the structural analysis of complex buildings, especially including seismic loads. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** I find that the cost of the license is very high and that the interface can be intimidating for new users. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** It allows for solving the complexity of structural analysis by enabling a quick and precise verification of elements according to certain construction standards. ### 3. Very good for gravity design. Very capable for Lateral but not as user-friendly. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Annie N. | Professional Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 21, 2025 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** 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. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** 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. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** Saves a lot of busywork applying the right loads to the right members with correct trib areas. ### 4. Well-rounded structural Analysis Tool **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Abdallah S. | Lead Structural Egnineer, Consulting, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 20, 2024 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** RAM structural system offers wide varity of tools to assist the engineer in analysing different types of structures of different materials. The UI is easy to use and straightforward. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** There is a bit of a learning curve to this software before being able to fully utilize its full power. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** RAM Structural System delivers a complete package for concrete and steel building systems. It is able to adress a;; key challenges that are faced throughout the design phases. ### 5. Lightweight and ease to use **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** JOSE LEONARDO L. | BIM Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 18, 2024 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** The ease of use of the program and the fact that is very light in mahh cu ine power **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** Límites capabilities, but understandable due to pricing and size **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** Faster analytics and integranted to BIM metodology ### 6. A Flat Roofed Favourites **Rating:** 0.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Tesoreria L. | Supply Manager, Public Safety, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 06, 2024 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** It is too difficult to use the RAM Structural System, for steel framed structures. While there are some moments where dealing with piece meal member design are a bit tedious the software still allows for assumptions. Provides quick outputs. Even though the user interface across modules is inconsistent overall RAM Structural System proves to be a tool for engineers. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** RAMSS is not suitable for buildings and struggles outside of its expertise in typical commercial steel framed flat roofed structures. These limitations can cause problems during the design process for projects that fall outside its capabilities. The software assumes design parameters which prove to be a drawback when working on unique or specialized projects. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** Gone are the days of spending hours on calculations and tedious design processes. RAM takes care of it all swiftly and accurately. This does not allows us to allocate our time, towards aspects of our projects saving valuable time and increasing overall efficiency. The softwares does not have vast collection of codes and regulations guarantees that our designs consistently adhere to compliance standards. ### 7. Enhance Your Design Process with RAM Structural System **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Servesh K. | Computer Software, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 31, 2023 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** The RAM Frame module might require some understanding. It is capable of producing the desired results. The Gravity module is intuitive and useful. Although there are a limitations, with RAM Connection, RAM SS meets our requirements well. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** The software may not be ideal for buildings beyond the scope of commercial steel framed structures. Dealing with piece meal member design can be a bit tedious. The software sometimes makes assumptions that may not be entirely accurate. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** It offers a solution for all our structural design needs. From analyzing structures to generating calculations RAM has streamlined our workflow and greatly improved overall efficiency. Its advanced features and user friendly interface have elevated the quality of our designs while reducing errors. ### 8. Excellent Design Tool for Structural Engineers **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Civil Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 27, 2023 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** RAM Structural Systems helps condense the time it takes to design any size project. The program is reasonably intuitive, which allows for a streamlined process from Design Development to Construction. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** The RAM Frame module is not as intuitive or helpful as the Gravity module. With the proper understanding of lateral design, you can produce the outputs that you are looking for, but sometimes it is quicker to do by hand. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** Piece-mealing member design for any size project can be cumbersome. RAMSS allows me to build a project and get the proper designs for all of the structural members at once. ### 9. RAM Structural System can be a mixed bag **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jason M. | P, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 05, 2022 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** This review is for RAM Structural System v17.04. RSS does composite beam design well. After 10 years of using RAM, I was surprised to see the lack of automatic composite beam design in other programs. Lateral load input is pretty simple and automated compared to other programs. Connection design integration is generally good with automatic import of all the load combos from the framing design modules, but it also has some significant shortcomings to be discussed. Open-web steel joists are readily usable, and there are even some ways to model them in moment frames. Several proprietary seismic systems have been incorporated, such as Simpson Yield-Link, SidePlate, DuraFuse, and CoreBrace, as well as typical nonproprietary systems like RBS. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** The piecemeal development history of RAM from several different modules makes for an inconsistent user interface across the "system". Changing anything in the RAM Frame or Connection modules often requires going back to the Modeler module and then hitting each subsequent module to hit "run" in each one to get back to where you were. RAM Connection can't handle many of the framing configurations possible in RSS. You have to choose between running roof live loads OR running snow loads; you can't just input both and have the framing sized for whichever combination governs that member. So most models take 2 runs to complete: one with roof live load over everything, and one with base snow and drifts. It surprisingly also can't handle wind uplift at all. Sloped diaphragms are still painful. While Bentley is continuing to improve the program, development has generally been VERY slow. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** It analyzes typical commercial building structures (particularly steel-framed, flat-roofed boxes) relatively quickly and speeds up the design of such buildings. It's not the best program for structures outside that area, but it takes care of the majority of our workload well. ### 10. Using RAM always enhances our design and analysis experience. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Alan M. | Principal, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 23, 2021 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** I like the graphical interface throughout all programs. The visuals make it easy and intuitive to understand and explain to others. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** not much. RAM SS, RAM Concept, and RAM Elements fulfill our needs as structural engineers. **Recommendations to others considering RAM Structural System:** Explore everything RAM is capable of, and especially use RAM support (Seth Guthrie and Karl Gullerud specifically) for assistance throughout the process. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** All structural analysis and design is modeled in RAM SS. The benefits we realize are fast modeling, accurate modeling, rapid revisions if necessary, and easily understood results. ### 11. SIMPLE STRUCTURAL DESIGN PROGRAM **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Sam R. | Structural Engineer, Owner, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 15, 2020 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** THE EASE OF USE AND ABILITY TO MODEL SIMPLE STEEL AND CONCRETE BUILDINGS QUICKLY AND EASILY. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** THE LIMITATIONS OF THE PROGRAM TO HANDLE COMPLEX FRAMING, AND IT SEEMS MOST BUILDING HAVE SOME "COMPLEX" FRAMING. LACK OF MASONRY, CFS, AND WOOD MATERIALS. **Recommendations to others considering RAM Structural System:** KEEP THE USE OF THE PROGRAM TO THE TYPE OF BUILDINGS IT WORKS WELL FOR; DO NOT TRY TO FORCE THE PROGRAM TO WORK FOR COMPLEX BUILDINGS. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** STEEL BUILDING DESIGN IN ALL AREAS. CONCRETE BUILDING DESIGN FOR RC BUILDINGS AND PT BUILDINGS. I ACTUALLY USE RSS MORE FOR CONCRETE BUILDINGS THAN FOR STEEL BUILDINGS THESE DAYS. ### 12. Needs overhaul **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Civil Engineering | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 27, 2021 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** Easy setup for simple, regular buildings. Support team is very responsive. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** A lot of hidden gotchas. Outdated API. Support forum is difficult to navigate. Non existent API documentation. Limited user control over variables. **Recommendations to others considering RAM Structural System:** Good for simple designs. Beware of software assumptions. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** Just doing simple building design. ### 13. RAM Structural System is more than just a steel design program **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Eric H. | Senior Structural Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 09, 2020 **What do you like best about RAM Structural System?** Easy floor based structural analysis modeling of buildings. Makes common building analysis assumptions that require much more effort using general purpose finite element analysis software. **What do you dislike about RAM Structural System?** Some building structure configurations can be difficult to model. **What problems is RAM Structural System solving and how is that benefiting you?** Currently using RAM Structural System to help design light wood frame buildings with open fronts where I need a rigid diaphragm assumption. Using the application programming interface to pull forces into design spreadsheets. ## RAM Structural System Discussions - [What is Ram concept?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-ram-concept) - [How much does RAM Structural System cost?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-much-does-ram-structural-system-cost) - [What does RAM Structural System do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-does-ram-structural-system-do) - [View RAM Structural System pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/ram-structural-system/reviews?section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-06-27+08%3A20%3A19+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=886a091f-ab14-4278-9b4e-3031a6a9ecf4&secure%5Btoken%5D=607cb6a72d9758915609267dadee6996a70cf0da9590dacaf9af07079af777f7&format=llm_user) ## RAM Structural System Features **Design** - Visualizing - Rendering - Drawing - Editing - Dynamic Updating **Collaboration** - Multi User - File Import/Export - Annotating **Construction** - Fabrication - Reinforcement Tools - Clash Detection **Generative AI** - AI Text Generation - AI Text Summarization - AI Text-to-3D **Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling** - Role-Based Access - Centralized Data Management **Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling** - Lifecycle Cost Tracking - Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation **Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling** - Clash Detection - Electrical System Modeling - MEP Coordination - Load Calculation & Analysis - Interoperability with BIM & CAD - Circuit Design Integration ## Top RAM Structural System Alternatives - [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (915 reviews) - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) - 4.4/5.0 (1,834 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (1,297 reviews)