RAM Structural System Reviews & Product Details

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I love its power and its specialization in the structural analysis of complex buildings, especially including seismic loads. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I find that the cost of the license is very high and that the interface can be intimidating for new users. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

There is a bit of a learning curve to this software before being able to fully utilize its full power. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The ease of use of the program and the fact that is very light in mahh cu ine power Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Límites capabilities, but understandable due to pricing and size Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I like the graphical interface throughout all programs. The visuals make it easy and intuitive to understand and explain to others. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

not much. RAM SS, RAM Concept, and RAM Elements fulfill our needs as structural engineers. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.